AUTUMN LEAVES STAIRCASE
For those who love the beautiful vivid hues of autumn’s koyō leaves, make sure to walk down the 88 steps leading from 茶屋小 (please find the correct romanji name) to Otozure river.
EXPERIENCE NAGATO YUMOTO
Moving forward into the future, Nagato Yumoto Onsen Town has invested strongly into having an ambiance and environment where visitors can enjoy a restful, peaceful time that evokes the traditions and history of the past to experience a quintessential Japanese stay.
One’s journey will probably start from the town’s parking lot where steps surrounded by hundreds of bamboo trees lead to not only the iconic Onto Public Onsen but the riverside itself where one can skip along the many stepping stones located in the river to reach either side.
Walk the local promenade along the Otozure river where one can appreciate the stunning Sakura in spring by Onto-dori, the changing of the autumn leaves in fall or simply admire the town’s natural beauty from the various river terrace benches and tables dotted throughout. Spend time on the popular Kawadoko River Terrace seats right in the town’s river where several of the onsen ryokans offer delightful experiences and meals. Meander across the iconic six bridges and if your feet are feeling a bit tired, stop and enjoy a soak in the town’s two free footbaths (one on the promenade, one in the park by the river). In winter, the Yuzukichi fruit is added to the onsen foot-baths to bring in the solstice.
Roughly 15 mins walk from Onto, take the time to visit Taineiji Temple, one of the most famous temples of the Soto-shu (a traditional branch of Japanese zen Buddhism) which is also the final resting place of the Ouchi Clan who were responsible for bringing the old Nagato (Yamaguchi prefecture was combined from two ancient provinces, Nagato & Suō) area much wealth. Within the grounds also lie Nagato Toyokawa Inari shrine which is especially picturesque during Spring (with cherry blossoms) and Autumn (changing koyo leaves). If one approaches the temple grounds from the old ancient pathways, one will find on this quiet mountain road, a path lined with many ancient Jizo statues.
Places to Visit Within Nagato Yumoto Onsen
BAMBOO GROOVE
The entrance to Nagato Yumoto Onsen town is a scenic staircase bordered by hundreds of swaying bamboo trees which are also beautifully illuminated when night falls.
GANGI SQUARE
In the center of the town lies Gangi Square, a relaxing space where one can spend time soaking in the famed Onto onsen, enjoying the riverside and laws with a leisurely bite to eat on the many tables and benches available before heading down to the river.
HIGASHI USHITOBATA RICE TERRACES
One of the “Top 100 Rice Terraces in Japan”, Higashi Ushitobata rice fields are especially striking with its rare juxtaposition of contrasting rice fields and the ocean water. Sunset is the time to visit to witness the sight of the countless lights of the famed local squid fishing boats twinkling against the foreground of the rice fields.
JIZO PATH
On a quiet mountain path, known as the ‘old route’ to Taineiji temple, one will discover a path adored with many Jizo statues that have sat there throughout the ages. Many of the statues have also been moved to be within the grounds of the temple itself.
MIHARASHIZA (VIEW TERRACE)
For a panoramic view of the town, take in the local sights from Miharashiza view terrace, which can be found attached to the Nagato Yumoto Onsen town parking lot.
MISUZU KANEKO MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Paying tribute to Misuzu Kaneko, a famed nursery rhyme poet from the Taisho era, this memorial museum is a lovely nostalgic stopover located in the heart of Senzaki Misuzu Street.
NAGATO TOYOKAWA INARI SHRINE
Within Taineiji Temple’s ground, is the beautiful Nagato Toyokawa Inari Shrine. Built in 1966, the shrine’s Torii gate is bordered by beautiful cherry blossom trees making it a picturesque spot in the spring. One will also discover 8 fox statues in the shrine’s area.
OMIJIMA
Known as the “Maritime Alps”, Omijima Island is found in the center of Kita Nagato Kaigan Quasi-National Park and has many striking and unique rock formations. It’s also a popular site for scuba diving for the locals.
ONTO DORI
On the right hand side of Otozure river, is a walking only path fondly known to the locals as Onto-dori where one can enjoy the beautiful fragility of cherry blossoms and other seasonal moments.
PUBLIC LAUNDRY RUINS
Below Onto, one can find the ruins of the communal laundry that was used by the people from the Taisho to the mid-Showa era. A cherished memento of hot spring, onsen culture of the past.
