About
Chorakuen Tamatsukuri Onsen along the Tamayu River. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of Japan's oldest and most culturally significant hot spring resorts, dating back to at least 733 AD when it was introduced as "The Bath of The Gods" in the Ancient Chronicles of Izumo (Izumo-no-Kuni Fudoki). 🔗 🔗
This picturesque hot spring town sits along both banks of the Tamayu River, which flows into Lake Shinji, creating a scenic riverside setting lined with 22 traditional ryokan and modern hotels. The town is renowned as "bijin-no-yu" (bath of beauties) thanks to scientifically verified waters containing Japan's highest concentration of skin-moisturizing ingredients. 🔗
The name "Tamatsukuri" literally means "bead-making," reflecting the area's profound historical importance as a major production center for magatama - the sacred curved jewels that constitute one of Japan's Three Imperial Regalia. From the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century, skilled artisans from this region crafted ceremonial beads from high-quality agate, making Tamatsukuri a cultural hub of national importance. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
Ancient Origins and Mythology
Tamatsukuri Onsen holds profound mythological importance in Japanese culture. According to ancient records, this is where gods are said to bathe once a year since the creation of Japan according to the myth of Izanagi and Izanami, the deities who created the Japanese archipelago. The oldest surviving record, the Izumo-no-Kuni Fudoki (733 AD), claims that "bathing here once would make one more beautiful, while bathing here twice would cure all maladies." 🔗
The onsen is located in the Izumo region, considered the "Land of the Gods" (Kamigami no Kuni) in Japanese mythology, where deities gather annually during the month of Kamiarizuki. This sacred geography adds layers of spiritual significance to the bathing experience. 🔗
Imperial Regalia Connection
Tamatsukuri's magatama craft tradition directly connects to Japanese sovereignty and imperial authority. The sacred curved beads produced here became one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan (along with a mirror and sword). Three areas around Tamatsukuri Onsen contain numerous ancient jewel-making workshop remains and artifacts, designated as national historic sites. 🔗
The Beautifying Waters - Scientific Verification
In 2010, scientific verification confirmed that Tamatsukuri Onsen's water contains a higher proportion of skin-moisturizing ingredients than any other onsen in Japan. The water's moisturizing properties are so exceptional that it's sometimes described as "natural lotion," and pharmaceutical companies have praised its excellent moisturizing qualities. The sulfate spring composition leaves skin feeling moisturized and smooth, with bathers reporting that their skin stays warm for extended periods after bathing. 🔗
Visiting Information
Access from San'in Coastal Route (Kinosaki to Itoshima):
- Route Context: Located 10 km southwest of Matsue, just off Route 9 (San-in Expressway)
- Distance from Kinosaki: Approximately 100 km west along the coast
- Drive time from Kinosaki: 1 hour 20 minutes via Routes 178/9 to Matsue
- Highway Exit: Matsue-Tamatsukuri Interchange (7-minute drive to onsen)
- Detour Level: Short Detour (15-30 minutes) - Exit highway, 7 minutes to onsen district, easy return to route
- Route Integration: Strategic position between Matsue and Izumo, natural rest stop when following northern coastal route
Parking:
- Free parking at Yu-Yu public bath facility
- Parking available at Tamatsukuriyu Shrine
- All ryokan provide parking for guests and day-use visitors
- No parking restrictions or time limits 🔗
From Matsue (for reference):
- JR San-in Line to Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station: 8-10 minutes, ¥200
- Bus from Matsue Station to Himegami Hiroba: 25-30 minutes, ¥530
- By car from Matsue: 20-30 minutes 🔗
Hours:
- Riverside and foot baths: Accessible 24/7
- Yu-Yu public bath: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Tamatsukuriyu Shrine: Open 24 hours
Admission:
- Free riverside foot baths
- Yu-Yu public bath: ¥600 (adults), ¥300 (children)
- Ryokan day-use baths: ¥800-1,500 (varies by facility)
- Tamatsukuriyu Shrine: Free (donations welcome)
Best time to visit: Year-round; autumn (September-November) for comfortable temperatures; spring for cherry blossoms
Typical duration:
- Quick stop: 1.5-2 hours (foot bath + shrine)
- Half-day: 3-4 hours (full bath + lunch + stroll)
- Overnight: Evening arrival to morning departure
Current status: Open year-round with full facilities
The Experience
Bathing Facilities
Yu-Yu Public Bath: The most accessible option for day visitors, this modern facility designed by renowned architect Shin Takamatsu offers spacious indoor baths including a special magatama-shaped tub, outdoor baths, shoulder-massaging waterfall showers, and saunas. The facility is reported as tattoo-friendly, though confirming policies before visiting is recommended. 🔗 🔗
Free Riverside Foot Baths: Free foot baths built into the riverbank along the Tamayu River provide an accessible way for all visitors to experience the beautifying waters. Wooden benches line pools filled with steaming hot water, allowing visitors to soak their feet while enjoying riverside scenery. These ashiyu are popular spots for yukata-clad strollers. 🔗
Ryokan Day-Use Baths: Many of the 22 traditional ryokan make their baths available to day-trippers. Notable options include:
- Chorakuen: Features Japan's largest open-air mixed bath
- Matsuno-yu: Luxury bathing facilities with dinner buffets featuring regional cuisine 🔗
Taking Waters Home: At Yuyakushi Square (Yuyakushi Hiroba), visitors can purchase small bottles to collect the fountain's spring water for home use (should be used within 5 days for continued moisturizing effects). 🔗
Riverside Promenade and Attractions
