In the San'in region, which has many famous places such as Tottori Sand Dunes and Mt. Daisen, there are three hot spring areas nominaed in the Hot Spring General Election 2021. Such Tottori is located in the northeastern part of the Chugoku region, and it takes about two and a half hours from Osaka by JR and about three and a half hours from Fukuoka. There are many soothing hot springs such as the scenic hot springs and the "Inaba Onsenkyo", which consists of five hot springs about a 5-minute walk from Tottori Station.
Misasa Onsen, Tohaku District
Misasa Onsen (三朝温泉) is one of the main Cultural Properties of Japan Heritage certified along with Mt. Mitoku (三徳山 / Mitoku-san). It is a hot spring with legend saying that more than 850 years ago, when a samurai who tried to shoot a white wolf reconsidered and overlooked it, Myoken Bosatsu (妙見菩薩) appeared in his dream and told the samurai the location of this hot spring.
The spring quality is one of the best radioactive springs in the world, boasting a high concentration of radon. It is characterized by the "hormesis effect" that enhances immunity and natural healing power. This is also reflected in the statistics that the cancer mortality rate of the residents of this area for 37 years was half of the national average.
At Misasa Onsen, you can take a walk through the retro streets, shop for hot spring cosmetics using water from the source, and see the national treasure "Nageire-do" hall built in the hollow on the cliff of Mt. Mitoku. It is a hot spring where you can enjoy both history and soothing water.
Spot Information
- Address: Misasa, Misasa-cho, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 45 minutes by limousine bus from Tottori Airport, approximately 20 minutes by local bus from JR Kurayoshi Station
- Official website: https://misasaonsen.jp/
〈A ryokan and facility you'll want to stay at least once: Kiya Ryokan〉
Founded in 1868, Kiya Ryokan (木屋旅館) is a nationally registered Tangible Cultural Property. The maze-like corridor makes you feel like you are entering an extraordinary world.
As for hot springs, there are several types of baths, including a bath where you can not only soak in the hot springs but also absorb the mist-like hot springs as well.
For meals, you can enjoy the "Tottori Wagyu Kaiseki Plan", which consists mainly of Tottori Wagyu, and other dishes using seasonal local ingredients. It is a ryokan where you can recharge yourself with comfortable retro hot springs, guest rooms and delicious food.
Spot Information
- Address: 895 Misasa, Misasa-cho, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Average accommodation fee: 23,100 yen to 70,400 yen for one adult when using a room for 2 people
- Official website: https://www.misasa.co.jp/
Kaike Onsen, Yonago City
Kaike Onsen (皆生温泉) is situated on the north side of Yonago City. The beauty of this area bordering the Sea of Japan is such that it is selected as one of the "100 Shores of Japan", "100 White Sands and Green Pines of Japan", and "100 Sunsets and Morning Suns of Japan". You can swim on the beautiful sandy beach that has been selected as one of the "88 selections of Japanese beaches" that is recognized for its safety and good water quality.
The quality of the spring is a sodium / calcium chloride spring, so-called "salt hot spring". You can experience thalassotherapy, a health method originating in Europe. The main effects are good for those with neuralgia, rheumatism, chronic skin diseases, chronic gynecological diseases, etc.
In the surrounding area, you can enjoy walking around Kaike Onsen Shrine, which is popular for praying for longevity and family peace, Kaike Beach Park along the coast where you can also have a footbath, and the Kaike Beach. Sakaiminato, where you can meet popular manga's youkai, is about 30 minutes away by car. It is a hot spring area with plenty of activities to do.
Spot Information
- Address: Kaike Onsen, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 45 minutes by bus from Yonago Kitaro Airport, approximately 20 minutes by bus from Yonago Station
〈A ryokan you'll want to stay at least once: Kaike Yugetsu〉
Kaike Yugetsu (皆生游月) is a resort-like inn where all guest rooms have ocean views. There are two ways to enjoy the hot springs here. One is an open-air hot spring bath installed on the terrace of all guest rooms.
The other is the infinity open-air bath on the 7th floor above the ground, where there is seemingly no boundary between the horizon of the Sea of Japan and the bathtub. It is a hot spring with an outstanding landscape that ranks second in the country as an open-air bath with a superb view in the ranking by economic newspapers.
For meals, you can enjoy creative Japanese cuisine using fresh seafood caught at Sakaiminato and Japanese black wagyu from Tottori Prefecture. It is an inn where you can spend a special time with heartfelt hospitality.
Spot Information
- Address: 3-11-1 Kaike Onsen, Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture
- Average accommodation fee: 34,650 yen to 78,100 yen for one adult when using a room for 2 people (price varies depending on the season)
- Official website: https://kaike-yugetsu.jp/
Togo Onsen, Tohaku District
Togo Onsen (東郷温泉) is located on the south shore of Lake Togo in the Prefectural Natural Park, one of the eight scenic spots in the San'in region. In the Edo period, the source of hot spring was discovered in 1872 on the shore of this lake, where hot springs were gushing out from the lake. The beginning of the current Togo Onsen was the building of a villa called "Yozyokan" there and open it to the locals. "Yozyokan" is still open as a ryokan nowadays.
This hot spring is also called "Koi no Yu" (恋の湯 - spring of love) because of the legend of discovery, and is also popular with young couples. The quality of the spring is chloride / sulfate spring. The main effects are good for those with neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, etc.
The surrounding area is full of sightseeing such as a course where you can take a walk while gazing at the beautiful scenery and hot bath facilities. At the summer Suigosai (水郷祭) festival, you can also enjoy the big fireworks display on the lake that colors the night sky.
Spot Information
- Address: Hawaionsen, Yurihama-cho, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Access: Approximately 45 minutes by limousine bus from Tottori Airport, approximately 16 minutes by bus from JR Kurayoshi Station
〈A ryokan you'll want to stay at least once: Kosenkaku Yozyokan〉
The Kosenkaku Yozyokan (湖泉閣 養生館) has been rooted in this land since the time the source of hot spring was discovered. At the open-air bath, you can soak in the hot water while feeling the natural breeze. Then, in the large public baths where one side of the wall is covered with glass, you can enjoy a large panorama while soaking.
In front of the men's panoramic bath is Lake Togo and the themed Chinese Garden Enchoen (燕趙園). From the women's panoramic bath, you can see a Japanese garden of 6,000 tsubo (around 19834.71 sq.m).
All three private open-air baths require reservations, so you can take them without hesitation. One of them, "Fujyu no Yu" (風樹の湯, entry fee required), which was reopened in April 2022, is an open-air bath where you can enjoy a sense of unity with the lake.
All guest rooms are spacious Japanese-style rooms where you can fully enjoy the Japanese atmosphere. The food is also excellent. It is an inn where you can feel the rejuvenation both by the scenery and by the hot springs.
Spot Information
- Address: 144 Oaza Hikiji, Yurihama-cho, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture
- Average accommodation fee: 19,800 yen to 37,950 yen for one adult when using a room for 2 people (price varies depending on the season)
- Official website: https://yozyokan.jp/
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