Shiratori Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

On the slopes rising from the town of Ebino toward Ebino Kogen, Shiratori Onsen wells up. Set partway up Mount Shiratori at an elevation of about six hundred to seven hundred meters, it is a spring of deep history known for two baths, the upper bath and the lower bath. Built on a slope full of geothermal heat, it lets you feel the energy of the earth up close.

Highlights

Its signature feature is a natural steam bath that harnesses volcanic vapor. Surrendering to the heat rising from the ground, you gradually break into a sweat and taste a distinctive cure retreat feeling. From the scenic open air bath you can take in the whole Ebino basin, and together with the simple acidic and simple spring waters you can fully enjoy the openness of the mountains. The source temperature is high, water that makes you feel the raw power of the earth.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the fresh green is dazzling, and the outdoor air after sweating in the steam bath is delightful. Summer brings cooling breezes to the heights, and autumn dyes the basin below in gold. In winter, moving between the steam bath and the open air pool amid clear air to warm from the core is exceptional.

Access and Basic Information

Access is basically by car, about twenty minutes from the Ebino interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway and about seventy minutes from Miyazaki Airport. You can also reach it by taxi in about thirty minutes from JR Kobayashi Station or JR Kirishima Jingu Station. There is an upper bath for visitors and a lower bath for locals, both of which welcome day visitors. The upper bath has an indoor bath, a scenic open air bath, and a steam bath.

A Quick Tip

The steam bath makes you sweat more than expected, so bring water and rehydrate often. Because the upper and lower baths differ in character, visiting both lets you savor the full charm of Shiratori Onsen.

Practical Travel Notes

Shiratori Onsen is a spring in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture, welling up partway up Mount Shiratori at an elevation of about six hundred to seven hundred meters on the road climbing from town toward Ebino Kogen. The waters are simple acidic and simple springs, with a high source temperature of about seventy seven degrees and a slightly acidic character. It is said to be good for nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold. There is an upper bath for visitors and a lower bath for locals, both offering day bathing. The upper bath has an indoor bath, a scenic open air bath, and a natural steam bath that uses volcanic vapor. Fees, opening hours, and closing days can change, so checking in advance is wise. Access is basically by car, about twenty minutes from the Ebino interchange on the Higashi Kyushu Expressway and about seventy minutes from Miyazaki Airport. From JR Kobayashi Station or JR Kirishima Jingu Station it is about thirty minutes by taxi. The steam bath makes you sweat more than expected, so bring water and rehydrate often.