Guide to Nagato Onsen｜Thorough explanation of the features, selection, and tour of Nagato’s five famous hot springs

Guide to Nagato Onsen｜Thorough explanation of the features, selection, and tour of Nagato's five famous hot springs

Nagato City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is known as one of the best hot spring resorts in the prefecture.

Among them, the five hot spring resorts called "Nagato Five Famous Hot Springs" have different attractions and can be selected according to your sightseeing style and how you want to spend your time.

On the other hand, first-time visitors to Nagato may be at a loss as to which hot springs to choose and which ones best suit the purpose of their trip.

This article therefore provides a clear explanation of the "Five Famous Nagato Hot Springs" while organizing their features and atmosphere.

We also provide comparison points that make it easy for first-time visitors to choose the right one, as well as information on how to enjoy onsen in combination with sightseeing. This guide is useful for those who are just starting to research Nagato's hot springs, as well as for those who already know about them.

What are the "Five Famous Hot Springs of Nagato" in Nagato City?

Although the "Five Famous Hot Springs of Nagato" are all located in the same city, their locations, atmospheres, and origins as hot spring resorts differ greatly.

Here we introduce the features of each of the five Nagato hot springs: Nagato Yumoto Onsen, Tawarayama Onsen, Aburaya Bay Onsen, Yumen Onsen, and Kohado Onsen, which are among the five best hot springs in Nagato.

Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is the most well-known of Nagato's five famous hot springs and is a representative hot spring resort of Nagato City.

The hot spring resort area along the Onshin River, which was renovated in 2020 with a lineup of historic and modern accommodations, preserves the traditional scenery while also offering the charm of a "stroll" to explore the surroundings.

With its many inns, it also serves as a base for sightseeing, including those outside the city, and is a "royal road" and "standard" among the Five Famous Hot Springs.

→ Nagato Yumoto Onsen official website
https://yumotoonsen.com/

Tawarayama Onsen

Tawarayama Onsen is a quiet hot spring resort located in the mountains, where the traditional "hot-spring cure culture" of bathing in public bathhouses rather than in inns remains strong.

Many retro buildings from the Taisho and Meiji periods still remain in the hot spring resort area, creating an atmosphere as if one has stepped back in time. This hot spring resort is suitable for those who want to take their time to enjoy the hot spring itself, and has a particularly strong "hot-spring cure" and "retro" impression among the Five Famous Hot Springs.

Aburaya Bay Hot Spring

Aburaya Bay Onsen is a hot spring resort located along Aburaya Bay, which is an inland sea, and its main feature is the open view as if it were one with the sea.

The location with an open view allows you to soak in the hot water while feeling the expanse of nature. In particular, bathing during the sunset of the slightly reddish Aburatani Bay will be an unforgettable experience. This hot spring resort is suitable for those who seek an "out-of-the-ordinary" hot spring experience.

In terms of area, this hot spring is located close to "Motonosumi Shrine" and "Kakunoshima" and can be recommended as a base for a trip with spectacular views.

→ Aburaya Bay Onsen Hotel Yanggikan official website
https://www.hotelyokikan.jp/

Yumen Onsen

Yumen Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Misumi district on the east side of Nagato City. It consists of the Yumen Fureai Center, a bathing facility used by many locals, and the Yumen Kanko Hotel Meiyu Yume no Sato, where visitors can relax and enjoy the hot springs amidst the peaceful scenery of the rice paddies. Nearby is the "Yasuo Kagetsu" Museum of Art, which houses the works of Yasuo Kagetsu, a Western-style painter from Misumi. We hope you will enjoy the cozy hot spring resort as much as we do.

Kohado Onsen

Kohado Onsen is located in the Hioki district, a 15-minute drive from the city center, and consists of the Kohado Onsen Koryu Center (bathing facility) and the Kiwado Onsen Retreat Yuukunoki (lodging facility). Both are famous for their open-air baths overlooking Fukagawa Bay, and in summer, when squid fishing is conducted in the surrounding waters, visitors may be lucky enough to see a fishing fire. The scenery is different from that of Aburaya Bay, so this is a hot spring resort that you should definitely visit during your hot spring tour.

