Tamatsukuri Onsen

Spreading along the Tamayu River south of Matsue City, Tamatsukuri Onsen is celebrated as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. An eighth century chronicle of the Izumo region praised it by saying that a single soak makes you beautiful and a second cures illness, and it has been loved as a beauty bath ever since. Inns and souvenir shops line both banks of the river, and the mood of a traditional spa town, complete with the clack of wooden clogs, lives on.

Highlights

Free foot baths and playful sculptures shaped like water beads dot the Tamayu River that runs through the heart of the town. At the famous Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, visitors love the ritual of pressing a wish into a small charm pouch, and travelers hoping for good relationships arrive in a steady stream. After dark, soft lanterns light the water surface, making a stroll in a light cotton robe especially pleasant.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, cherry trees along the river burst into bloom, and a walk beneath the blossoms is a real treat. Summer evenings by the water feel cool, and fireflies dance in some years. Autumn tints the surrounding hills, and the mellow air after a bath feels wonderful. In winter, the snow dusted streets and the deeply warming water become all the more welcome.

Access and Basic Information

The onsen sits in Tamayu, Matsue City. From Tamatsukuri Onsen Station on the JR Sanin Main Line it is only a few minutes by bus or taxi. It is easy to reach by car from central Matsue and from Izumo Taisha, making it a handy base for touring the Sanin coast. Several facilities accept day visitors, so you can sample the celebrated water without staying overnight.

A Quick Tip

The water is remarkably smooth and gentle on the skin, yet long soaks call for caution. Some people even bring a small bottle to carry the spring water home and use it like a lotion. Rent a robe and clogs, and be sure to enjoy an unhurried walk along the river.