Tawarayama Onsen

Tucked into the hills of Nagato, this hot spring town has long been cherished as a place for curative bathing. Many inns still have no private baths, keeping alive the old custom of visiting communal bathhouses, and its retro streets welcome every visitor.

Highlights

The public bath Hakuen no Yu is known as a beauty spring rich in hydrogen. Soaking in its warm wooden tub, shoulder to shoulder with locals, is a truly special experience.

Enjoying the Seasons

Fresh greenery arrives in spring, fireflies dance by the river in summer, the hillsides turn crimson in autumn, and a quiet snow-dusted town appears in winter, offering the full sweep of mountain seasons.

Access and Basic Information

It is about a forty-minute bus ride from JR Nagato-shi Station. Wandering the alleys lined with eateries and souvenir shops is part of the fun.

A Quick Tip

Since bathing here means visiting the communal baths, bring a towel and a change of clothes and stay a few nights for the true curative-retreat mood.