Went to Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen on Yakushima. https://maps.app.goo.gl/jGcWiRrgzHsnj9pH7 Costs 300 yen, payment into a donation box. There are changing rooms for men and women. Three baths (one was being cleaned when I was there). Baths are mixed — konyoku, that is. It's customary to cover up with a small towel, but all the women were fully clothed when I was there and just soaking their feet. Clothed people in an onsen is a minus. Maybe I was just unlucky, but until an old man showed up and stripped down, even the local men were sitting clothed and glumly soaking their feet. Plus — no fences at all, there's a sea view and you can even take a dip in the ocean (watch out for sharp shells). Another minus for the anxious — tour guides do take photos from the changing rooms area without even crossing the payment boundary. Doesn't bother me, but fair warning. The water seems to be sulfuric, judging by the smell.
Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen
平内海中温泉へいないかいちゅうおんせん
No photo available
Other
Capabilities
Mixed BathingYes
Shared bathing area for all genders
About
Natural rock pools on the shoreline of Yakushima, submerged at high tide and only revealed for roughly two hours either side of low tide. The water is alkaline and warm (around 46°C at the source), with a faint sulfurous note, and waves sometimes lap the rim while you soak. No changing facilities, just boulders for cover. One of the more memorable bathing experiences in Japan purely because of the timing and setting.
Loading map…
AK
Alexey Krasavin
1 year ago