Discover Itamuro Onsen, Nasushiobara’s Hidden Hot Spring! A Stay Guide for Onsen, Gourmet, and Sightseeing

• Table of Contents
• 1: Day trip to hot springs
• 2: Gourmet spots around Itamuro Onsen
• 3: Touring tourist sites that capture nature and history
• 4: Stay overnight at Sachinoyu Onsen
• 5: Summary
• 6. Access

1: Day trip to hot springs

A unique bathing method: "Tsuna no Yu"

At Itamuro Onsen, there is a traditional bathing method called "Tsuna no Yu." This is a bathing method in which you bathe while standing, holding onto a rope set into a deep bathtub. By maintaining this position, the water pressure is evenly distributed over the entire body, which is said to be effective in improving blood circulation and relieving joint pain.

First, we will introduce two day-trip hot spring facilities where you can experience Tsuna no Yu.

Itamuro Kenko no Yu Green Green

The waters of Itamuro Onsen are alkaline simple hot springs, which are gentle on the skin and have a relaxing effect. Inside the building, the traditional Itamuro bathing method, "Tsuna no Yu," has been recreated. However, since the bathing is done on a weekly basis by men and women, it is best to check in advance whether or not you will be able to enter "Tsuna no Yu" when you visit. Of course, we also recommend looking forward to it on the day!

There is also a large rest area where you can relax after your bath, making this a great place to relax. This facility not only provides the benefits of the hot springs, but also a relaxing time.

Itamuro Kenko no yu Green Green

3090-6, Momomura, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, 325-0115

This is a day-trip hot spring bathing facility in Itamuro Onsen. You can enjoy the hot springs of Itamuro, known as the "medicinal baths of Shimotsuke," at a reasonable price. Since opening in September 1994, it has been used by many tourists and local residents. The famous open-air bath "Tsuna no Yu," where you soak in a waist-deep tub while holding on to a rope hanging from the beams, is a reproduction of the former Itamuro public bath.

Sachinoyu Onsen

At Sachinoyu Onsen, you can enjoy authentic hot springs not only for overnight stays, but also for day trips. "Tsuna no Yu" is quite deep, at about 125-140cm, so you can fully immerse yourself in the hot spring up to your neck. The water pressure is evenly distributed over the entire body, which promotes blood circulation and gently warms you from the inside out!

In addition, the spectacular "Otaki Utaseyu" waterfall, which flows down from a height of 4m, stimulates the whole body with its powerful flow, blowing away the fatigue of everyday life. The gentle alkaline simple hot spring water is safe for babies' delicate skin, making it popular with families.

Day-trip bathing is offered in two sessions, morning and afternoon, and in the morning session, you can use the rest area as well as bathe in the hot springs. Conversely, in the afternoon session, you cannot use the rest area, but the bathing fee is set lower than in the morning. (*The display of Hina dolls in the rest area is only available from mid-January to the end of March.)

If you would like to know more about the hot springs, please click here.

Sachinoyu Onsen

3536-1 Momomura, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, 325-0115

A natural hot spring inn with natural spring free-flowing hot spring. Enjoy the open-air bath, waterfall bath, and country cuisine.

2: Gourmet spots around Itamuro Onsen

Soba restaurant Yashio

You can enjoy fragrant, chewy, handmade soba noodles made with buckwheat flour from Tochigi Prefecture, Kanuma Prefecture, and the famous water of Nasu. In addition, dishes made with fresh, locally sourced wild plants and vegetables are also popular.

This time, I had the " Three-Variety Soba with Tempura". The soba is served with three types of dipping sauce, "Walnut Sesame Sauce,"made with fragrant walnuts and white sesame seeds, "Spicy Daikon Radish," and "Tororo," and is accompanied by tempura of shrimp, maitake mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables. It's great to be able to enjoy three different flavors at the same time!

