Submerging oneself in a hot spring, diving from rocks into the chilly sea, climbing back into the natural rock hot spring, and repeating this refreshing process is one of many pleasures the remote island of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, (屋久島鹿児島県), offers intrepid visitors.
The seaside onsen is accessible during low tide only because it is underwater at all other times. It is accessible only twice a day for approximately two hours each time. Men and women bathe together under the open sky next to the blue ocean.
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| Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen. (平内海中温泉) |
The seaside onsen is accessible during low tide only because it is underwater at all other times. It is accessible only twice a day for approximately two hours each time. Men and women bathe together under the open sky next to the blue ocean.
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| Be prepared for nudity |
There are no changing rooms or other buildings. Entrance is free, but there is a collection box for a donation of 100 yen. Yakushima has other hot springs, but this one is the most memorable. The name of this seaside onsen is Hirauchi kaichu Onsen. (平内海中温泉)
Because of its spectacular environmental qualities, much of Yakushima was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Separated from the mainland, unique species of deer, monkeys, and trees have evolved. These are respectively called Yakuzaru, Yakushika, and Yakusugi. Saru is the Japanese word for monkey. Shika means deer, and sugi translates as cedar. The Yakusugi are some of the oldest trees on our planet. Yakushima is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and mountain climbing. After a long day of athletic activities on the island, nothing beats loosening up in a hot spring while watching the waves touch the sky.
Yakushima is located in the far southwestern area of Japan, so getting there takes considerable time and money, but your efforts will be well rewarded. Avoid the rainy season during May and June and the typhoon season in September. Follow this link to read about travel routes to Yakushima and how to get around this magnificent island.
An online visitor's guide provides valuable information and unusual facts about the island. For example, "There are around 7,000 wild Yakuzaru monkeys and an equal number of Yakushika deer, both unique sub-species only found on Yakushima. Together they out-number the island residents."
Another spectacular seaside hot spring in Kagoshima Prefecture is also, believe it or not, a Shinto Shrine.
Far away on the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture is the lovely Japan onsen town of Senami. Any time of day or night is a good time to visit, but locals of Niigata often plan to arrive in the late afternoon so that they can soak up the rays of the setting sun while also soaking in healthy hot mineral water.
Because of its spectacular environmental qualities, much of Yakushima was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Separated from the mainland, unique species of deer, monkeys, and trees have evolved. These are respectively called Yakuzaru, Yakushika, and Yakusugi. Saru is the Japanese word for monkey. Shika means deer, and sugi translates as cedar. The Yakusugi are some of the oldest trees on our planet. Yakushima is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and mountain climbing. After a long day of athletic activities on the island, nothing beats loosening up in a hot spring while watching the waves touch the sky.
Yakushima is located in the far southwestern area of Japan, so getting there takes considerable time and money, but your efforts will be well rewarded. Avoid the rainy season during May and June and the typhoon season in September. Follow this link to read about travel routes to Yakushima and how to get around this magnificent island.
An online visitor's guide provides valuable information and unusual facts about the island. For example, "There are around 7,000 wild Yakuzaru monkeys and an equal number of Yakushika deer, both unique sub-species only found on Yakushima. Together they out-number the island residents."
Another spectacular seaside hot spring in Kagoshima Prefecture is also, believe it or not, a Shinto Shrine.
Far away on the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture is the lovely Japan onsen town of Senami. Any time of day or night is a good time to visit, but locals of Niigata often plan to arrive in the late afternoon so that they can soak up the rays of the setting sun while also soaking in healthy hot mineral water.
looks good
ReplyDeleteI`ve always wanted to go there, and hope to one day!
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful!
Happy hot springs days to you!!
Drinking beer in an onset with a beautiful Japanese girl. You lucky man!
ReplyDeleteHello Nick, Well, Japan has an abundance of great hot springs and beautiful women, so you can enjoy yourself in the same manner.
ReplyDeleteThis post is not so recent. Do you know if it is still open?
ReplyDeleteI just checked online and discovered recent information in both English and Japanese. Hopefully, I will return there next year for an update and another wonderful bathing experience.
Delete