Nagato’s five onsen are…
1. Nagato Yumoto Onsen
2. Tawarayama Onsen
3. Yumen Onsen
4. Kiwado Onsen
5. Yuyawan Onsen

Nagato’s five onsen are all hot springs with simple alkaline waters, making them soft to the touch, and gentle on the skin. Their shared characteristic is the slippery smooth quality they give to the skin of bathers, which makes them particularly popular with visitors concerned with skin irritation.

Let’s take a look at their particular properties in detail…

Nagato Yumoto Onsen is the oldest onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where it is known for its history of approximately 600 years, beginning with the temple’s discovery in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), through divine revelation.

The Otozure River runs through central Nagato, and its banks are lined on either side with traditional ryokan and old-fashioned inns.

Plans are currently underway to rennovate Nagato Yumoto Onsen.
Stylish cafés and more are appearing in the area, so it will be exciting to see Nagato Yumoto in the future!

For more, please click here:
https://visit-nagato.com/en/onsen/nagatoyumoto/

According to legend, Tawarayama Onsen was discovered nearly 1,100 years ago, by the Buddha disguised as a white monkey.
The hot springs here have long been known for their great healing qualities.

The ryokan inns in the Tawarayama Onsen area have no on-site baths–instead, visitors walk to the onsen outside. This makes it possible for visitors who aren’t staying the night to enjoy the onsen here, too.
Morning and evening, the streets of Tawarayama Onsen clink with the sound of the traditional wooden geta sandals of bathers in yukata cotton kimono. It’s a sight that brings to mind idyllic images of old-time Japan.

Manju (steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste) made in the shape of the white monkey said to have discovered the onsen are sold here in Tawarayama.
These manju are made with sponge-y dough, formed in the shape of the three famous, « See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil » monkeys.

For more, please click here:
https://visit-nagato.com/en/onsen/tawarayama/

There are two stories of the origins of Yumen Onsen.

According to one story, the famous monk Kukai discovered the onsen after dreaming of it, nearly 1,200 years ago, leading the onsen to be called the « dream » (yume) onsen.

Another story tells that a local Nagato hunter came upon an injured rabbit healing its wounds in the waters of the onsen, giving the hot springs their name. Yumen is written with the character for hot water (« yu ») and a character (« men ») that closely resembles the character for rabbit.

The waters of Yumen Onsen are very soothing to wounds, and to the skin in general. It is said to be extremely effective in healing irritated skin and rashes.

For more, please click here:
https://visit-nagato.com/en/onsen/yumen/

This daytime onsen includes an open-air bath that looks out directly on an exquisite view of the Sea of Japan and Nagato’s Fukawa Bay.
Nagato is a city with a prosperous squid fishing industry, but the sight of the squid boats’ lamps trembling light across the bay is truly something else.

For more, please click here:
https://visit-nagato.com/en/onsen/kiwado-onsen/

From the elevated position of the scenic Yuyawan Onsen, bathers can observe the changing colors of sunrise and sunset as they color the waters of Yuya Bay below.
The lotion-like waters of the hot spring are said to leave the skin of bathers slippery-smooth.

Not far away is a treasure chest of natural and scenic beauty, including Motonosumi Shrine and the plains of Senjojiki.

For more, please click here:
https://visit-nagato.com/en/onsen/yuyawan/

Each of Nagato’s five onsen have unique properties, sure to relax and soothe any tired traveller.
Many of these onsen don’t require overnight stays for entry, either. Try a soak in each, and find your favorite Nagato onsen!