Misasa Onsen and Mount Mitoku Pilgrimage and Relaxation Day Course

A pilgrimage climb to Nageiredo, a national treasure set into a sheer cliff, followed by the gentle waters of Misasa Onsen. This course brings challenge and healing together for an unforgettable day.

Course Route

9:00 Arrive at Sanbutsuji Temple on Mount Mitoku Complete the climbing registration first. Reception for the pilgrimage climb runs from 8:00 to 15:00, with descent required by 16:30. The pilgrimage climb fee is about 1,200 yen for adults (an 800 yen climbing fee plus a 400 yen offering) and 600 yen for elementary and junior high students. Practical clothing and non slip shoes are essential, and straw sandals can be rented for those who do not meet the requirements.

9:30 Climb toward Nageiredo A steep path continues where you grip tree roots and rocks. Allow about 90 minutes to two hours round trip. The moment you look up at Nageiredo clinging to the cliff is unforgettable. Canes and hiking poles are not allowed, so go light with both hands free.

11:30 Descend and explore the Mitoku area After coming down, visit the main hall and treasure house and take in the quiet of the mountain. You can encounter the history of mountain faith, including Buddhist statues linked to the national treasure Nageiredo.

12:30 Move to Misasa Onsen for lunch It is about 15 minutes by car. Enjoy a lunch of fresh Sanin ingredients in the hot spring town. Misasa Onsen and Mount Mitoku are recognized as a Japan Heritage site as a place of purification of the six roots and healing of the six senses.

14:00 Soak at Misasa Onsen Ease your climbing fatigue in one of the worlds finest radon springs. The riverside Kawara open air bath at the foot of the Misasa Ohashi bridge is free to use, and bathing to the sound of the flowing river is a local specialty.

15:30 Course ends

Highlights

Nageiredo on Mount Mitoku is a national treasure that fits neatly into a hollow in the cliff, earning it the nickname the most dangerous national treasure in Japan. Misasa Onsen is known as one of Japans largest radon spring areas, and its waters are said to encourage the bodys metabolism. The Kawara open air bath, free and open 24 hours, is a symbol of the hot spring town, facing the river beside the Misasa Ohashi bridge.

Practical Travel Notes

Time needed The pilgrimage climb to Nageiredo takes about 90 minutes to two hours round trip, and with registration and getting ready it is best to allow close to half a day. Add the hot spring and lunch and it makes a comfortable full day.

Getting there Misasa Onsen is about 20 to 25 minutes by bus from JR Kurayoshi Station, and Mount Mitoku is about 15 more minutes by car. Buses to Mount Mitoku are infrequent, so a car or taxi is convenient. Staying a night at Misasa Onsen and heading to Mount Mitoku in the morning gives a relaxed schedule.

Climbing notes The climb to Nageiredo must be done in groups of two or more, and solo entry is not allowed. Skirts, high heeled shoes, leather shoes, and sandals are not permitted, and metal free hiking shoes are the safe choice. Entry is banned during the snowy season, roughly December to March, and climbing is also canceled on days judged dangerous due to rain or snow. Check the opening status before you go.

Budget The main costs are the pilgrimage climb fee, the hot spring bathing fee, and lunch. The Kawara bath is free, so you can keep hot spring costs down if you do not mind skipping an indoor bath.

A Quick Tip

A hot spring after the climb feels wonderful, but stay hydrated so you do not overheat. If you have time, staying a night at Misasa Onsen is a lovely way to unwind. At night the atmospheric lights of the hot spring town reflect on the river, showing a different face from the daytime.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Visiting hours (Sanbutsuji Temple on Mount Mitoku): Visits as far as the main hall are possible from 8:00 to 17:00
• Fees: A visit as far as the main hall costs 400 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. Admission to the treasure hall is included in the mountain entry offering. For groups of 20 or more, the pilgrimage climb to Nageiredo costs 1,150 yen for adults and 550 yen for children
• Conditions for the climb: The pilgrimage climb is for children in the upper grades of elementary school and above; younger elementary school children are asked to refrain from entering the mountain
• Foot bath and drinking spring at "Kabu-yu" in Misasa Onsen: The foot bath and drinking spring next to the public bathhouse are free of charge. The drinking spring is available 24 hours, and the foot bath from 8:00 to 21:00 (from 10:00 on Mondays only)
• Inquiries: 0858-43-2666 (Honbo Sanbutsuji Temple, Mount Mitoku) / 0858-43-0431 (Misasa Onsen Tourism Association and Misasa Onsen Ryokan Cooperative). For temple lodgings, Rinkoin is 0858-43-2667, Shozenin 0858-43-2668 and Kaijoin 0858-43-2882
• Official information: Official website of Sanbutsuji Temple on Mount Mitoku / official Misasa Onsen website (Japan Heritage Mount Mitoku and Misasa Onsen / Misasa Onsen Tourism Association)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.