REITO SPRING
A tribute to one of Nagato Yumoto Onsen’s two original hot spring sources. Historically the Reito onsen was only used for samurai and priests, whilst Onto was for the common people. Over time Reito became a public onsen for everyone but it was closed in 2019 due to the renewal of the town.
RIVERSIDE PROMENADE
Spend time enjoying slow walks eitherside of the Otozure river promenade, appreciating the beautiful seasonal natural scenery like the Cherry Blossoms in spring.
SHUNKAN SOZU’S GRAVE
Along the mountain road, one will pass an old stone pagoda which is said to be the marking place of the tomb of Shunkan Sozu, a monk of the Shingon sect in the late Heian period.
SUMIYOSHI SHRINE/KOAJI TEMPLE
Built upon a hill beyond Onto Public Bathhouse, is the ancient Sumiyoshi Shrine which is dedicated to the god Sumiyoshi Daimyojin who showed the high priest Joan the original source of Onto hot spring. Koaji Temple is located to the right of the shrine.
TAINEIJI TEMPLE
Once known as the “Koya” of the West, Taineiji is the final resting place of the Ouchi clan who helped made Yamaguchi Prefecture into a thriving, wealthy region during the Muromachi period. Glorious vibrant autumn leaves and delicate cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in their seasons here.
TAKAKO CHIYOMATSU’S GRAVE
Within the town, one may come across the tombstone of Takako Chiyomatsu, a resident of Nagato Yumoto in the late Edo period, who was highly revered by the local people for his kindness and dedication towards his sick mother throughout her life. After his death, the tombstones were erected to honour his commitment and loving diligence.
THE SIX BRIDGES
Spanning the Otozure river, are six impressive bridges of varying designs which allow stunning viewpoints of the town and are a lovely sight at night when they are illuminated.
TSUNOSHIMA OHASHI BRIDGE
One of the longest public bridges in all of Japan (1780m) that is free to cross, it offers a stunning driving experience as you pass over the turquoise ocean waters.
YUZUKICHIZAKA
A gentle slope descending down from the south side of the parking lot is filled with the fresh scent & sight of the famed local citrus fruit, Nagato Yuzukichi which is used often in local cooking and daily life.
Places to Visit Around Nagato Yumoto Onsen
AKIYOSHIDAI
Located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture is Japan’s largest karst plateau; Akiyoshidai where one can enjoy a vast landscape in all seasons, including exploring many of it’s underground limestone caves.
AKIYOSHIDAI CAVE
100 meters underground at the southern foot of the Akiyoshidai karst plateau, is one of Japan’s largest limestone caves where one can explore.
HAGI CASTLE TOWN
A charming traditional castle town built up around Hagi Castle which once was the capital of the ruling Mori clan. Though now only the castle ruins remain, the surrounding streets have been beautifully preserved and showcase the life of feudal Japan, of samurai houses, wealthy merchant houses wonderfully. The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MOTONOSUMI SHRINE
Chosen as one of “Japan’s 31 Most Beautiful Places”, Motonosumi is striking with its vivid 123 torii red gates descending down the peninsula with it’s contrast of the jewel blue ocean waters.
MURATA SEIFU MEMORIAL MUSEUM
In this historical museum, one will learn about the lives and achievements of Murata Seifu and Shufu Masanosuke who were central figures in bringing about government reform for the Choshu domain, and helping to lay the foundation for the Meiji Restoration.
NAGATO TOY MUSEUM
A fun interactive toy museum located in Nagato City, where children and adults can enjoy over 150 types of wooden toys together.
ROADSIDE STATION SENZA KITCHEN
Perfect for a pitstop to pick up local souvenirs and products, Roadside Station Senza Kitchen is located on the seaside of Senzaki, one of the leading fishing ports in the San’in region. Make sure to also enjoy the fresh seafood in one of the many dining facilities.
SENJOJIKI
An impressive grassland covering a hilltop with stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding land, sea and sky. One can enjoy the picturesque area in all seasons with different flowers blooming and summer fireworks in the evening.
TAWARAYAMA ONSEN
A historic onsen town retaining much of its nostalgic Showa charm, visitors can stay overnight in traditional ryokan whilst wearing yukata and geta to walk to the town’s public onsen to bathe.
YASUO KAZUKI MUSEUM
An art museum dedicated to showing the life and works of Yasuo Kazuki who was renowned for his work depicting postwar Japanese art history. The museum showcases a collection of oil paintings and drawings from his life.