Another popular item is the "Sansho Miso Konnyaku." The special sweet miso, made by crushing sansho berries and leaves, mixing them with miso, mirin, and sugar, is exquisitely mixed with the konnyaku, giving it a refreshing aroma and deep flavor.

The owner, Mr. Takanezawa, is a local who was born and raised in Itamuro Onsen. Wanting to let tourists know more about the charms of Itamuro, he is also involved in creating an original map that lists the tourist spots around the hot springs. If you stop by the store, be sure to pick up a map.

Soba restaurant Yashio

325-0111 844-41 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture

This traditional soba restaurant serves soba noodles with a delicate flavor made from kelp and shiitake mushroom broth, as well as dishes made with fresh seasonal mountain vegetables and other vegetables delivered daily.

3: Touring tourist sites that capture nature and history

Kinomata Jizo

The Kinomata Jizo has been enshrined at the base of a 500-year-old Katsura tree, and as the hollow base of the tree is reminiscent of the female genitalia and uterus, it is famous as a place for praying for fertility and safe childbirth.

The Katsura tree in which Kinomata Jizo is enshrined has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Trees of Tochigi" as the "Kinomata Jizo's Katsura."

Kinomata Jizo

2051 Momomura, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, 325-0115

On the left side of the road heading towards Miyama Dam from Itamuro Kaido, about 170m down a forest road, is Jizo Bodhisattva, enshrined at the base of a Katsura tree that is said to be 500 years old. There are seven Jizo statues in the nearby Jizo Hall, and the Katsura tree has been selected as one of the "100 Famous Trees of Tochigi."

Nasu Fish Land

Here you can fish for river fish such as char and rainbow trout, which you can then grill over charcoal and enjoy. The experience of being able to eat the fish you caught yourself is a luxurious experience where you can enjoy both the fun of fishing and the bounty of nature.

Nasu Fish Land

325-0111 46 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture

A managed mountain stream fishing spot in Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. You can also enjoy barbecues, salt-grilled and deep-fried char and yamame trout, etc.

Kagoiwa Jizo

It is said that Kagoiwa Jizo was originally donated by visitors to the hot springs as a token of appreciation for recovering from illness. In particular, a stone statue of the mountain god depicting a left breast is said to have been donated in gratitude for being cured of breast cancer. Currently, Kagoiwa Shrine itself is closed due to rockfall caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake, but this stone statue depicting a left breast has been moved to the foot of the mountain and is still worshipped by visitors to this day.

Kagoiwa Jizo

325-0111 Itamuro area, Nasushiobara city, Tochigi prefecture

Jizo statue on the hill of Itamuro Onsen. It started when our ancestors came to take a cure for the hot springs, believing that gods resided in the hollows of the sacred rocks, and before long, they donated the Jizo statue as thanks for their recovery from illness. *The road may be closed due to falling rocks.

Otome Waterfall

It is a beautiful waterfall about 5m wide and 10m high. There are various theories about the origin of the name "Otome", including a legend that villagers saw a beautiful blind girl (the incarnation of the blind snake that is the lord of Numazuhara Hara), a metaphorical theory that it looks like a maiden's hair, and a legend of a mermaid that appeared in the basin of the waterfall.

Otome Falls

703-80 Itamuro, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture 325-0111

Located on the Sawana River that flows from Mt. Shirasasa, this beautiful waterfall is about 5 meters wide and has a drop of about 10 meters. You can see different expressions depending on the season and the amount of water.

4: Stay overnight at Sachinoyu Onsen

The hot spring inn where I stayed this time, "Sachinoyu Onsen", is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy the luxury of free-flowing hot spring water from its own source, which gushes out from a vast site of about 10,000 tsubo (approx. 99,000 m2). The inn is equipped with several types of hot springs that can be used as day spas, as well as hot springs exclusively for guests staying at the inn. Each has its own unique charm, making it the perfect inn for hot spring lovers who want to enjoy hot springs multiple times a day.

