Matsubagawa Onsen

In the headwaters of the Shimanto River, this single inn stands beside the Hinoji River flowing through the mountains of Shimanto Town. Cherished as a sacred spring since the Edo period, it is known for two kinds of source water, a rarity anywhere in Japan.

Highlights

In the streamside open-air bath you can enjoy two springs of different character while listening to the flowing river. The soft, silky feel of the water melts away the fatigue of a long journey and lets you sense the deep nature of the Shimanto region with all your senses.

Enjoying the Seasons

Summer brings fireflies and river play, while autumn colors the surrounding mountains beautifully. The quiet snowscapes of winter and the budding of spring each carry their own mood, so every visit reveals a fresh face.

Access and Basic Information

The inn is located in Hinoji, Shimanto Town, Takaoka District, Kochi Prefecture. It is about twenty minutes by car from Kubokawa Station on the JR Dosan Line, or roughly ninety minutes by car from central Kochi. Day-use bathing is available.

A Quick Tip

It makes a handy base for touring the Shimanto River. Nearby you can enjoy clear-stream boat trips and a trolley train, savoring the river's bounty to the full.