Tourists coming to Awaji-shima mainly visit architect Tadao Ando's Awaji Yumebutai, Dream Stage or even go straight to Naruto. Even so, this article will introduce the 3 best onsen (hot springs) to unwind on this beautiful island!
1. Biyu Matsuho no Sato
If you want to enjoy the night view while soaking in the onsen then Biyu Matsuho no Sato (美湯松帆の郷) is the best choice in Awaji-shima. Here, you can see the world's longest suspension bridge, the Akashi Kaikyo. During the night, the bridge is brightly illuminated. In good weather, you can even see Akashi City on the other side of the bridge!
You'll get the best view when you soak in the massage tub at the outdoor onsen. If you don't want to go out, you can still bathe indoors with the same view.
Biyu Matsuho no Sato restaurant and shop is the largest of the three onsen. I enjoyed having dinner here and bought a lot of local products such as Awaji Sake, fried seafood and souvenirs.
Information
Cost: 700 Yen/adult, 400 Yen/child under 4 years old
Address: Iwaya, Awaji-shi, Hyogo, 656-2401, Japan
Phone: 0799-73-2333
Business hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm (stop accepting guests at 9:00 pm)
2. Goshiki Yu-Yu-Five Health Park
Goshiki Health Park (五色温泉ゆ – ゆｰファイブ) is located in Goshiki Park – a famous place in Awaji-shima. Because it is located on the top of the mountain, the view here is AMAZING! The onsen here has ingredients including herbs or plants that are offered to bring new vitality to your body functions. We enjoyed soaking in the pepper-ginger onsen for men, and the apple-ginger onsen for women.
In Goshiki health care park, you can also have Awaji milk and beef rice (gyudon). Along the edge of the dining area is a tatami area for those who want to relax after soaking in the onsen. You can sleep and relax in this area!
Information
Cost: 600 Yen/adult, 500 Yen/elderly (65 years old or older), 300 Yen/child (3 years old to elementary school)
Address: Hyogo Sumoto-shi Goshiki-cho Tsushi 1087 Inside Goshiki Takataya Kahei Koen Health Park
Phone: 0799-33-1601
Business hours: 10:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (stop accepting customers at 9:00 p.m.) ※ business hours are longer from mid-July to late August
Holiday: Thursday of every month except January and August (if it coincides with a national holiday, the next day will be off)
※ Temporarily closed at the end of January
3. Yu-Puru Hot Springs
Yu-Puru Onsen (南あわじリフレッシュ交流ハウスゆーぷる) chat in south Awaji-shima, near Onaruto Bridge, where you can see the famous natural phenomenon – Naruto splash.
Yu-Puru Onsen has Japanese and Western baths and alternates for men and women. It also has an outdoor onsen and a slide – kids will definitely love this! After soaking in the onsen, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and remember to drink an Awaji milk device to rehydrate!
Information
Cost: 600 yen/adult, 300 yen/child (3 years old to elementary school)
Address: Kitaama Tsutsui, Minamiawaji-shi, Hyogo,656-0534, Japan
Phone: 0799-50-5126
Business hours: 10:00 a.m. –10:30 p.m. (closes at 10:00 p.m.; closed on Wednesdays except August)
Four things you should know before soaking in a Japanese onsen
Here are 4 things to know for those who want to take an onsen bath!
1. Get naked
Almost all onsen require you to take off your clothes (and there are exceptions). Remove clothes and put them in a bin or lock. The only thing you can bring with you when entering an onsen is a small piece of towel. Don't default to the map!
2. Shower first
Sit in a chair and take a quick shower while soaking in hot water.
3. Leave the towel at your head
Towels should not be soaked in the onsen. You also cannot leave it in the bathroom. Many people take a bath next to the bathtub near them. Also, you can put a towel on your head!
4. No recording
In most onsens in Japan, they do not allow people with pictures to enter. The three onsen in the article all have no tattoos.
Now you definitely know how to enjoy onsen hot water and the best onsen in Awaji-shima. Now be sure to visit and explore more on this island because it's just passing by!
