Important Notice: While there is a station named Sakakibaraonsen Station, it’s not the most practical way to reach Sakakibara Onsen. Searching on Google Maps will likely show Sakakibaraonsen Station as the nearest stop. However, taxis are often unavailable there, making access tricky. For this guide, we’ll introduce how to get there by bus.
This guide focuses on the route to Sakakibara Onsen Yunono-Sho, a day-use hot spring facility.
- Address: 5970 Sakakibara-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
- Nearest Station: Tsu Station (served by Kintetsu, JR, and Ise Railway lines)
- Route from the Station: Take a bus from Tsu Station and get off at the “Yumoto Sakakibara-kan-mae” bus stop (approximately 60 minutes). From the bus stop, it’s about a 3-minute walk.
Traveling from Tsu Station is the most straightforward option. Not only is Sakakibara Onsen Yunono-Sho just a 3-minute walk from the Yumoto Sakakibara-kan-mae bus stop, but other Sakakibara Onsen facilities are also within walking distance.
Board the Sakakibara Shako-bound bus numbered [15] or [16] at Bus Stop No. 3. Please note that cash may be the only accepted payment method, so be sure to carry Japanese yen with you!
How about Sakakibara Onsen?
The History of Sakakibara Onsen
Sakakibara Onsen is mentioned in The Pillow Book, an ancient Japanese essay that is so famous that many elementary school students in Japan learn about it as part of their history curriculum. This work is believed to have been written around the year 1000.
In The Pillow Book, the phrase “The hot springs of Nanaguri, Arima, and Tamatsukuri” is used, with “Nanaguri no yu” referring to Sakakibara Onsen. For reference, Arima Onsen is located in Hyogo Prefecture, and Tamatsukuri Onsen is in Shimane Prefecture. This historical mention highlights the long-standing significance of Sakakibara Onsen in Japan’s cultural heritage.
The quality of Sakakibara Onsen’s spring water
Have you ever heard of the term “泉質” (spring water quality)? In Japan, hot springs have different “qualities” just like how drinking water can be either soft or hard, which affects the taste and texture. Similarly, Japanese hot springs vary in quality depending on the spring. Some might have clear water, while others could be black, or even have a sulfuric scent.
Sakakibara Onsen has a unique “slimy” texture and is classified as an alkaline simple spring. After soaking in this onsen, your skin feels smooth and silky, and I wholeheartedly agree with the name “beautiful skin hot spring” (美肌の湯).
Introduction to Sakakibara Onsen Yuno-sho
In the photos, purple is for the men’s bath and green is for the women’s bath, but they switch on different days. It’s clearly labeled “GENTLEMAN” and “LADIES” in English, so be careful not to make a mistake!
Enjoy your time in the silky, beauty-enhancing hot spring!
Note: Yuno-sho has a tattoo ban, so those with tattoos will not be able to use the facility. Please be aware of this restriction.
Other Sakakibara Onsen Facilities
Sei Shonagon
- Address: 6010 Sakakibara-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (No bathing between 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM for cleaning)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Day-use Onsen Fees: 1,000 yen for adults, 800 yen for children (3–12 years old)
- Website: www.seishounagon.co.jp
Shintoukan
- Address: 5079 Sakakibara-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
- Hours: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Bathing available until 7:00 PM)
- Closed: Every Wednesday
- Day-use Onsen Fees: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for elementary school students, 500 yen for children (3 years old and up)
- Website: shintoukan.jp
Yunose
- Address: 6101 Sakakibara-cho, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture Google Maps
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:30 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Day-use Onsen Fees: 550 yen for adults (650 yen on weekends and holidays), 200 yen for children under 12 years old
- Website: sakakibaraonsen.com
Important Notes:
- Tattoo Policy: The tattoo policy is unknown for each of these facilities, so it’s advisable to check with them directly.
- Towel: Be sure to bring a towel with you. If you don’t have one, towels are available for rent at a cost of 100 to 300 yen.
Hours and Fees
- Tattoo Policy: People with tattoos, including Japanese nationals, are not allowed to enter.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry at 7:00 PM)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Parking: Free parking available
- Entrance Fee: 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for children (3 years old to middle school)
- Maximum Stay: 2 hours
- Towel: Towels are included in the entrance fee, so there’s no need to bring your own. The towel is not a rental; it is for you to take home.
Note that this information is accurate as of October 14, 2024.