Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Visit a 300-year-old hot spring town surrounded by abundant nature, known for its “black water” and geigi dance performances.
Iwamuro Onsen is located in a rural area of western Niigata City, surrounded by mountains such as Mt. Kakuda and Mt. Yahiko. With a history spanning more than 300 years since it opened during the Edo period, it is widely popular as Niigata City's only hot spring town and is home to distinctive ryokan inns and restaurants.
Iwamuro Onsen is also known as the “Sacred Goose Spring” after a legend about a wild goose that healed its wounds by bathing in the hot spring. Its most distinctive feature is its black-colored water. Known as “black water,” it contains a mixture of transparent calcium carbonate crystals and irregularly shaped black sulfur compounds. The water feels soft and smooth on the skin and has excellent moisturizing properties. Iwamuro Onsen is also known as the birthplace of geigi culture in Niigata, and geigi dance performances can still be seen at events and ryokan inns today.
Located between Niigata City and cities such as Tsubame and Nagaoka, and approximately 5 minutes by car from the Sea of Japan, Iwamuro Onsen makes a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. Visitors can obtain sightseeing information and relax in the footbath at the Niigata City Iwamuro Tourist Facility Iwamuroya.
Iwamuro Onsen's signature “black water” retains heat exceptionally well
Iwamuro geigi bring color to the hot spring town with their elegant songs and dances
Iwamuroya, a tourist information facility for Iwamuro Onsen and the surrounding area
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
Free Wi-Fi is available at many accommodations and inside Iwamuroya.
Q
Is parking available at Iwamuro Onsen?
Parking is available at each accommodation and at Iwamuroya.
Q
Are there any facilities offering day-use bathing?
Day-use bathing is available at Taho Onsen Dairo no Yu and Yugan no Yu Yorinare.
![[Niigata City 1-Day Model Itinerary] Explore Niigata City’s Must-See Spots!](https://static.gltjp.com/glt/data/article/21000/20193/20220929_231222_90d908ba_w640.webp)
