Sakakibara Onsen

Spreading at the foot of the Nunobiki hills in the west of Tsu, Sakakibara Onsen has long been called the bath of Nanakuri and is said to appear as a celebrated spring in a famous Heian-era essay. Its silky alkaline water is known as a beauty bath, and visitors come for the smooth, moisturized feel it leaves on the skin. The quiet setting among rice fields and wooded hills is another of its great charms.

Highlights

Around the spa town you will find walking paths along clear streams and old shrines and temples, perfect for a relaxed stroll between baths. Iyama Shrine enshrines the guardian deity of the spring and is cherished as a site connected to the old hot-water ritual. A hillside hot spring resort nearby lets you bathe while enjoying gardens and views.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, cherry blossoms and rape flowers color the countryside, and early summer brings fireflies dancing over clear waters. Autumn turns the surrounding hills, and the rice harvest gives the fields a peaceful air. Winter is the season when the warm water sinks deepest into the body, well suited to a long soak while gazing at the quiet rural scenery.

Access and Basic Information

From Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station on the Kintetsu Osaka line, head to the spa town by bus or taxi. By car, the Hisai interchange on the Ise Expressway is close, making the area easy to reach from both Nagoya and Osaka. Inns and day-use facilities welcome bathers.

A Quick Tip

To make the most of this beauty bath, soak slowly and unhurried. The surroundings are calm, so it suits a leisurely overnight trip especially well.