A sodium bicarbonate-chloride spring in the classic Ureshino mold — weakly alkaline at pH 8.42, soft on the skin, sitting squarely in Japan's beauty-water family. The source emerges at 82 degC, among the country's hottest natural wellheads. Metasilicic acid at 124.5 mg/kg leaves a thin silica film that makes skin feel noticeably smoother afterwards.
444. Ureshino Kanko Hotel Taishoya, Ureshino
Visited for higaeri for 8 Ureshino tickets. Higaeri listed from 12:00 to 23:00. They stamp the Ureshino 10 Onsen book. Bath photos from the internet are partially accurate — I visited in the evening without daylight. As I understood, only the main bath is available for higaeri, but they let me visit the second additional one with a pond view too. When staying overnight, you can also use the onsens at the partner hotel Shiibasanso — they even provide shuttle service between them.
Main bath. Located in a spacious room with a high ceiling. Very pleasant atmosphere, comfortable air. I was there in the evening, but the ideal time to visit would be during daylight on a sunny day. The bath is large and elongated with clear water, temperature 42-42.5, without the soapy feel. Has two utaseyu.
Separate second additional indoor bath. Clear water, temperature 41, without the soapy feel. Through the glass there's a view of an inner pond with more than 25 koi swimming — I was lucky that the glass was barely fogged, so the visual was great. There's a sauna and a cold bath. Air inside is tolerable.
A good place — definitely recommended for higaeri, and I'd also consider it for an overnight stay given all the onsen perks.
03/30/2025