VISITING HOT SPRINGS
Like many historic onsen towns, the town of Nagato Yumoto Onsen was built up around their iconic public onsen bathhouse ONTO. Said to be the oldest in all of Yamaguchi Prefecture, the building is built directly above the hot spring source, which makes it one of the rare places for visitors to actually enjoy the onsen water directly, and see it gushing out of the bedrock. Onto is also unusual as its bath is quite deep, being a ‘standing’ onsen bath where the bath area is 1-metre deep, rather than the typical 50-60cm depth, which is said to help promote blood circulation as it applies water pressure to the whole body and reduces swelling and poor circulation.
Celebrating its strong historical ties to the local temple, shrine and folklore legend, a shimenawa (holy straw rope) separates the onsen pools from the bedrock, whilst a stone statue of Sumiyoshi Daimyojin is enshrined, where its visible from both men’s and women’s sides.
The onsen waters of Nagato Yumoto Onsen are a simple alkaline hot spring (pH 9.62) that is silky and soft; due to its high pH it can be classified as a “bijin no yu” (onsen for beautiful skin). Onto’s water temperature is slightly lukewarm at 39 degrees celsius.
For those wishing for a private onsen experience, Onto is able to be rented out as a kashikiri (private) onsen for the fee of 30,000JPY from 8.40am – 9.40am for up to 6 individuals.
Several of the town’s onsen ryokans allow day trip bathers for a fee, and even have packages where one can enjoy a delicious lunch and an onsen session.
Details below.
DAY TRIP ONSEN OPTIONS
A WEEKEND GETAWAY
To fully experience and enjoy the beauty of Nagato Yumoto Onsen “OSOTO TENGOKU” (outdoor paradise/heaven), have a relaxing 2N / 3D stay with this sample itinerary for inspiration.
DAY ONE
Arrive at Nagato Yumoto Station/Nagato Yumoto Parking before lunch to enjoy a leisurely walk to the onsen town. Drop off your luggage at your accommodation then head out to explore.
Have a delicious soba lunch at Yanagiya, before going for a walk along the promenade enjoying the local nature and trying one of the town’s footbath.
Check in at your onsen ryokan at it’s check in time to enjoy your accommodation at your leisure. Explore the grounds, try their many onsen.
Time to eat your special kaiseki dinner at the onsen ryokan, then head for a night stroll around the town. Make sure to visit the bamboo grove for its night illumination.
Head back to your accommodation for the night to enjoy a last onsen soak, then prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
DAY TWO
Wake up leisurely to enjoy your early morning Japanese breakfast at your accommodation and another onsen soak.
Wander down slowly to ONTO, the town’s public onsen to try onsen bathing like the locals do. Take a moment to stop into the local shops and pick up any souvenirs or snacks.
Enjoy a mid morning break at the numerous river terraces and benches scattered along the promenade, or book a session at the river’s KAWADOKO.
Head for lunch at Yakitori Sakura Shokudo to taste the region’s famed Choshu chicken and other dishes.
Walk off lunch by heading to Taineiji Temple and Nagato Toyakawa Inari shrine to explore its grounds (especially if you visit during cherry blossom or koyo season), then take the old mountain path down to see the many ancient Jizo statues.
Relax by the river, or head back to your onsen ryokan/check-in to a different onsen ryokan for a little rest.
Before night sets in, drop by THE BAR NAGATO for a twilight dusk cocktail, then return to your onsen ryokan for dinner, rest, an onsen soak and another deep night’s sleep.
DAY THREE
Enjoy your last morning Japanese breakfast and onsen soak before checking out.
Pick up any last minute souvenirs and snacks, take your last photos of the town.
Head to your car/hire a car to go for a drive to see some of Yamaguchi’s famous sightseeing spots like Motonosumi Shrine, Higashi Ushitobata Rice Terraces, Senjojiki and Omiima, all of which are located near to each other and within an hour’s drive from Nagato Yumoto Onsen.
After a leisurely day/afternoon spent exploring these renowned places, drop your car off at Nagato Yumoto-station and jump on that shinkansen/bus to then head to your next destination (or keep driving on a road trip!)