Also recommended for a day trip! Attractions and Model Course of Tawarayama Onsen, Yamaguchi (Shirasaru no Yu / Rhododendron Garden, etc.)

Tawarayama Onsen, a hidden hot spring in Nagato, Yamaguchi, is filled with various attractions centering on hot springs. If you are looking for a place to enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of hot springs and nature, come to Tawarayama Onsen, a good old therapeutic hot spring! Even if you only make it a day trip, you will leave satisfied with the healing effects of Tawarayama Onsen and the charms of the satoyama. This article describes recommended sightseeing spots and a circular route that you should know if you are planning a trip to Tawarayama Onsen.

What is Tawarayama Onsen? 

Photo by Koichi (@hakuchuu1882 )/Supported by NICO STOP

 Tawarayama Onsen was discovered approximately 1,100 years ago during the Heian period (794-1185), and was later used as a therapeutic bath by the Choshu clan during the Edo period (1603-1868). In 1981 (Showa 56), it was designated as a "National Recreational Hot Spring Resort." Since its discovery, Tawarayama Onsen has continued to weave its history as a local therapeutic hot spring.

The spring is characterized by its highly concentrated alkaline nature, which has a medical effect, and is visited by many people for medical treatment and beauty purposes. In recent years, it has been selected as one of the "New 100 Best Hot Springs in Japan" by Tadanori Matsuda, a hot spring researcher, for the quality of its hot springs.

Most of the hot spring resorts do not have bathrooms in their lodging facilities, and most visitors use "out-spa" style bathing facilities such as "Machinoyu" and "Hakusaru no Yu" on a one-day trip.

Perfect for a day trip! 7 recommended sightseeing spots in Tawarayama Onsen

Tawarayama Onsen has many tourist attractions, mainly bathing facilities, to heal body and soul.

Here we describe seven recommended sightseeing spots in Tawarayama Onsen that you should definitely visit during a day trip.

You can use this information to plan your day trip schedule.

Hot water of a white monkey 

Hakusaru no Yuis a one-day spa facility where you can enjoy hot spring water from the source. In addition to the hot spring water, there is also a spacious washing area and an open-air bath, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot spring in a relaxed atmosphere. You can also enjoy the "Youkuri Club" store on the first floor and the free footbath outdoors.

public bath located in a town 

Photo by Koichi (@hakuchuu1882 )/Supported by NICO STOP

Machinoyu " is another day-trip hot spring facility where visitors can enjoy hot spring water from the source. Open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., it is the oldest bathing facility in the hot spring resort and is especially loved by the locals. There is also a "family bath" where you can enjoy a private hot spring bath by reservation only, which is recommended for family trips.

Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden

 Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden , with more than 30,000 rhododendrons, is one of the best places to visit in spring. 5 hectares of land with 170 varieties of rhododendrons is open to the public from mid-April to mid-May, when they are in bloom.

During the opening season, local people set up booths selling vegetables and pickles, which attract many visitors every year.

waterfall of a thousand years 

Chiyo Falls " is the largest waterfall in Nagato City, measuring 13 meters high and 3 meters wide. It can be accessed from the promenade, and is especially recommended during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves.

Five-stage Waterfall

Godan-no-taki Falls is a sightseeing spot where visitors can enjoy a beautiful view of a mountain stream amidst lush greenery. It is also beautiful during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves. 〜From ~ 14:00 14:00~14:00, depending on the season. Depending on the season, the sun shines from 11:00 to 14:00, and you can see the fantastic sunlight filtering through the trees.

Nanae River Park

Fireflies seen from near the ∆firefly bridge
" Nanaegawa River Park " is a park near "Nanaegawa River" that flows near the hot spring resort area. The park is known as a firefly viewing spot, and fireflies can be seen from 19:30 to 20:30 in late May to early June. The best place to view fireflies is from the "Firefly Bridge" on the west side of the park, where you can sometimes see the fireflies dancing wildly as if they are enveloping you.

Kumano Shrine 

Kumano Shrine is located on the south side of the Tawarayama hot spring resort area and is dedicated to the local deity. Every April, a portable shrine is dedicated at the Onsen Matsuri (hot spring festival).

3 recommended day trip plans for Tawarayama Onsen

Tawarayama Onsen offers many attractions, making it a great day trip destination with a variety of themes. Here are three recommended day trip plans for Tawarayama Onsen, with recommended sightseeing spots for each theme.

Enjoy two bathing facilities in a relaxed atmosphere! Onsen Hashigo-Plan

Why not enjoy the luxury of hopping between the two facilities of Tawarayama Onsen, which is highly rated for its efficacy? This plan is especially recommended during the winter season, when the ingredients of the Tawarayama Onsen are more concentrated. When taking a series of hot spring baths, be sure to hydrate and take at least a 30-minute break to avoid getting tired from the hot water.

• Hot water of a white monkey
• public bath located in a town

Satisfy your stomach and mind in Onsen town! Eating and Walking Plan

(TABEYAMA's "KEMONO NANBAN Soba"
The Tawarayama hot spring resort area offers not only hot spring facilities, but also delicious food and sweets. Enjoy a meal made with local ingredients at Tabeyama, located in the center of the hot spring resort area, followed by a visit to Fukuda Sengetsu-do for the famous "Sanzen Manju" (three monkey buns)!

• Soba Izakaya Tamayama
• Fukuda Sengetsu-do

Tabeyama serves soba noodles and other dishes using seasonal local vegetables, as well as high-quality Tawarayama gibier dishes.

If you are lucky, you can buy and eat freshly made "Sanzen-manju" on the spot. Don't forget to buy some for souvenirs!

Tawarayama's specialty "Sanzen-manju" (three monkey buns)

Refresh yourself in abundant nature! Scenic Spot Tour Plan

Tawarayama Onsen has many spots where you can experience the four seasons, and is recommended for those who want to experience nature and refresh their body and soul. Tawarayama gives a different impression depending on the season you visit, so be sure to experience Tawarayama in all its four seasons. The following are recommended spots to take advantage of in your scenic tour plan. Combine them with bathing for a more fulfilling travel plan!

• Rhododendron orchard (spring)
• Chiyo Falls (spring - fall)
• Godan Falls (spring - fall)
• Nanae River Park (summer)
• Nohman-ji Temple(Autumn)
• Sainenji Temple (Autumn)

*In winter, hot springs are still recommended!

Check it out on a day trip! Specialties of Tawarayama Onsen

Tawarayama Onsen Town is home to many specialty products that reflect the rich nature and traditions of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

• three wise monkeys (who "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil")
• Nagato Yuzukichi (fruit/processed products, etc.)
• Pickles (handmade by local mothers)
• wild tea

Sanzaru Manju" is available at "Fukuda Sengetsu-do" and the rest are easily obtained at "Youkuri Club," a store on the first floor of "Hakusaru no Yu". All of them are delicious, so you should check them out when you visit on a day trip.

summary

In this article, we have described recommended sights and a circular route that you should know if you are planning to visit Tawarayama Onsen on a day trip.

Tawarayama Onsen is a recommended sightseeing spot for a day trip to heal body and soul.

Use the information in this article to spend a fulfilling day exploring the various attractions of Tawarayama Onsen.