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Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: A Seaside Bathing Experience

Experience the wonder of Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen: a natural seaside hot spring in Yakushima, accessible only at low tide.

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Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is a unique, mixed-gender, seaside hot spring located on the southern coast of Yakushima Island. This natural onsen is only accessible during low tide, offering a rare opportunity to bathe in warm, mineral-rich waters mere inches from the ocean.

A brief summary to Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Check the tide times in advance, as the onsen is only accessible for a few hours around low tide.
  • Bring a small towel for modesty, but remember that swimsuits are not permitted in the pools.
  • Carry a waterproof bag to protect your belongings, as there are no changing rooms available.
  • Bring a torch if you plan to visit at night.
  • Contribute a small donation (around ¥200) to support the onsen's maintenance.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Miyanoura Port, take a bus for approximately 80 minutes to the 'Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen' bus stop. From Yakushima Airport, the bus ride is about 45 minutes to the same stop. From the bus stop, it's an 8-minute walk to the onsen. Bus fares typically cost around ¥400-¥800 depending on the distance. Remember to check the tide schedule before you go, as the onsen is only accessible during low tide.

  • Car

    From Anbo, drive south for approximately 29 minutes (21.4 km). From Miyanoura, drive for approximately 55 minutes (40km). Parking is available at the top of the hill, followed by a short walk down to the onsen. Be mindful of limited parking spaces. Car rentals are available near Miyanoura Port. Expect to pay around ¥5,000-¥8,000 per day for a rental car. Remember to check the tide schedule before you go, as the onsen is only accessible during low tide.

  • Walking

    If you are staying in Hirauchi, the onsen is easily accessible by foot. From the main road, follow the signs leading towards the coast. The walk is short but can be steep in places. Remember to check the tide schedule before you go, as the onsen is only accessible during low tide.

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Discover more about Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen

Nestled on the rugged southern coastline of Yakushima, Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen offers a bathing experience unlike any other. This 'kaichu onsen,' or 'sea hot spring,' is a natural phenomenon where thermal waters bubble up from the seabed into rock pools, creating a unique and immersive bathing experience. For centuries, locals have treasured this spot, building up the rocks to create small pools. What makes Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen truly special is its accessibility, dictated by the tides. For about two hours before and after low tide, the pools emerge, inviting bathers to soak in the warm, simple sulfur hot spring water. As the tide recedes, the pools reveal themselves, offering stunning sea views, especially during sunset or under a star-filled sky. The water temperature varies between 38 to 40°C, influenced by the tides. Bathing at Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is a communal experience. The pools are mixed-gender, and traditionally, bathers enter nude, embracing a sense of oneness with nature. While swimsuits are not allowed, some visitors use a small towel for modesty. The onsen is maintained by the local community, and a small donation of around ¥200 is appreciated. Visiting Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen is more than just a bath; it's an immersion into the natural beauty and local culture of Yakushima. It's a place to slow down, listen to the waves, and connect with the island's rich natural environment.

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