Tamayu River Walk: The riverside is planted with 400 cherry trees and features walking paths creating a picturesque atmosphere. After dark, lamp-lit banks transform the setting into an enchanting scene, particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season but lovely year-round. The illuminated paths are ideal for post-bath strolls in yukata. 🔗
Tamatsukuriyu Shrine: Located at the southern end of town, this shrine enshrines the deities of hot springs and magatama jewels. The sacred "Negai-ishi" (wishing stone) allows visitors to make wishes by touching it with a "kanai-ishi" (wish-granting stone), particularly regarding love and relationships. The red Miyabashi Bridge leading to the shrine is known as the "Koi Kanau Bridge" (Love Fulfillment Bridge). 🔗
Magatama Craft Experiences: Several stores and facilities offer opportunities to craft your own magatama, creating a unique personal talisman. This hands-on experience connects visitors with the area's 1,700-year history as Japan's premier jewel-making center. Workshops allow carving semi-precious stones into the traditional curved comma shape. 🔗
Local Cuisine
Tamatsukuri showcases San-in regional cuisine, particularly the "Shinjiko Shitchin" - seven types of seafood caught in Lake Shinji, including prized shijimi clams. Seasonal specialties include Matsuba crabs (November-March), rosy sea bass, and Shimane wagyu beef. 🔗
Wakatake Sushi: Popular sushi restaurant specializing in fresh seafood from the San-in region paired with local Shimane sake. Their premium seafood bowl features generous portions with about 10 different toppings. 🔗
Note: No convenience stores in the onsen district, and restaurant options outside ryokan can be limited. Planning meals ahead is recommended, especially for dinner. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
October 30, 2025 Seasonal Considerations:
Weather and Conditions: Late October in Shimane offers comfortable temperatures typically ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F), ideal for onsen experiences. October provides peaceful pre-foliage charm - autumn colors typically begin in early November in Western Japan. 🔗
Seasonal Advantages:
- Onsen retreats without peak season crowds
- Comfortable temperatures for outdoor hot springs
- Pleasant evening weather for riverside strolls
- Ideal conditions for sunset viewing at nearby Lake Shinji
Onsen Etiquette:
- Wash thoroughly at shower stations before entering baths
- No swimwear or towels in the bath water
- No photography in bathing areas
- Keep voices low and conversations minimal
- Tie long hair up 🔗
Tattoo Considerations: Yu-Yu public bath is reported as tattoo-friendly, but policies vary between facilities. Always verify policies before visiting. Some ryokan may prohibit visible tattoos. 🔗
What to Bring:
- Small towel for drying face/body (larger towels provided or rented)
- Empty bottle if collecting spring water at Yuyakushi Square
- Cash for entry fees, restaurants, and shopping (not all places accept cards)
- Camera for riverside photography (not for bath areas)
Photography Opportunities:
- Cherry tree-lined riverbanks
- Miyabashi (red bridge) leading to Tamatsukuriyu Shrine
- Free foot baths along the riverbed
- Evening lamp-lit riverside paths
- Traditional ryokan architecture from riverside paths
Note: Never photograph inside bathing facilities or changing rooms. 🔗
Day Visit vs. Overnight:
Quick Stop Itinerary (1.5-2.5 hours):
- Park at Yu-Yu or Tamatsukuriyu Shrine
- Enjoy free foot bath along Tamayu River (15 minutes)
- Visit Tamatsukuriyu Shrine and Miyabashi Bridge (20 minutes)
- Optional: Full bath at Yu-Yu public facility (1 hour)
- Riverside stroll back to car (15 minutes)
Overnight Benefits:
- Multiple onsen sessions (evening, late-night, morning)
- Traditional kaiseki dinner featuring Lake Shinji specialties
- Evening riverside strolls along lamp-lit paths
- Morning walks when town is quiet and atmospheric
- Full ryokan experience with yukata, tatami rooms, cultural immersion
Route Integration:
Logical Route Grouping: Tamatsukuri pairs naturally with nearby attractions:
- Matsue Castle (20 minutes) - National Treasure castle
- Lake Shinji sunset viewing (15 minutes) - Famous sunsets
- Izumo Taisha (20-30 minutes) - One of Japan's most sacred shrines
Position on San-in Coastal Route:
- Natural overnight or rest stop between Matsue and Izumo cultural centers
- Strategic base for exploring both cities from single location
- Direct route access via Matsue-Tamatsukuri Interchange
Detour Time from Route 9:
- Exit at Matsue-Tamatsukuri Interchange
- 7-minute drive to onsen district
- Return to Route 9: 7 minutes
- Total detour: 15 minutes each way (30 minutes round trip, not including visit time)
Budgeting:
- Yu-Yu public bath: ¥600
- Ryokan day-use bath: ¥800-1,500
- Lunch at Wakatake Sushi: ¥1,500-3,000
- Magatama workshop: ¥1,000-2,000
- Spring water bottle: ¥200-500
- Overnight ryokan with meals: ¥15,000-40,000+ (varies by season)
Why This Stop is Worthwhile:
Unique Features:
- Scientifically Verified Beautifying Waters - Only onsen in Japan with verified highest concentration of skin-moisturizing ingredients 🔗
- Imperial Regalia Connection - Direct link to one of Japan's Three Imperial Regalia through magatama production 🔗
- Mythological Importance - Genuine "Land of the Gods" location where deities bathe according to ancient creation myths 🔗
- 1,300-Year History - One of Japan's oldest continuously operating hot springs with written records from 733 AD 🔗
- Accessible Experience - Free foot baths and affordable public bathing make onsen accessible to all travelers
For Route Travelers:
- Brief stops (1-2 hours): Experience authentic onsen culture without overnight commitment via free foot baths and shrine visit
- Extended visits: Complete immersion in traditional Japanese onsen culture with regional Lake Shinji cuisine
- Overnight stays: Ideal base for exploring Matsue and Izumo cultural sites
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kinosaki-to-fukuoka-sanin-coastal-route/tamatsukuri-onsen.md