Local Guide
 Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Complete Guide

Tamatsukuri Onsen is a hot spring resort popular as a place to stay during sightseeing in Izumo and Matsue. Known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, it is also called "God's hot spring" for its excellent spring water quality, and is popular among many people in and outside of the prefecture as a "holy place for beautiful skin. Along the Tamayu River, there are many traditional Japanese-style inns, Dining Areas, souvenir stores, footbaths, and power spots. This is a recommended spot for both overnight stays and stopovers.

Hot water for beautiful skin" with moisturizing and cleansing effects.

 In the hot spring resort area, there is a nice spot where you can easily take home hot spring water. It will make a nice little souvenir!
In the hot spring resort area, there is a nice spot where you can easily take home hot spring water. It will make a nice little souvenir!

According to the Izumo Province Fudoki, an ancient geographical journal, Tamatsukuri hot spring is said to "rejuvenate your skin once you bathe in it, and cure any disease once you bathe in it twice," indicating that it has been called "God's hot spring" that heals people from ancient times. It is also written that "people call it the hot water of God.
The spring is slightly alkaline and acts like a soap to remove dead skin cells and dirt, and also has anti-aging effects. Based on the results of a spring quality survey, the hot spring is also regarded as having the power of a high-grade lotion, and many cosmetics and other products using hot spring water are sold locally.

There are also many power spots. A hot spring town full of lucky charms.

 The symbol of Tamatsukuri hot spring,
The symbol of Tamatsukuri hot spring, "Magatama Bridge," has a large sized "katadama" (a Japanese traditional jewel), which is popular as a photo spot.

The area surrounding Tamatsukuri hot spring has flourished since ancient times as a source of agate, which is believed to possess magical powers. For this reason, magatama have become a symbol of Tamatsukuri Onsen, and can be seen everywhere in the hot spring resort area and inside the hot spring ryokans.
Shimane Prefecture is also known as the "holy land of marriage," and there are many power spots in the Tamatsukuri area. You can visit many power spots on foot at once, including historic old shrines and bridges with legends, so be sure to visit them when you go for a walk.

Let's rent a yukata first!

 The sightseeing in yukata (light cotton kimono) is sure to raise the spirits of visitors. The main store is located near Matsue Castle.
The sightseeing in yukata (light cotton kimono) is sure to raise the spirits of visitors. The main store is located near Matsue Castle.

In front of the Magatama Bridge, the symbol of Tamatsukuri hot spring, is the Tamatsukuri Art Box, a Property complex that can be considered the tourist center of the hot spring resort. At the "Matsue Kimono Rental Horikawa Komachi Tamatsukuri Store" located on the second floor of the Property, you can rent kimonos and yukatas, and enjoy walking around the town in a yukata.
If you choose the yukata of your choice on the web and make a reservation in advance, you can have them dressed on site and have your hair set for a fee. Hair sets are also available for a fee, and a set of accessories such as hair ornaments and bags are also provided to match the yukata, making it easy and convenient to come empty-handed. The yukata can be returned to the Property or to the ryokan where you are staying (additional fee required).

Matsue Kimono Rental Horikawa Komachi Tamatsukuri
  • Address 2F Tamatsukuri Art Box, 1241 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction Approximately 19 minutes walk from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  Hours of Operation 9:00-17:00 (last reservation at 15:00, return at 17:00)
  •  Closed Thursdays
  •  Admission fee Yukata] 5,400 yen for one day rental, 6,500 yen for one night rental
    *Additional 1,100 yen if you return the yukata to your hotel.
  •  TEL 0852-23-7937
  •  Parking None

Take a break at a footbath spot watched over by a princess goddess.

 Located about a 2-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Art Box, this is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the view of the city.
Located about a 2-minute walk from Tamatsukuri Art Box, this is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the view of the city.

After changing into a yukata, you can start exploring the area. Visit Himegami Hiroba, where there is a covered footbath available free of charge and a statue of Himegami, a symbol of beauty. This is a spot where you can casually enjoy Tamatsukuri's hot springs, which are expected to be effective in beautifying the skin. Towels for the footbath (100 yen) are sold unattended, so you don't have to worry even if you come empty-handed. A camera stand is set up in front of the statue of Himegami, and visitors can enjoy taking commemorative photos alongside the statue.
There are also two natural footbaths in the river nearby, so if there are prior visitors or it is crowded, you can use those.