Comparison] Characteristics of the Five Famous Nagato Hot Springs at a Glance

The atmosphere and ways of spending time at the hot springs in Nagato City differ greatly from one place to another, and if you choose a hot spring just by random selection, you will not be able to fully enjoy its charms.

Therefore, here we compare Nagato's five famous hot springs from several perspectives and organize them in a way that makes it easy to choose the hot spring that is right for you.

Comparison of features of each hot spring resort

Please see the list below for a summary of the features of each of Nagato's five famous hot springs.

Select by purpose! Nagato's hot springs are here for you!

Each of Nagato's five famous hot springs has a different atmosphere and location, so the recommended hot spring resort depends on one's preference and travel style. Here we introduce how to choose a hot spring resort according to your purpose. Please read it while comparing it with your travel plans.

Recommended hot springs for first-time visitors to Nagato

For first-time visitors to Nagato, we recommend focusing on ease of access and a large selection of inns. In this regard, Nagato Yumoto Onsen has the largest number of inns in the city, and the whole hot spring resort area is well organized for enjoyment. If you want to make a "no-fail" choice, Nagato Yumoto Onsen is an easy first step.

Nagato Yumoto Official Website
Nagato Yumoto Official Instagram

For those who want to enjoy a quiet hot-spring cure and healing

For those who want to relax and enjoy the "onsen itself" in a calm environment, Tawarayama Onsen and Yumen Onsen are suitable. Both hot spring resorts feature quiet and comfortable environments.

It is especially recommended for those who want to get away from the busyness of daily life and heal their body and soul, and for those who want to spend a relaxing time with a long soak in a hot spring. It will be a highly satisfying stay where you can get "healing.

Tawarayama Onsen Official Site
Yumen Kanko Hotel Yume no Sato Official Site
Yumen Fureai Center

For those who want to enjoy hot springs along with the unique sea view of Nagato

For those who value hot springs as well as scenery and a sense of openness, Aburaya Bay Onsen and Kohado Onsen near the sea are recommended. Unlike Nagato Yumoto and Tawarayama, which are hot spring resorts located in the mountains, these locations offer hot springs with an open view of the ocean, making them suitable for those seeking such an extraordinary experience.

The hot spring resort is also a good place to accentuate your itinerary, as it goes well with trips that aim to "drive" or "enjoy nature.

Aburaya Bay Onsen Hotel Yanggikan
Kiwado Onsen Retreat Yuukyu no Ki
Kiwado Onsen Exchange Center

For those who want to enjoy a day trip to a hot spring casually.

If your travel schedule is limited or if you want to enjoy hot springs without staying overnight, it is important to choose a hot spring resort that offers facilities for day-trip bathing.

Each hot spring resort is equipped with day-trip bathing facilities, but in terms of location, Nagato Yumoto Onsen is close to Yamaguchi-Ube Airport and Shin-Yamaguchi Station, making it an easy place to stop by. Why not include it in your itinerary or on your way home?

Detailed introduction to each of Nagato's five famous hot springs

Each of the five Nagato Meiyu hot springs has a different origin and culture, and each has its own distinct character as a hot spring resort.
Here, we will delve deeper into the characteristics of each hot spring resort and introduce some of the surrounding attractions that can be enjoyed in conjunction with the hot springs. Please take a look at these pages not only to help you choose a hot spring, but also to help you visualize your stay in the area.

Nagato Yumoto Onsen｜The central hot spring resort for Nagato tourism

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Yamaguchi Prefecture, with a history of over 600 years.

The hot spring resort area stretching along the Otoshigawa River has been familiar to many people throughout its history, and in recent years has been redeveloped as a tourist destination.

The main attraction of this hot spring is that it can be enjoyed in combination with sightseeing, such as walking around the town and along the river, as well as hot spring baths. The quality of the spring is alkaline simple spring, soft to the touch and popular as "hot water for beautiful skin. The center of the hot spring resort is dotted with casual facilities such as drop-in baths, footbaths, and cafes, making it the perfect base for a trip that combines "onsen × rest × experience.

