Shigisan Onsen at Shigisan Kanko Hotel

Shigisan Onsen is a natural hot spring on the mid-slopes of Mount Shigi, where the famous temple Chogosonshiji, known for the deity Bishamonten, stands. The place to enjoy its water is Shigisan Kanko Hotel, set within the Kongo Ikoma Senpoku quasi-national park amid a quiet, green setting. It is a valuable spring inn in western Nara, easy to combine with a temple visit.

Highlights

From the large bath of the hilltop hotel you look out over the ridges of Mount Shigi and the foothills below, for an open and airy soak. The naturally welling water has a soft feel and gently eases the tiredness of a visit or a mountain walk. For day guests there are sometimes plans that pair a meal with the bath, so you can enjoy cuisine and spring together. Held in the embrace of historic Mount Shigi, quiet time unfolds here.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms on the mountain, summer offers cool deep green to the eye, and in autumn the whole Shigi area turns to colored leaves. In winter, amid clear air, the warm water feels all the more welcome. Visiting alongside the events or seasonal worship at Chogosonshiji lets you enjoy a different mood through the year.

Access and Basic Information

The area is around Mount Shigi in western Nara. The usual approach is by bus or taxi from JR Oji Station or Kintetsu Shigisanshita Station. By car you use the Shigisan partner parking. Day bathing may be unavailable depending on guests and banquets, so a phone call in advance makes it certain.

A Quick Tip

Day bathing availability changes from day to day, so always reserve or inquire before setting out. Combined with a visit to Chogosonshiji, it makes a full trip of faith and healing in one day. The summit area gets cold, so a jacket is reassuring.