Also recommended for a day trip! The charms and model courses of Tawarayama Onsen in Yamaguchi (Hakuen-no-yu, Rhododendron Garden, etc.)

Tawarayama Onsen, a hidden gem in Nagato, Yamaguchi, is filled with various attractions centered around its hot springs. If you are looking to enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere and nature, please come to the good old therapeutic spa of Tawarayama Onsen! Even on a day trip, you can experience the healing effects of the hot springs and the charm of the countryside, leaving you feeling fully satisfied. In this article, we will explain the recommended sightseeing spots and tour courses you should know when visiting 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 and was later used as a therapeutic bath for the Choshu Domain during the Edo period. Furthermore, in 1981, it was designated as a "National Recreational Hot Spring Resort." Since its discovery, it has continuously woven its history as a local therapeutic hot spring resort.

The spring is characterized by its highly concentrated alkaline water, which offers therapeutic benefits, attracting many visitors for medical and beauty purposes. In recent years, it has received high praise for its water quality, being selected for the "New 100 Best Hot Springs in Japan" by hot spring researcher Tadanori Matsuda, who focuses on water properties.

As a hot spring resort, most lodging facilities do not have their own bathrooms; instead, the "public bath" style is mainstream, where visitors use day-trip facilities like Machi-no-yu and Hakuen-no-yu.

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

Tawarayama Onsen has many sightseeing spots, primarily bathing facilities, where you can heal your mind and body.

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

Why not use this as a reference to plan your day trip schedule?

Hakuen-no-yu 

“Hakuen-no-yu” is a day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy 100% natural hot spring water. In addition to the fresh spring water, there are spacious washing areas and open-air baths, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience. You can also enjoy the “Yukuri Club” shop on the first floor and the free outdoor foot bath.

Machi-no-yu 

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

“Machi-no-yu” is another day-trip facility where you can enjoy 100% natural hot spring water. Open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it is the oldest bathing facility in the resort and is a famous spring particularly loved by locals. There is also a “Family Bath” available by reservation for private use, making it a great choice for family trips.

Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden

 “Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden” is a top-recommended spot in Tawarayama during spring, featuring over 30,000 rhododendrons. 170 varieties are planted across the 5-hectare site, which is open to the public during the blooming season from mid-April to mid-May.

During the opening period, local residents set up sales booths featuring vegetables and pickles, attracting many visitors every year.

Chiyo Falls 

“Chiyo Falls” is the largest waterfall in Nagato City, standing 13 m high and 3 m wide. You can walk down to it from the promenade, and it is especially recommended during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves.

Godan-no-taki Falls

“Godan-no-taki Falls” is a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy the scenery of a beautiful mountain stream amidst lush nature. It is also beautiful during the fresh greenery and autumn leaf seasons. Depending on the time of year, the sun shines through between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, creating a mystical display of light filtering through the trees.

Shichijugawa Riverside Park

△ Fireflies seen from near the Hotaru Bridge
“Shichijugawa Riverside Park” is a park located by the Shichijugawa River, which flows near the hot spring resort. It is known as a firefly viewing spot, where you can see fireflies from late May to early June around 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Viewing from the “Hotaru Bridge” on the west side of the park is recommended, as you can sometimes see a breathtaking dance of fireflies all around you.

Kumano Shrine 

“Kumano Shrine” is located on the south side of the Tawarayama Onsen resort and enshrines the local guardian deity. Every April, a portable shrine is dedicated during the Onsen Festival.

3 recommended day trip plans for Tawarayama Onsen

Since Tawarayama Onsen has many highlights, you can enjoy day trips with various themes. Here, we introduce three recommended day trip plans that visit popular spots based on different themes.

Relax and enjoy two bathing facilities! The Onsen Hopping Plan

Why not indulge in a luxury hop between the two facilities of Tawarayama Onsen, which are highly rated for their efficacy? This plan is especially recommended in winter when the hot spring components are said to be more concentrated. When bathing consecutively, be sure to stay hydrated and take a break of at least 30 minutes to avoid exhaustion from the heat.

• Hakuen-no-yu
• Machi-no-yu

Satisfy your appetite and soul in the hot spring town! The Food Crawl Plan

△ “Kemono Nanban Soba” at Tabeyama
The Tawarayama Onsen resort offers not only hot spring facilities but also delicious meals and sweets. After enjoying a meal made with local ingredients at “Tabeyama” in the center of the resort, be sure to savor the famous “Sansaru Manju” at “Fukuda Sengetsudo”!

• Soba Izakaya Tabeyama
• Fukuda Sengetsudo

“Tabeyama” offers a menu centered on soba using seasonal local vegetables, as well as high-quality Tawarayama gibier (wild game) dishes.

Also, if you are lucky, you can buy and eat “Sansaru Manju” freshly made on the spot. Don't forget to buy some as souvenirs!

△ Tawarayama specialty “Sansaru Manju”

Refresh in abundant nature! The Scenic Spot Tour Plan

Tawarayama Onsen has many spots where you can vividly feel the four seasons, making it ideal for those who want to refresh their mind and body through nature. Since it offers a different impression depending on the season, please experience the various faces of Tawarayama throughout the year. Recommended spots for the scenic tour plan are as follows. Combine these with a soak in the springs for an even more fulfilling trip!

• Rhododendron Garden (Spring)
• Chiyo Falls (Spring–Autumn)
• Godan-no-taki Falls (Spring–Autumn)
• Shichijugawa Riverside Park (Summer)
• Nomanji Temple (Autumn)
• Sainenji Temple (Autumn)

*In winter, the hot springs are definitely the top recommendation!

Check these out on your day trip! Specialties of Tawarayama Onsen

The Tawarayama Onsen resort features many specialty products that embody the rich nature and traditions of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

• Sansaru Manju
• Nagato Yuzukichi (Fruit/Processed products, etc.)
• Pickles (Handmade by local mothers)
• Wild grass tea

“Sansaru Manju” can be found at “Fukuda Sengetsudo,” while the other items are easily available at the “Yukuri Club” shop on the 1st floor of “Hakuen-no-yu.” They are all delicious, so be sure to check them out when you visit on a day trip.

Summary

In this article, we explained the recommended sightseeing spots and tour courses you should know when visiting Tawarayama Onsen on a day trip.

Tawarayama Onsen is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can heal your mind and body, even on a day trip.

Using the information in this article as a guide, why not explore the various charms of Tawarayama Onsen and spend a fulfilling day there?