Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa: Day-Use Hot Spring Prices

Set amid the broad highlands at the foot of Mount Akasaka in Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Sarasa is a day-use hot spring where visitors stop to unwind after camping, skiing, or hiking. A campsite, a ski slope, and a ground-golf course all share the same grounds, and being able to head straight for the bath after working your body is what makes this hot spring so convenient. It stands on a plateau northwest of Lake Biwa, about 15 minutes by bus from Makino Station on the Kosei Line.

Highlights

An alkaline simple spring containing radon and fluoride ions with a pH of about 8.5, it offers open-air baths, reclining baths, and seasonal pools that gently ease a tired body. Soaking in the clear highland air unwinds both body and mind.

Where the Name "Sarasa" Comes From

The hot spring takes its name from the "sarasa-doudan tsutsuji" (redvein enkianthus) that grows wild from Mount Akasaka behind the facility toward Kurokawa Pass. Layered onto that is the impression of the clear stream of the Yokitogi River that flows at the foot of the mountain, and the name was chosen to express the freshness of the spring. Makino Kogen's mascot character, "Sarasa-chan," is also modeled on this sarasa-doudan blossom.

The spring quality is an alkaline simple spring containing radon and fluoride ions, classified as hypotonic, alkaline, and low-temperature. It is mild and gentle on the skin.

Doudan, Furin, and the Bathing Pool

The bathing area is divided into two sections for men and women, each with its own name. "Manten-boshi (Doudan)" is a rustic bath built with natural stone, while "Furin" is a clean, tiled bath; both have a large bath, a low-temperature "Shiki-yu" bath, an open-air bath, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Each can hold a maximum of 50 people.

Separately, there is a "Bade Pool" that you enter wearing a swimsuit. It is a space for up to 200 people where men and women bathe together, and from the outdoor jacuzzi you can look out over a grand panorama of the Akasaka mountain range. It has a walking zone 110 centimeters deep, a children's zone 60 centimeters deep, neck showers and floating areas, a dry sauna, and a cold bath — and it too uses hot spring water. This is the better choice if you want to spend time together as a family.

The nearby Metasequoia Avenue is a tree-lined road of about 500 trees planted along a 2.4-kilometer stretch. In November 1994 (Heisei 6) it was chosen for the Yomiuri Shimbun's "New Hundred Views of Japanese Street Trees."

Enjoying the Seasons

Camping and river play from spring into summer, the fiery autumn leaves of the metasequoia avenue, and family skiing in winter make for a full year of highland activity. The autumn metasequoia avenue in particular draws visitors from across the country as one of the region's signature views.

Access and Basic Information

About 15 minutes from Makino Station on the JR Kosei Line via the town bus (Kokoku Bus) on the Makino Kogen line, alighting at "Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa," which is right at the stop; the fare is 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. By car it is about 30 minutes from the Kinomoto interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Routes 8 and 303, about 40 minutes from the Tsuruga interchange, and about 80 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi interchange on the Meishin Expressway via the Nishi-Otsu Bypass, the Kosei Road, and National Route 161 — so it is easy to reach by both public transport and car. Day-use bathing is the main offering, at 850 yen for adults and 450 yen for children. It stands on the same grounds as the Makino Kogen campsite and ski slope, making it easy to combine with leisure.

