Hawai Onsen

On the shore of Lake Togo in Yurihama Town, Hawai Onsen is famous for a rare sight: inns built out over the water so that, viewed from the opposite bank, the buildings appear to float upon the lake. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with the tropical Hawaii; it derives from the area's old place name, written with characters read Hawai. The breeze crossing the lake and the quiet waterscape make this a spa town that gently soothes the mind.

Highlights

Many inns feature open-air baths that jut out over the lake, letting you feel as though you are merging with the water's surface as you soak. On Lake Togo, freshwater clams are harvested year-round, and promenades and parks line the shore. Combined with Togo Onsen on the far bank, a walk that circles the lake makes for a refreshing outing.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms along the shore, while summer offers fireworks and sunsets mirrored in the lake. Autumn reflects colored leaves on the still surface, and in winter migratory birds rest their wings here. The hour of dusk, when the lake turns orange, is especially memorable, and watching that sunset from an open-air bath is a luxury unique to this spa.

Access and Basic Information

It is about a fifteen-minute bus ride from JR Kurayoshi Station, close to Matsuzaki Station, and easily reached from the Tomari-Togo interchange on the San'in Expressway. Lakeside day-use bathing facilities and a foot bath let you enjoy the waters casually while gazing over the water.

A Quick Tip

To enjoy the sunset, choose an inn with a lake-facing open-air bath. The shore breeze is pleasant, but evenings can turn chilly, so bring a jacket for your walk to stay comfortable.