Drop-in hot spring Ontou

Onyu is a symbolic bathing facility of Nagato Yumoto Onsen, which was reopened in 2020. There are two sources of spring water, one from the back of the bath and the other from directly under the bathtub, so you can enjoy "fresh hot spring water".

The location and accessibility of this natural hot spring make it a must-visit spot when visiting Nagato Yumoto.

On-yu" drop-in hot spring official website

cafe&pottery Oto

cafe&pottery Oto is a Hagiyaki gallery cafe in a renovated old building.
It is popular as a place to enjoy coffee and homemade cakes made with Hagiyaki pottery by local artists while admiring the view along the banks of the Onshin River. This is a great spot to take a break during a stroll in the hot spring resort area or to create memories of your trip.

Address: 1261-12 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
TEL: 0837-25-4004
Hours: 10:00-16:00 Closed: Wed. and Thu.

For more information

Tawarayama Onsen｜Silent and famous hot spring where hot-spring cure culture remains

Tawarayama Onsen is a hot spring resort tucked away in the mountains, and is one of the five best hot springs in Nagato, where the culture of hot-spring cures is particularly strong.

The natural blend of life and hot springs in the retro and relaxed hot spring resort area and the slow passage of time are the unique charms of this hot spring resort.

Many people visit for the hot spring itself, and we recommend a short stopover as well as a "Touji" style of soaking in the hot spring water over and over again. It is a unique Nagato hot spring resort for those who want to quietly regenerate their body and mind.

Public bathhouses "Hakusaru no Yu" and "Machinoyu

Two public bathhouses, "Hakusaru no Yu" and "Machinoyu," are symbolic of Tawarayama Onsen. Many lodging facilities do not have baths, and the "out-spa culture" of using public bathhouses still remains.

Experience the atmosphere of a traditional hot-spring cure in the rustic bathhouse.

Hot water of a white monkey

public bath located in a town

Soba Izakaya Tabayama, where you can enjoy the life force of the satoyama with a rich flavor.

Soba Izakaya Tamayama is a restaurant where you can enjoy soba noodles and dishes that make the most of the natural beauty of Tawarayama. The menu features exquisite dishes using Tawarayama gibier (wild game) grown in the rich nature and seasonal local vegetables. After being healed by the hot spring, the power of the satoyama will soak into your body, and you will feel the energy of the satoyama welling up from within you.

Address: 5110-1 Tawarayama, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
TEL: 0837-29-0303
Hours: 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:00
Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
URL: https://tawarayamatap.wixsite.com/website

Seasonal landscape "Rhododendron

The Tawarayama Rhododendron Garden, located near Tawarayama Onsen, offers beautiful rhododendron flowers from mid-April to May.

The seasonal changes that accompany the hot springs are one of the reasons why Tawarayama Onsen has been so popular for so long.

For more information

Simple, famous confectionery "Sanzen-manju" (three monkey buns)

Sanzaru Manju is a well-known confectionery of Tawarayama Onsen. These so-called "ningyo-yaki" style buns come in three different shapes: "see no evil, speak no evil, and hear no evil. They have long been popular as souvenirs among tourists and locals alike.

Aburaya Bay Onsen｜Onsen where you can enjoy the ocean and sunset

Aburaya Bay Hot Spring is located on the west side of Nagato City, near Shimonoseki City, and its most attractive feature is its open location where one can feel the expanse of the sea and sky. The hot spring is characterized by its thick, beautiful skin, and combined with the scenery, it is a hot spring recommended for women.

Yanggikan, a hot spring hotel overlooking Aburaya Bay

There is only one inn in Aburaya Bay Hot Springs. It is the Yanggikan, which stands on a hill overlooking Aburaya Bay. From the hot spring baths inside the inn, visitors can enjoy the view of the calm waters of Aburaya Bay, which changes with the time of day.

The experience of soaking in a hot spring bath with the view is especially impressive at sunset, when the sea and sky slowly fade into the distance. It is suitable for those who wish to stay overnight and enjoy a relaxing stay.

