Sekigane Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

In the hills of southern Kurayoshi City, Sekigane Onsen is said to boast the second-highest radon radioactivity in Japan, after Misasa Onsen. Colorless, clear, and gentle on the skin, it was long cherished under the old name Shirogane no Yu, or silver spring. Set in a green village at the foot of the Mount Daisen range, it suits those who wish to savor the waters slowly and in quiet.

Highlights

The town has a historic public bathhouse, Seki no Yu, where you can soak deeply in the soft, colorless, and odorless water. The surroundings form part of Daisen-Oki National Park, with untouched nature such as beech forests and clear streams. Traces of an old post town along the former highway remain, letting you enjoy a stroll amid the peaceful mood of a mountain hamlet.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings fresh mountain greenery, summer offers the cool of nearby streams and waterfalls, and autumn paints the village with the foliage of the Daisen range. Winter turns it into a quiet, snow-deep spa where you can enjoy a bath with a view of the snow. The mountain's seasonal bounty and local ingredients tasted in the clear air are among the pleasures of a visit.

Access and Basic Information

It is about a thirty-five-minute bus ride from JR Kurayoshi Station on the San'in Main Line and reachable by car from the Yonago Expressway direction. The waters are a radon spring, with a source temperature said to run from 40 to 62 degrees Celsius. You can casually experience this celebrated water at the public bathhouse Seki no Yu or the day-use facility Sekigane Yumeikan, enjoying it even without an overnight stay. Its location fits neatly into a mountain route combined with Mount Daisen sightseeing or the Hiruzen highlands, and day-use fees vary by facility.

Practical Travel Notes

Because the water is colorless and odorless, it lends itself to a long, unhurried soak at the public bathhouse. Plan on one to two hours for a bath and a walk through the old post town. The area lies within the rich nature of Daisen-Oki National Park and makes a base for extending to Mount Daisen or the Hiruzen highlands. The best seasons are spring greenery and autumn foliage; winter grows deeply snowy, so if you seek a snow-view bath, be sure to check road conditions and gear. Budget a few hundred to just over a thousand yen for a day-use bath; lodging centers on a quiet mountain-village overnight.

A Quick Tip

Because the water is colorless, odorless, and gentle, it is reassuring even for those new to hot springs or with sensitive skin. As the area is rich in nature, mountain roads can feel chilly, so dressing for the season will keep your visit comfortable. If you drive here in winter, preparing for snow will give you peace of mind.