Practical Information

• Spring quality: Alkaline simple spring containing radon and fluoride ions (hypotonic, alkaline, low-temperature)
• Indications: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises (chronic stage), sprains, chronic digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, sensitivity to cold, convalescence, recovery from fatigue, and health promotion
• Contraindications: Acute illness (especially with fever), active tuberculosis, malignant tumors, serious heart disease, respiratory failure, kidney failure, hemorrhagic disorders, severe anemia, conditions in a progressing state, and pregnancy (especially early and late stages)
• Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (last reception 20:30)
• Closed: Every Wednesday. From April 1, 2026, this changed from the previous second and fourth Wednesdays to every Wednesday. When that day is a public holiday, the following day is taken as the closing day. There may also be temporary closures for maintenance
• Bathing fees: For the baths, adults (12 and over) 850 yen, children (3 and over but under 12) 450 yen. The Bade Pool (weekdays only) is 800 yen and 450 yen. Both the baths and the Bade Pool together are 1,300 yen and 700 yen. Bathing tax and consumption tax are included
• Coupon books: A book of 11 bath tickets costs 8,500 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for children. A weekday-only book of 30 is 19,500 yen; all are valid for one year from the date of sale
• Discount days: On Senior Day every Monday, those 65 and over get 200 yen off (bring something showing your date of birth). The second Tuesday of each month is Ladies' Day and the fourth Tuesday is Men's Day, and on the 26th of each month, "Bath Day," the Shiki-yu bath is replaced with a herbal-medicine bath. All exclude public holidays, the Obon period, Golden Week, and New Year
• Open-air baths: Both the Manten-boshi and Furin bathing areas have one
• Private baths: None. If you want to bathe together as a family, use the Bade Pool, where swimsuits are worn
• Tattoos: Entry is refused to those with tattoos
• With children: Infants and children bathe together with an accompanying adult. In the Bade Pool, those under junior high school age cannot use it alone, and guardians must also wear swimsuits. Rings and play equipment are not allowed, but arm floats for infants can be borrowed free of charge
• Changing room facilities: Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided in the bathing area. The changing rooms have hair dryers, brushes, cotton swabs, a baby bed, and a water dispenser
• Lockers: Changing room locker keys are free. Valuables lockers cost 100 yen
• Sales and rentals: Towels 250 yen, rental bath towels 250 yen, rental swimsuits 360 yen (adult sizes S to 5L, children's sizes 100 cm to 140 cm). Razors, toothbrushes, makeup remover, and women's cosmetics sets can also be bought from the ticket machine
• How entry works: Put your shoes in a shoe box and take the key, buy a ticket from the ticket machine, and take it to the front desk. When you return the locker key on your way out, your shoe box key is returned to you
• Re-entry: Once you go outside, you cannot re-enter. You can use the in-house restaurant if you let the front desk know
• Outside food and pets: Bringing food or drink into the building is not allowed, and pets may not enter
• Parking: 120 spaces for standard cars and 3 for large vehicles. The second parking lot has room for 700 standard cars
• Access (public transport): From JR Makino Station on the Kosei Line, take the town bus (Kokoku Bus) on the Makino Kogen line and get off at "Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa," which is right there. It takes about 15 minutes, with fares of 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. Both trains and buses run about once an hour, so it is reassuring to check the return times in advance
• Access (by car): About 80 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi interchange on the Meishin Expressway via the Nishi-Otsu Bypass, the Kosei Road, and National Route 161. About 30 minutes from the Kinomoto interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Routes 8 and 303, or about 40 minutes from the Tsuruga interchange
• Winter roads: This is a plateau with enough snowfall to run a ski resort. In winter, be prepared with winter tires or chains
• Time to allow: About an hour and a half for a bath and a rest. If you also use the Bade Pool, allowing two to three hours gives you room to spare
• Address: 931 Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga 520-1836. The direct line to the hot spring is 0740-27-8126, and the Makino Kogen management office is 0740-27-0936

Practical Travel Notes

Do not miss the nearby metasequoia avenue. Around 500 trees planted in 1981 have grown into a tree-lined road stretching about 2.4 kilometers. Peak foliage is usually late November into early December, and the fresh green and snowy scenery are lovely too, giving the road a different face each season. A one-way walk down the avenue takes about 30 minutes. With the bath, plan on half a day, or a full day if you add camping or skiing. In the busy foliage season, early morning is the best time. Budget around two thousand yen for a bath and a meal.

A Quick Tip

Do not miss the nearby metasequoia avenue, a roughly 2.4-kilometer tree-lined road that changes character with every season. After working up a sweat in the outdoors, a single soak will ease that pleasant tiredness.