Himegami Plaza
  • Address Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 5 min. by car from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  Hours of Operation 7:00 - 23:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission fee Free admission (Towel 100yen extra)
  •  TEL 0852-62-3300(Tamatsukuri Onsen Branch, Matsue Tourist Association)
  •  Parking None

A casual take-out spot for a break in Tamatsukuri

 All menu items, both drinks and food, are available for take-out. Bottled craft beer is also recommended to enjoy at inns and hotels.
All menu items, both drinks and food, are available for take-out. Bottled craft beer is also recommended to enjoy at inns and hotels.

After enjoying the footbaths, go shopping for a snack to accompany your stroll. Cross over to the other side of the river and walk a little further, and you will find a stylish cafe with a round yellow sign. In addition to their specialty coffee blends, they offer a wide variety of lattes such as "Cascara Latte" made with coffee bean rind and pulp, "Rum Sake Latte" and other types of lattes for casual take-out, as well as craft beer from Iwami Beer, a brewery in Shimane Prefecture. There is also an eat-in space in the back, making it the perfect spot to take a break.

A wide variety of bread sweets such as koppebread

 Nekoppe (prosciutto & cheese)
Nekoppe (prosciutto & cheese)" (590 yen), a cobbler bread, and "Charcoal Latte" (550 yen), made with edible bamboo charcoal.

The food menu is also recommended for those who are hungry. Nekoppe," a cute little bread with a cat motif, is the store's specialty. There are two types to choose from: "Prosciutto & Cheese" and "Daisen Butter & Anko (red bean paste)." The dough is glutinous, elastic, and satisfying. In addition to bread sweets such as Danish and croissants, "iced manju" (iced Daifuku) is also popular in summer. Smoked nut and beer sets are also available, so it would be nice to stop by for a drink after a stroll.

Coffee Shop Yori So
  • Address 1213 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 5 min. by car from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  Business hours 10:00-18:00
  •  Regular holidays Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and irregular holidays
  •  TEL 0852-67-5885
  •  Parking None

Take a dip in a popular spot where "hot water for beautiful skin" gushes out

 You can also bring your own plastic bottle to take home. Use up the pumped spring water within 5 days.
You can also bring your own plastic bottle to take home. Use up the pumped spring water within 5 days.

Next, walk to a spot about 3 minutes from "Yori So". This is a plaza with a large "tub bath" with a gradient ball on top. You can take a ladle of the bubbling spring water and take it home with you, which is popular among the locals. A spray-type "hot spring bottle for beautiful skin" (200 yen) is sold unattended next to the tub, and spraying the spring water in the bottle on your hands and face is expected to moisturize your skin.
Tamatsukuri's hot spring water is so effective in beautifying the skin that it is often referred to as "natural skin lotion. It is a great souvenir of Tamatsukuri hot spring as well as a gift for yourself.

Yuyakushi Hiroba
  • Address Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 5 min. by car from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  Business hours 24 hours
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission fee Free (200 yen for a bottle of hot spring water)
  •  TEL 0852-62-3300(Tamatsukuri Onsen Branch, Matsue Tourist Association)
  •  Parking None

Pray for beautiful skin at the Oshiroi Jizo

 About a 3-minute walk from Yuyakushi Square. The spectacular building is tasteful and a popular photo spot.
About a 3-minute walk from Yuyakushi Square. The spectacular building is tasteful and a popular photo spot.

Visit the temple where Hoteison, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune, is enshrined and is said to bring good health and prosperity to business. In the precincts of this temple, there is an "Oshiroi Jizo-sama," a statue of the Goddess of Oshiroi, who can be prayed for beautiful skin.
It is said that a monk who had a birthmark on his face prayed to the Jizo by applying oshiroi (white powder) to his face, and his birthmark was completely healed. When you visit the temple, apply oshiroi to the same area of your skin that you are concerned about and pray for beautiful skin. You might see a change in your skin tone.

