Tamatsukuri Onsen

famed beautifying hot springs rejuvenating skin since ancient times

 
About a 15-minute drive from the center of Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture, Japan’s 7th largest lake, Lake Shinji, receives the currents of the Tamayu River, its banks lined with many ryokan inns and sakura cherry trees forming a lovely onsen town. Easily accessible from Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the hot springs of Tamatsukuri Onsen are said to be one of the oldest in Japan, flowing for 1,300 years, famously depicted in Sei Shonagon’s essay Makura no Soshi (The Pillow Book).

Colorless and clear, the mildly alkaline water contains abundant metasilicic acid, a common ingredient in skin lotion. Due to this skin-beautifying power, the spring is known as “natural lotion.”

If beautiful skin is what you seek, don’t overlook some important places, like the free footbath at the foot of the Princess Himegami statue, known as the symbol of beauty in Himegami Square. Right next to the bus stop, it’s an ideal spot to take a break while waiting for your ride. In addition, at Yuyakushi Square you can freely take hot spring water from the source. Special bottles are also on sale, so everyone can take home a sampling of this hot spring natural lotion.

In these ways, as well as through day trips to the baths of ryokan inns and hotels, you are spoiled for choice of how to best enjoy these healing waters.

Footbath in Himegami Square

Yuyakushi Square

The stunning sunset over Lake Shinji

The name Tamatsukuri is rooted in the ancient fashion accessory called “magatama,” a motif found throughout the hot spring town. At Tamatsukuriyu-jinja Shrine, a “wish stone” said to have mysterious powers is enshrined. After obtaining a small “giving stone” at the shrine office, you knock it against the wish stone make your wish and absorb part of the wish stone power into your own.

Tamatsukuri Onsen waters have been rejuvenating and healing visitors for 1,300 years through their skin-beautifying effects. Sink into these waters, and into the depths of history at one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.

※ The information herein is as of April 2021