Misasa Onsen (Misasa Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Misasa Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Misasa Town, Tohaku District, Tottori Prefecture. It has long been popular as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and is characterized by the hot spring town stretching along a valley rich in nature. It is particularly known nationwide as a "radium spring" because of the trace amounts of radioactive material (radon, a radioactive noble gas) contained in the water, and is attracting attention as a hot spring with expected therapeutic benefits.
The hot spring town has a quiet and tranquil atmosphere, and its charm lies in the riverside scenery and the preservation of traditional inns and lodgings.You can also enjoy the changing nature of the seasons (fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery in winter), and it is a convenient base for visiting nearby tourist spots.
Highlights
- Radium (trace radon) spring bathing experience: Many inns and public baths use this spring for medical treatment and relaxation. Some facilities even offer mountain stream views from their open-air baths.
- Strolling around the hot spring town: Take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade, foot bath spots, old inns and souvenir shops.
- Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple (nearby): This ancient temple is famous for its Nageiredo Hall, which seems to cling to the cliff. The pilgrimage route and hiking trail are also worth seeing (visiting requires physical strength and preparation).
- Seasonal natural scenery: Enjoy the scenery of each season, from the fresh greenery and autumn leaves along the stream to the snowy scenery in winter.
- Local cuisine and ingredients: Many ryokans offer kaiseki cuisine and local cuisine made with the bounty of Tottori's sea and mountains.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + Bus: The nearest major station is Kurayoshi Station on the JR San'in Main Line. From Kurayoshi Station, take a local bus towards Misasa Onsen, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes (depending on the route and time of day). Buses run in limited numbers, so be sure to check the timetable in advance.
- By car: Access from the Yonago or Tottori direction via national and prefectural roads. Driving time varies depending on the departure point, but from Tottori City it is roughly around an hour (depending on traffic conditions).
- Using express buses and highways: The most common route to access from a wider area is to use a highway bus or private car to get to the nearby interchange, and then take the local roads.
- Air: You can also travel by car or bus from the nearest airports (Yonago Airport or Tottori Airport).
*Please check the official website or transportation company in advance for the latest timetables, operation information, and road information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: It takes about 2 to 4 hours to bathe in the hot springs and stroll around the hot spring town (if using public transportation, take into account the round trip time).
- Accommodation: Two days and one night is recommended. You can leisurely enjoy visiting the hot springs in the evenings and mornings and sightseeing in the surrounding area (e.g. visiting Sanbutsuji Temple and the white-walled storehouses in Kurayoshi). If you want to take advantage of the hot spring therapy and explore the surrounding area, two nights or more is recommended.
Nearby spots
- Sanbutsu-ji Temple (Nageiredo Hall): An ancient temple easily accessible from Misasa Onsen. It is famous for its impressive cliff-side architecture. Visiting may be subject to seasonal and capacity restrictions.
- Kurayoshi City (white-walled storehouses and red-tiled streets): Enjoy the historic streets, museums, local cuisine restaurants, and more.
- Tottori Sand Dunes (a little far, but within day trip distance): A major tourist spot in Tottori Prefecture. Worth a visit depending on the weather.
- Nearby nature trails and valleys: Hiking trails and observation spots where you can enjoy seasonal scenery.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Ryokan and day-use facilities are crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, autumn foliage season, New Year's, etc. Advance reservations are recommended for weekends and consecutive holidays.
- Hot Spring Manners: Please observe basic hot spring manners, such as washing your body in the washing area before bathing, not putting towels in the bathtub, and taking care not to get sick by bathing for too long. Some public baths and inns have restrictions regarding tattoos, so please check in advance.
- Health warning: While many people expect the beneficial effects of hot springs containing radon, those with chronic illnesses or pregnant women should consult a doctor before bathing. Avoid hot water or long periods of time in the bath, and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
- Traffic precautions: Road conditions change in winter due to snow and ice, so if you are visiting by car in winter, be sure to bring winter tires and chains and check the traffic information. Also, there are some sections where buses run infrequently, so be sure to check the time of your return trip.
- Nature and Environmental Protection: To protect the rivers and natural environment, please take your trash with you and be mindful of your actions so as not to affect vegetation or wildlife.
Final Thoughts: Misasa Onsen is a hot spring resort where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a quiet therapeutic spa and the unique charm of hot springs containing radon. A relaxing soak at the inn, combined with a visit to nearby ancient temples and a stroll around the town, will make for a fulfilling trip. Please check the latest information on each facility and transportation before visiting.