Hot spring resorts that can be enjoyed in combination with spectacular scenic spots

The area around Aburaya Bay Onsen is dotted with places of interest that symbolize the scenery of the Sea of Japan, and a visit in combination with the hot springs will enhance the satisfaction of your trip. One of the most famous is Motonosumi Shrine, with its vermilion torii gates leading out to sea. The view of the cliffs and the Sea of Japan in the background is known as one of the most spectacular sights in Nagato City.

Nearby are the Higashi Gobata Terraced Rice Paddies, selected as one of the "100 best terraced rice paddies in Japan." At dusk during rice planting season in late April and May, the sunset over the Sea of Japan and the silhouette of the terraced rice paddies are beautifully overlapped. The location of Aburaya Bay Onsen is easy to drive around, making it easy to stay and enjoy the combination of hot springs and scenery while enjoying the trip itself.

Yumen Onsen｜A calm hot spring resort loved by the locals

Yumen Onsen is one of the five best hot springs in Nagato, with a "local" atmosphere that blends into the daily life of the community.

It is suitable for those who want to enjoy a quiet and tranquil time in a landscape of mountains and rice paddies, and enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath.

It is a comfortable hot spring resort for those who want to avoid busy tourist spots and those who want to visit for the hot springs themselves.

Yumen Fureai Center, a place of relaxation for the community

The Yumen Fureai Center is a day-trip facility located in Yumen Hot Springs. It is a bathing facility used by local residents on a daily basis, and features an atmosphere where even tourists can feel free to drop in.

It is a place where you can feel at home even though you are on a trip. Yumen Onsen can be said to be a hot spring resort where you can experience such an atmosphere.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions about Nagato Hot Springs

We have compiled a list of points about Nagato's hot springs in a Q&A format that is likely to be of interest to those who are researching them for the first time. Please use it as a reference when planning your trip.

Can I enjoy Nagato's hot springs as a day trip?

Yes, it is possible to enjoy hot springs on a day trip. Nagato Yumoto Onsen, in particular, has many facilities for drop-in bathing, making it easy to use the hot springs in between sightseeing tours.

Which season is the best time to go?

Nagato's hot springs can be enjoyed throughout the year, but each season offers different attractions. We recommend that you choose the season that best suits the purpose of your trip: in spring and fall when the weather is mild, you can enjoy the openness of the blue sea while touring the spots, in summer, and in winter, you can visit each hot spring.

Can I get around without a car?

Convenience varies from hot spring resort to hot spring resort, but basically it is easier to tour around the city with a car. Nagato Yumoto Onsen is an area within the city that is relatively easy to access by public transportation and can be enjoyed while strolling around on foot. On the other hand, for hot spring resorts located in mountainous areas or by the sea, it is easier to adjust your schedule before and after the tour if you have a car. If you do not have access to a car, we recommend that you always check the access method in advance.

What are some hot springs for families and couples?

When visiting as a family or as a couple, the ease of spending time outside of the hot springs is also an important factor. Nagato Yumoto Onsen, a relatively large hot spring resort that is easy to stroll around and enjoy eating, is suitable for first-time visitors or for a group of several people. On the other hand, for couples who value quiet time, one option is to choose a hot spring resort with a relaxed atmosphere.

summary

The "Five Famous Hot Springs of Nagato" are scattered throughout Nagato City, each with a different location, atmosphere, and ways to enjoy the hot springs. Some are bustling hot spring resorts where you can enjoy the bustle of the city, others are quiet hot spring cures, and still others offer an extraordinary experience with a view of the sea.

Therefore, it is important to choose a hot spring according to the purpose of your trip and the way you want to spend your time. Whether you are sightseeing in Nagato for the first time, traveling for healing, or staying for the scenery, choosing a hot spring that suits your purpose will make a big difference in your overall satisfaction with your trip.

Nagato's hot springs are more than just a stopover; they are an important axis in the construction of a sightseeing itinerary. By planning your itinerary with a focus on hot springs, you will be able to experience more deeply the unique charms of Nagato City.