Kaike Onsen (Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture)

Kaike Onsen (Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

Kaike Onsen is a hot spring resort along the Sea of Japan in Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture. It has long been popular as a hot spring town facing the sea, and its saline springs (chloride springs) are similar to seawater, and are said to have good heat retention and long-lasting properties. As the hot springs are adjacent to the white sand beach, one of the great attractions is that you can enjoy bathing while strolling along the beach or watching the sunset. There are many inns and hotels, and there are plenty of facilities for day-trip bathing, as well as seafood cuisine and foot baths.

Highlights

• Kaike Onsen Beach: The seaside promenade and the sunset over the Sea of Japan seen from the white sand beach are famous. Summer is the bustling swimming season.
• Hot spring resort inns and large public bathsMany inns have open-air baths overlooking the sea and private baths, so you can enjoy the hot springs along with a seafood kaiseki meal.
• Footbaths and day-trip facilities: There are foot baths and day-use bathing facilities where you can easily enjoy the hot springs, making it easy to use in between sightseeing.
• Surrounding nature and scenery: You can enjoy the view of the Yumigahama Peninsula and, on a clear day, the Oki Islands and the Sanin Sea in the distance.
• A base for nearby sightseeing: It is a convenient base for visiting Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato and Mt. Daisen.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: JR Yonago Station (JR San'in Main Line/Hakubi Line).
• Travel time from the station: Approximately 20 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by car (taxi) from Yonago Station.
• airport: Approximately 15 minutes by car from Yonago Kitaro Airport (Yonago Airport). Airport limousine or taxi is convenient.
• car: Approximately 15-30 minutes by car from the nearest IC on the Chugoku Expressway (depending on traffic conditions).
• bus: Local buses bound for Kaike Onsen run from Yonago Station and various locations within the city. The number of buses may increase during the tourist season.

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Day trip: Foot baths and day baths plus a stroll along the beach take about 2 to 4 hours.
• Accommodation (1 night, 2 days): A standard stay that includes a relaxing hot spring bath, dinner (seafood kaiseki), a walk the next morning, and sightseeing in the surrounding area. If you want to fully enjoy the hot spring town, we recommend staying at least 1 night.
• Base sightseeing: If you plan to visit Sakaiminato (a Kitaro spot) or Mt. Daisen, a 1-2 night trip is convenient.

Nearby spots

• Sakaiminato / Mizuki Shigeru Road: You can enjoy bronze statues of monsters and port town cuisine (approximately 20-30 minutes by car).
• Mt. Daisen: Popular for hiking, highland scenery, seasonal flowers and autumn leaves (approximately 40-60 minutes by car).
• Yonago Castle Ruins (Kume Castle and Yonago Castle Ruins) and City Walk: Take a historical stroll or explore local restaurants.
• Matsue/Izumo area: It takes about an hour by car and you can access tourist spots on the Shimane side such as Izumo Taisha Shrine and Matsue Castle.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Busy period: Accommodations and beaches are crowded during summer (beach bathing season), Golden Week, Obon, and weekend holidays. We recommend making reservations early.
• Hot Spring EtiquettePlease observe general hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself before entering the bath, not putting towels in the bath, and washing your body before entering the bath. Some facilities have restrictions on bathing for people with tattoos, so please check in advance.
• Beach Precautions: The Sea of Japan can be rough, so please follow signs prohibiting swimming and warnings. It is especially dangerous in winter and during stormy weather.
• Transportation and Parking: During the tourist season, surrounding roads and parking lots will be crowded, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
• Seasonal clothing: In winter, the sea breeze can be chilly, so be sure to take measures to protect yourself from the cold. In summer, be sure to take measures to protect yourself from the sun and heatstroke.