One of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts among mountains upstream of Tamayu River from southern Lake Shinji. An ancient book, Isumo-no Kuni Fudoki, states “Bathing here once will make you beautiful and bathing here twice will heal any illness.” Sei Shonagon praised the beautifying quality of the hot spring in her classic “Pillow Book”.
This hot spring contains good amounts of sulfate ion and metasilicic acid which gives the moisturizing characteristics to this water. There are three-foot baths and Yuyakushi Hiroba (Square) allows you to take some hot spring water in a water bottle.
At the back of the hot spring resort, there is Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, said to bless visitors with romance and their wishes to come true. Female visitors enjoy visiting spots for romantic luck such as Koinokuru Ido (well), Koikanai Bridge and Himegami Hiroba with a statue to which you can make a wish for beautiful skin. Tamayu River has an island in a magatama jewel shape, where blue agate, which magatama is made of, is placed. It is said when you touch it, it will bring happiness.
Yamatanoorochi serpent, the white rabbit of Inaba, and other statues from Izumo mythologies dot the resort. Enjoy visiting them while going around hot springs.
Highlights
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Sei Shonagon praised the beauty water.
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Many power spots for romance.
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Unique store signs and other fun objects to see while meandering.
