A leisurely stroll from onsen to onsen is a pleasure in this old-fashioned hot spring town, ringing with the sound of traditional sandals. Enjoy this secluded mountain hot spring with a soak soothing for mind and body.
Sightseeing Spot 1/7
Take a morning bath in the Town Baths (Machi no Yu)
Start your morning at the bathhouse in the center of this onsen town, under a pleasant falling stream from the natural hot spring.
Machi no Yu
5113 Tawarayama, Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-4211
Business Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Weekly holidays are not set.
Sightseeing Spot 2/7
Stroll through the streets of Tawarayama Onsen
Take an easy stroll through Tawarayama Onsen, where it’s common to see bathers heading to and from onsen wrapped in cotton kimono (yukata).
Halfway along the street, you might happen across sweet sansaru (three monkeys) manju, named after the monkey said to have discovered Tawarayama Onsen. Time for a snack!
● Spot information
Sansaru Manju Fukuda Sengetsu-do
5077 Tawarayama, Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-4211
Business Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Closed on Tuesdays
Sightseeing Spot 4/7
Make your own buckwheat noodles (soba) at Sato-yama Station
The fragrance of the Tawarayama-grown buckwheat flour you’ll use may whet your appetite, but don’t worry: after you’ve made your noodles, you can make a lunch of them!
This temple is dedicated to the Buddhist deity Kannon, and is visited frequently by pilgrims hoping for prosperity–gained, it is said, with a prayer and a touch to the head of one of the many phalli surrounding the temple.
This local bookstore is full not only with books, but is also frequently host to local events and exhibitions. A café space is also available, a perfect for relaxing with a good book.
● Spot information
Roba Bookstore
6994 Tawarayama, Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-4211
Business Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
Sightseeing Spot 7/7
Enjoy foot baths and full-body outdoor baths at Hakuen no Yu
Back into the onsen again after a day’s travel, enjoy the baths at Shiro Saru no Yu (The White Monkey Spring).
● Spot information
Hakuen no Yu (The White Monkey Spring)
5172 Tawarayama, Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture 759-4211
Business Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
No regular weekly closed days.