📚 Sources

The spring quality, indications, contraindications, and the origin of the hot spring's name were confirmed on the "Natural Hot Spring" page of the official Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa website. The hours, the change of closing day from April 1, 2026, the discount days and point card, and the entry procedure come from the same site's business information page; the bathing fees, coupon books, and prices of items for sale and rental from the price list page; the layout, water depths, and capacities of the "Manten-boshi" and "Furin" baths and the Bade Pool from the facility guide and the pages for each bath; and the rules on tattoos, the conditions for visiting with children, and the rules on re-entry and outside food from the notes-for-use page. The bus and car travel times from Makino Station come from the same site's access page, and the number of parking spaces was confirmed on the official Shiga Prefecture tourism information site. The Metasequoia Avenue's 2.4-kilometer length, roughly 500 trees, and selection for the "New Hundred Views of Japanese Street Trees" come from the same site's seasonal highlights page. Hours and fees are subject to change, so please check official sources before visiting.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Spring quality: Alkaline simple spring containing radon and fluoride ions (hypotonic, alkaline, low-temperature spring)
• Indications: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, stiff joints, bruises (chronic phase), sprains, chronic digestive complaints, hemorrhoids, sensitivity to cold, convalescence, recovery from fatigue and general health promotion
• Contraindications: Acute illness (especially with a fever), active tuberculosis, malignant tumors, serious heart disease, respiratory failure, kidney failure, hemorrhagic disorders, severe anemia, illnesses that are actively progressing, and pregnancy (especially in the early and late stages)
• Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (last reception 20:30)
• Closing days: Every Wednesday. From April 1, 2026 this changed from the previous second and fourth Wednesdays to every Wednesday. When Wednesday is a public holiday it closes the following day instead. It also closes temporarily for maintenance inspections
• Bathing fees: For the baths, 850 yen for adults (aged 12 and over) and 450 yen for children (aged 3 to under 12). The bathing pool (weekdays only) costs 800 yen and 450 yen. Both the baths and the bathing pool cost 1,300 yen and 700 yen. Bathing tax and consumption tax are included
• Ticket books: A book of 11 tickets for the baths costs 8,500 yen for adults and 4,500 yen for children. A weekday-only book of 30 tickets costs 19,500 yen, and all of them are valid for one year from the date of purchase
• Discount days: On Senior Day every Monday, visitors aged 65 and over get a 200 yen discount (bring something showing your date of birth). The second Tuesday of every month is Ladies' Day and the fourth Tuesday is Men's Day, and on the 26th of every month, "Bath Day", the Shikiyu bath is replaced by a herbal medicine bath. None of these apply on public holidays, during Obon, Golden Week or the New Year period
• Open-air baths: Both the Manten-boshi and Furin bathing areas have one
• Private baths: None. If you want to bathe together as a family, use the bathing pool, where swimwear is worn
• Tattoos: People with tattoos are not admitted
• Children: Infants and children bathe together with an accompanying adult. Children below junior high school age may not use the bathing pool on their own, and guardians must also wear swimwear. Rubber rings and play equipment may not be used, but arm floats for small children can be borrowed free of charge
• Changing room facilities: Shampoo, conditioner and body soap are provided in the bathing areas. The changing rooms have hairdryers, brushes, cotton buds, a baby bed and a water dispenser
• Lockers: The changing room locker keys are free of charge. Valuables lockers cost 100 yen
• Items for sale and rental: Towels 250 yen, bath towel rental 250 yen, swimwear rental 360 yen (adult sizes S to 5L, children's sizes 100 cm to 140 cm). Razors, toothbrushes, makeup remover and cosmetic sets for women can also be bought from the ticket machine
• How entry works: Put your shoes in a shoe locker and take the key, buy a ticket from the ticket machine and take it to the front desk. When you return your locker key on the way out, your shoe locker key is handed back
• Re-entry: Once you go outside you cannot re-enter. You can use the restaurant inside if you let the front desk know
• Bringing your own and pets: Food and drink may not be brought inside, and pets are not admitted
• Parking: 120 ordinary cars and 3 large vehicles. The second lot has space for 700 ordinary cars
• Access (by public transport): From Makino Station on the JR Kosei Line take the town bus (Kokoku Bus) on the Makino Kogen Line and get off right at "Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa". The ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 220 yen for adults and 110 yen for children. Both trains and buses run about once an hour, so it is wise to check the times for your return trip first
• Access (by car): About 80 minutes from the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange on the Meishin Expressway via the Nishi-Otsu Bypass, the Kosei Road and National Route 161. About 30 minutes from the Kinomoto Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via National Routes 8 and 303, or about 40 minutes from the Tsuruga Interchange
• Roads in winter: This is a highland area with enough snow for a ski resort to open. In winter, be prepared with winter tires or chains
• How long to allow: About 1 hour 30 minutes for a bath and a rest. If you also use the bathing pool, allowing 2 to 3 hours gives you room to relax
• Location: 931 Makino, Makino-cho, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture 520-1836. The direct line to the hot spring is 0740-27-8126, and the Makino Kogen management office is 0740-27-0936

Information Sources

The spring quality, indications, contraindications and the origin of the hot spring's name were confirmed on the "Natural Hot Spring" page of the official Makino Kogen Onsen Sarasa website. The opening hours, the change of closing days from April 1, 2026, the discount days and point card, and how entry works come from the business information page of the same site; the bathing fees, ticket books and the prices of items for sale and rental from the price list page; the layout, water depth and capacity of the "Manten-boshi" and "Furin" bathing areas and the bathing pool from the facility guide and the pages for each bathing area; and the rules on tattoos, the conditions for visiting with children and the rules on re-entry and bringing your own food from the page of notes for users. The bus from Makino Station and the driving times come from the access page of the same site, and the number of parking spaces was confirmed on the official Shiga Prefecture tourism information website. The 2.4-kilometer length of the metasequoia avenue, its roughly 500 trees and its selection among the "New 100 Best Roadside Tree Landscapes of Japan" come from the seasonal highlights page of the same site. Opening hours and prices are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.