Nagato Yumoto Onsen Complete Guide: Map links for spring quality, history, one-day trip, and sightseeing

There are 41 hot spring resorts in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and traditional hot springs that have been popular since ancient times can be found throughout the prefecture. Nagato Yumoto Onsen, the representative hot spring resort of Nagato City, is known as the oldest hot spring resort in the prefecture and has been attracting even more attention since its renovation in 2020.

In this article, we will introduce the features and history of Nagato Yumoto Onsen as well as recommended day-trip courses to fully enjoy the hot spring resort.

What is Nagato Yumoto Onsen? 

Nagato Yumoto Onsen has a history of approximately 600 years and is a much-loved hot spring resort centered around the symbolic stopover "Onyu" hot spring. In addition to enjoying the historic and famous hot springs, visitors to Nagato Yumoto Onsen after the renovation in 2020 will be able to enjoy strolling around the hot spring resort under the theme of "Osoto Tengoku.

Lined with cafes and restaurants that make the most of the townscape, it has become a popular spot visited by many people from within and outside the prefecture.

Here, we will introduce the history, features, and recommended spots of the hot springs so that you can enjoy Nagato Yumoto Onsen even more.

▽"Nagato Yumoto Onsen" Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HDZB2i9vbecmPePQ8

History

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is said to have been discovered about 600 years ago by Zenji Teian of Daneiji Temple, who was inspired by a message from Sumiyoshi Daimeijin enshrined at Nagatokuni Ichimiya Sumiyoshi Shrine in present-day Shimonoseki City, and is known as "Shinju no Yu" (hot spring of divine grace) because of that origin. To receive its benefits and efficacy, it has become a popular hot spring resort visited by many people from all over the country since the Meiji Era.

In addition, there are only a few hot springs in Japan where one can directly see the hot water gushing from the bedrock of the spring source, such as the Onyu, a symbolic drop-in hot spring in the hot spring resort area.

Inheriting this tradition, the hot spring resort will be renewed in 2020 through the "Nagato Yumoto Onsen Tourism Town Development Plan" started in 2017. The hot spring resort has become an attractive sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy the hot spring culture that the people of the hot spring resort have spun out in their daily lives along with the history described above from various angles.

spring quality

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring. The water is clear and colorless, and although the temperature is lukewarm, it warms the body from the core and is said to be effective in relieving neuralgia, muscle pain, and fatigue.

Access

It is recommended to visit Nagato Yumoto Onsen by car, bus, or shared-ride cab.

If you come by car, you can use the Nagato Yumoto Onsen parking lot along Route 316 ( parking fees apply).

In addition, the "Nagato City Direct" shared-ride cab service is available from Yamaguchi-Ube Airport and Shin-Yamaguchi Station, and the "Hagi-Nagato Otosore-go" highway bus service is available from Hakata and Tenjin.

→Click here for the "Nagato City Direct Service" detail page

→Click here for details of "Hagi-Nagato Otosore-go

5 recommended sightseeing spots in Nagato Yumoto Onsen

In Nagato Yumoto Onsen, centering on the town's symbolic "drop-in hot spring Onyu," there are a series of inns, restaurants, eateries, and cafes along the river, as well as "kawadoko terraces" where visitors can enjoy the nature and scenery, and "stepping stones" scattered about, making for a charming spot for strolling around.

SOIL nagatoyumoto, which opened in March 2025, will offer not only lodging, but also a sauna with a view, experience programs unique to Nagato, and a restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, further expanding the range of dining options.

Here are five recommended sightseeing spots in Nagato Yumoto Onsen that you should definitely stop by.

Stop by "Onyu" hot spring 

The "Onyu" bathhouse is a symbol of the 600-year history of Nagato Yumoto Onsen, and is expected to attract even more attention when it undergoes renovation in 2020.

From the back of the bathhouse, which has a solemn atmosphere, you can see the hot water gushing out from the bedrock that is the source of the spring, and you can really feel the "divine hot spring". Another feature of Onyu is the spring source at the foot of the bathtub, from which you can enjoy "fresh hot spring water" that has not been exposed to the air and has been kept from oxidizing.

After enjoying the hot springs, head to the open-air rest area. You can relax and enjoy the view of the Otosoregawa River flowing through the center of the hot spring resort area.

▽"Drop-in Onyu" Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bba5hNzuyviGqwwR6

Onyu Plaza and stepping stones

Onyu Plaza" is located in the center of the hot spring resort area, and features cobblestone pavement along the riverbank and a grassy area. In the lawn area, hammocks, ping-pong tables, and other devices are set up for visitors' enjoyment during the pleasant season.

This location is also the central spot for the winter lighting event "Otonoshigawa Utaakari," where visitors can see a fantastic view illuminated by colorful lights along with poems by children's song poet Misuzu Kaneko.

▽"Onyu Plaza" Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mTL1BVhmTC3nRZz5A

In addition, "stepping stones" that cross the Onshin River, along with bridges, are placed at several locations in the hot spring resort area, and are popular not only for playing on the river, but also as photo spots for taking interesting pictures of the scenery of the hot spring resort.

Daineiji Temple 

Daneiji Temple in Nagato Yumoto was founded in 1410 by Washigashira Hirotada, a branch of the Ouchi family, with the Zen priest Ishiya Shinryo as its founder. Known for its cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, the temple offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the four seasons of Japan with its unique and sacred atmosphere and scenery.

Banseki Bridge at Daneiji Temple is a stone-paved bridge built in the early Edo period and is known as one of the three strangest bridges in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

With beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, you can enjoy the four seasons of Japan along with the sacred atmosphere and scenery unique to temples.