The entire building is covered with tatami mats

After entering the building, you take off your shoes and step inside to find yourself surrounded by tatami mats. All areas of the building, including the stairs, elevators, toilets, and bathrooms, are covered in tatami mats, so you can enjoy the unique Japanese atmosphere barefoot without needing to use slippers.

Of particular note is the tatami-floored indoor bath exclusively available to guests.

This rare tatami-floored bath has specially made tatami mats covering the entire floor, allowing you to feel the traditional culture of Japan while bathing! It has a reputation for being safe and enjoyable for everyone, from children to the elderly, without feeling the coldness of their feet.

We also have a private tatami-mat hot spring that can be reserved by reservation only! With the idea that "everyone should be able to enjoy the hot springs without hesitation," you can enjoy the barrier-free hot springs exclusively without having to worry about anyone else. (1 slot 50 minutes/charged)

View of the room

This time I stayed in a Western-style room with a bed, but most of the rooms at the inn are Japanese-style rooms with tatami flooring. Yukata robes and towels are provided in the rooms, so you can enjoy a truly Japanese style stay.

The building has a rest room called the gathering room, a library space that can be used at any time, and more. It is also fully equipped with washing and drying machines, making it a great place to stay for long periods of time.

meal

The Toujigozen meal is based on a healthy "one soup and seven dishes" or "one soup and eight dishes." We enjoyed a Japanese meal set in a set-table style, carefully prepared by the head chef using fresh koshihikari rice and vegetables sourced from local contracted farmers, local meat, and river fish. The hot pot with duck meat was also excellent.

Extra information

From mid-January to the end of March, you can see gorgeous displays including dolls made in the Meiji period, 28 pairs of dolls in a seven-tier display, Kyoto dolls, lacquered dolls, and dolls that have won the Prime Minister's Award. If you are lucky enough to visit during this period, you will be able to see a variety of beautiful dolls.

*Ohinasama are dolls displayed during the traditional Japanese event "Girl's Festival" (March 3rd), which celebrate the growth of girls and also have the meaning of praying for protection from evil and good health. It is an important part of the culture celebrating the arrival of spring, and is cherished by families and communities.

Sachinoyu Onsen

3536-1 Momomura, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, 325-0115

A natural hot spring inn with natural spring free-flowing hot spring. Enjoy the open-air bath, waterfall bath, and country cuisine.

5: Summary

Itamuro Onsen is a historic hot spring resort, a place of healing surrounded by lush nature. You can enjoy the simple yet effective hot springs, refreshing both body and mind. It is perfect for those who want to enjoy hot springs, delicious gourmet food, and the nature of Nasushiobara. Whether you are staying for a day trip or an overnight stay, you can fully enjoy the hot springs, making it the perfect travel destination for hot spring and nature lovers. Please try the stay at "Konoyu Onsen," where you can heal both body and mind.

6. Access

▶Transportation from Tokyo

・Using the Tohoku Shinkansen: Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at Nasushiobara Station. The journey takes about 70 minutes.

・Using conventional trains: Take the Utsunomiya line from Tokyo Station and get off at Kuroiso Station. The journey takes about 3 hours.

▶Access from Nasushiobara Station to Itamuro Onsen

By bus

Kanto Bus operates buses from bus stop number 3 at the west exit of Nasushiobara Station, and it takes about 50 minutes to get to Itamuro Onsen. (It also passes through Kuroiso Station, so those coming to Kuroiso by conventional train can also use this bus.)

*The boarding point number is written on the ground, so be careful not to make a mistake!

By Car rental

As public transportation is limited, renting a car is extremely convenient for not only accessing Itamuro Onsen but also for enjoying sightseeing in the surrounding area. There are several rental car companies around Nasushiobara Station, including the following locations:

Toyota Rent a Car Nasushiobara Station

Orix Rent a Car Nasushiobara Station

Nippon Rent-A-Car Nasushiobara Station

By taxi

If you take a taxi from Nasushiobara Station to Itamuro Onsen, the journey takes about 25 to 30 minutes.