Kawayu Onsen
Kawayu Onsen is an unique Onsen. Anywhere you dig along the riverbank springs up hot water. The holes in the riverbank are the tubs for bathing.
In summer, people enjoy the warm waters of Onsen while playing in the pristine currents of the Ohtou River.
If you can' t believe it' s an Onsen, then why not check it out? The sensation of digging your own bathtub is fantastic.
In winter (December to February), the mammoth Sennin-buro River Bath opens!
Come experience the rustic beauty of the changing seasons at Kawayu Onsen.
Kawayu Onsen District (Water quality: Pure natural spring, 73 degree; Effective against when drunk: Digestive disorders, diabetes, gout; Effective against by bathing: Nervous disorders, diabetes)
Everyone is welcome, but if you are not staying at one of the local lodgings, bring a shovel with you.
In addition to digging your own bath in the riverbank, a public bathhouse is located nearby. Free parking for approximately 50 cars can be found about 200 m downstream. The pool and parking lot are open from 9:00 thru 17:00.
During the Senninburo season, you are not allowed to dig your own bath.
Around Kawayu Onsen District
Coffee shop FINE
close to Kawayu-Onsen bus stop
Located along the river (0735-42-1631)
Coffee shop SHIBA
close to Kameya-Mae bus stop
Located next to the public hot bath along the river
(0735-42-0258)
Coffee shop KOBUCHI
next to Kawayu-Onsen bus stop
Located next to Kawayu Midoriya Inn along the river (0735-42-0432)
Kawayu Onsen Public Restroom
Located across Kawayu-Kaitaku Bridge
Kawayu Juni-Yakushi （Medical Buddha）
Juniyakushi is the guardian deity of Kawayu Onsen. Since the faithful have been gathering here for centuries, it is said that praying to Juni-Yakushi helps cure nervous and internal disorders. Every January 12, a thick rope is strung across the river and each household hangs a paper tiger of their own design and crafting to ask for protection against illness and accident.