▽"Daneiji Temple" Google Map
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kpVQ9cpuUa4mNEHC6

Otoshizure Footbath/Otoshizure Footbath, Otoshinagawa River Park

Two footbaths (Onshin River River Park Footbath/Otosore Footbath) are located in the Nagato Yumoto hot spring resort area, making it easy to enjoy the benefits of Nagato Yumoto hot spring.

Also, during the winter solstice, a "Yuzukichi Yu" (not Yuzu Yu) is held, in which "Nagato Yuzukichi", a local specialty, is floated on the water.

Kawayuka Terrace 

Kawayuka terraces are terrace seats set up along the riverside. They are located at four locations along the Onshin and Daneiji Rivers in Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

This is the only kawadoko terrace in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and when you sit on the terrace, you can feel the murmuring of the river and plenty of negative ions.

As of 2021, the following four locations have been established, each offering different services, such as enjoying meals on a kawadoko terrace.

• Ootani Sanso" in front of
  
  
  
  ▽"Ootani Sanso" Kawayoko Google Map
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/QBhC6nFpUcfHXr28A

• Hoshino Resort "Kai Nagato" Front
  
  
  
  ▽Hoshino Resort "Kai Nagato" Kawadoko Google Map
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/dqGWPoED5arGskLh9

• Gyokusenkaku" front
  
  
  
  ▽"Gyokusenkaku" kawadoko Google Map
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/dqGWPoED5arGskLh9

• On-yu " front
  
  
  
  ▽"On-yu" Kawayuka Google Map
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/iM2xD81pVjWhoqZw5

There are various ways to enjoy kawadoko, such as meals, experiences, and sauna installations as part of an event or ryokan plan. Please refer to the plans of each facility and inn.

Recommended Day Trip Course in Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is a recommended one-day trip destination for visitors from neighboring prefectures and within the prefecture.
Here are three one-day course plans for Nagato Yumoto Onsen with different themes.

Here are two recommended one-day courses in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, each with a different theme.

Plan to enjoy Nagato Yumoto's art of "Hagi-yaki" (Hagi ware)

In the Minose district of Nagato Yumoto, the "Hagiyaki Fukagawa Kiln" has been in existence for over 360 years, and the Hagi ware produced there is called "Fukagawa Hagi. This plan
is a one-day plan that allows you to experience the culture of "Fukagawa Hagi" and enjoy hot springs as well.

(1) Walking along the Otoshin River Trail

2) Otani Villa Bathhouse

(3) Tile soba at Yanagiya

4) Enjoy a relaxing cafe while viewing Hagiyaki pottery at cafe&pottery Oto

Plan to enjoy hot spring culture and visit red seals

This plan is centered around Onyu, the symbol of Nagato Yumoto Onsen, and includes a tour of shrines and temples with connections to Onyu. Please be sure to bring back a red seal as a memento of your trip.

Please note that when you purchase an "Onyu" red seal, the price includes the Shi-nen fee for Daneiji Temple and the first fee for Sumiyoshi Shrine, so you only need to bring it to the respective temple or shrine to receive the red seal.

→For more information:
https://yumotoonsen.com/shopping/onto-gosyuin/

(1) On-yu (red seal of On-yu is available)

(2) Walking around Daneiji Temple and Toyokawa Inari Temple (red seal available at Daneiji Temple)

3) Yakitori lunch at Sakura Shokudo

(3) Walking along the Otoshin River

Café and shop Tre

Plan to enjoy NEW spots and "Onyu" to the fullest

This plan allows you to enjoy Nagato Yumoto Onsen with a focus on SOIL Nagatohyumoto, a NEW spot that opened this March in Nagato Yumoto Onsen. The observation sauna at SOIL Nagatohyumoto offers a panoramic view of the city of Nagato Yumoto, so we recommend a plan that includes both the observation sauna and the "drop-in Onyu" spa.

1) Experience tours at SOIL Nagatohyumoto (link to plan list)

(2) Italian at "taru" (in "SOIL Nagatohyumoto")

(3) "SOIL Nagatohyumoto" Sauna with a view

(4) Take a bath at "Onyu", a popular stopover bathhouse

Frequently asked questions about Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Here, frequently asked questions about Nagato Yumoto Onsen are explained in a Q&A format.

Q.Where can I get on and off the bus?

A. There are three buses that stop at Nagato Yumoto: "Ube-Shin Yamaguchi Nagato City Direct Bus," "Hagi/Nagato Otosore-go," and "JR Agency Bus,

Each of them stops at the following stops.

• Ube, Shin-Yamaguchi Nagato City Direct → Nagato Yumoto Onsen Parking Lot
• Hagi-Nagato Otosore-go → Nagato Yumoto Onsen Parking Lot

https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4uMXC4cwmoA75kt5

•  JR Mine Line → Nagato Yumoto Station

https://maps.app.goo.gl/AVbVCgi8bjGjMxcR8

Q.Where are public restrooms located?

A. There are two public restrooms in Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

1) Nagato Yumoto Onsen parking lot
2) Near Ichinose Bridge across the river from Hoshino Resort Kai Nagato

Q.What should I pay attention to on a day trip to Nagato Yumoto Onsen?

A. Nagato Yumoto Onsen is located in the mountains, so if you visit by car in winter, we recommend studless tires or other measures to prepare for snowy roads.

*For traffic information on the roads, please visit the "Yamaguchi Road Visible Navigation" (link).

summary

In this article, we introduced the features, history, and recommended spots of Nagato Yumoto Onsen.

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is a fascinating place filled with history derived from temples, shrines, and hot springs, culture rooted in people's lives such as pottery, and new attempts to connect these to the next generation.

We hope you will enjoy Nagato Yumoto Onsen, which continues to evolve while respecting tradition.