Washuzan Onsen: Day-Use Hot Spring Baths & Prices

In Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, within a special scenic zone of the Seto Inland Sea National Park, the Washuzan Shimoden Hotel is a resort proud of its views over the sea and the bridge. As a hotel inside the park, it lets you enjoy the baths together with sweeping scenery.

Highlights

The prized large bath called Shiosai no Yu is a mineral-stone bath using local komeiseki stone, and beyond the windows spread the Seto Inland Sea and the majestic Great Seto Bridge. There is also a mixed open-air bath entered in a bathing garment and private baths, offering a soak wrapped in sea views. It is not a natural hot spring, but the splendor of the view is second to none.

Enjoying the Seasons

At dusk the contrast of the crimson-tinted Seto sea and the illuminated Great Seto Bridge is superb. Spring and summer bring calm sea views, while autumn and winter make the vistas of the islands stand out in the clear air.

Access and Basic Information

Located in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, Okayama. It is a short drive from the Kojima interchange on the Seto-Chuo Expressway, easy to combine with sightseeing at Mount Washu. The view from the observation bath is its greatest draw.

A Quick Tip

Bathing around sunset is especially recommended. Do savor the luxury of watching the sun sink into the sea and the bridge light up from the tub.

Practical Travel Notes

• The bath: The large bath Shiosai no Yu is a mineral-stone bath using komeiseki and is not a natural hot spring. Its greatest draw is the view over the Great Seto Bridge and the Seto Inland Sea. A mixed open-air bath and sauna are also provided.
• Day-use bathing: Day use is possible, with hours running roughly from 9:00 to 19:00 (open year-round). Fees vary by plan, such as bathing only or with lunch, so checking ahead is recommended.
• Access: About 7 minutes by car from the Kojima interchange on the Seto-Chuo Expressway. It is also about 10 minutes from Kojima Station on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line, easy to combine with the Mount Washu observatory.
• Fees, hours, and conditions may change, so please check the latest information before visiting.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Change of name: The long-loved Washuzan Shimoden Hotel was rebranded and reopened on May 1, 2026 as the Livemax Seto Ohashi Beach Resort. Some guides may still not list it under its former name
• Address: 1666-2 Obatake, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture 711-0924 (tel. 086-479-7111)
• The baths: A large communal bath looking out over the Seto Inland Sea and the Great Seto Bridge, a sauna, and a relaxation area for after your bath. As of July 2026 the official website gives no information about day-trip bathing, and the facilities are for overnight guests. If you would like to use them on a day trip, be sure to call in advance to check
• Facilities inside: A restaurant, a glamping area, a banquet hall, meeting rooms (available to non-residents; ask about prices) and a karaoke room (15:00-22:00, last reception 21:00, 500 yen per person per hour, book at the front desk)
• Access (by car): About 10 minutes from the Kojima IC on the Seto-Chuo Expressway heading towards Obatake
• Access (by train and bus): About 10 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes by bus from Kojima Station on the JR Seto-Ohashi Line (get off at Livemax Seto Ohashi Beach Resort-mae and walk about 5 minutes). From Okayama Station to Kojima Station takes about 25 minutes on the Marine Liner
• Parking: 80 spaces (large buses accepted)
• Safety note: Heavy rain at the end of June 2026 caused the road near the hotel to collapse, and it is closed to traffic. If you drive from the Kojima interchange side you will need to take a detour (announced on the official website; check the current state of repairs)
• About the beach: Because of full-scale renovation work, the beach is closed to visitors for the time being to ensure safety

Note: Although it has long been known as Washuzan Onsen, the current official website describes it not as a hot spring but as a large communal bath. There is no statement of spring quality or health benefits.

Note: If you are aiming for the evening view, look up the sunset time in advance. There are many slopes in the area and few street lights, so avoid walking around after dark.

(Sources: Livemax Seto Ohashi Beach Resort official website; Kojima Sanpo, the tourism and industry information site for Kojima, Kurashiki City; and others. As of July 2026)