Seigan-ji Temple
  • Address 530 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
  •  Direction 6 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  Hours of Operation Summer: 8:00-18:00, Winter: 8:00-17:00
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission fee Free of charge
  •  TEL 0852-62-0516
  •  Parking Available

Visit a popular power spot with a "wish stone

 A round stone is said to have suddenly appeared from the mountain a long time ago. It is said that the villagers of that time enshrined it as a
A round stone is said to have suddenly appeared from the mountain a long time ago. It is said that the villagers of that time enshrined it as a "sacred body" in a shrine.

A five-minute walk from Seigan-ji Temple takes you to a shrine located at the end of the hot spring resort area, where Tamatsukuri's guardian deity resides. A "wishing stone" is enshrined in the precincts of the shrine. It is believed to "grant wishes" since a long time ago, and is a spiritual spot visited by many people every year.
The first step is to receive a "wish stone" at the shrine office located near the entrance of the approach to the shrine. Climb the stone steps to enter the shrine grounds and proceed to the far right side of the hall of worship to find the sacred "wish stone. Gently touch the "Kanae-ishi" and pray in your heart.

Write your wish and make a good-luck charm!

 The Tamasakuyu Shrine has a pair of guardian dogs, a rarity in Japan. The shrine also enshrines the god of childbirth.
The Tamasakuyu Shrine has a pair of guardian dogs, a rarity in Japan. The shrine also enshrines the god of childbirth.

Put the "wish stone," which has been empowered by touching it, in a good-luck charm bag together with a "wish card" on which you have written your wish, and take it home. After the wish is granted, many people return the stone and have it purified again.
Incidentally, next to the "wishing stone" is another power stone, the "mimamori-ishi. This mysterious stone is made of rough blue agate with a smooth shiny surface and is said to offer protection when touched.

Tamazukuri Yujinja Shrine
  • Address 508 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane MAP
  •  Direction About 6 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station
  •  Hours of Operation Worship】24 hours
    Shrine Office】9:00〜12:00, 13:30〜17:30
    Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays: 8:30-17:30
  •  Closed No holidays
  •  Admission fee Free of charge *Kanoishi: 600 yen
  •  TEL 0852-62-0006
  •  Parking Available

Shop for souvenirs at an antenna store where you can find a wide selection of goods.

 Seasonal gifts, such as Shimane's original melon,
Seasonal gifts, such as Shimane's original melon, "Goharidama Golden Pearl," are also popular.

To find souvenirs, we recommend the antenna store, which offers a selection of the best goods from Matsue and Izumo. This select store is different from ordinary souvenir stores, and offers a variety of rare and original products such as seasonings, drinks, and fruits that can only be found here.
We recommend the "Premium Tomato Juice" made from sweet cherry tomatoes grown in Matsue City. You can enjoy the rich, new taste similar to fruit juice. The store also offers seasonal produce gifts, making it a perfect place to find a rich souvenir.

Yaoyorozu Market
  • Address 44-4 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane MAP
  •  Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station
  •  Business hours 9:00-18:00
  •  Closed Tuesdays
  •  TEL 0852-67-6650
  •  Parking None *Use Tamatsukuri Parking (free of charge)

Have a healthy lunch with a lot of attention to detail in the dishes!

 The daily set meal (880 yen) is made with pesticide-free and additive-free ingredients. The main dish of the day was
The daily set meal (880 yen) is made with pesticide-free and additive-free ingredients. The main dish of the day was "Pork Tsukune with lotus root.

For lunch, we recommend the small diner right next to Hoshino Resorts KAI Izumo. The "Daily Set Meal" is popular for its healthy and healthy dishes that actively use pesticide-free, locally grown vegetables. Every day there are seven to eight dishes on the menu, all of which are handmade by the owner, from the main dish to small bowls of food and soup. The main dish is a low-calorie, yet satisfying meat or fish dish.
Other dishes include curry with minced chicken and pizza made with homemade dough, as well as a wide variety of drinks such as homemade syrup juice.

At-home cafeteria run by a female owner

 Tofu doughnuts (150 yen or more per doughnut), limited to 40 to 50 daily, are one of the most popular sweets in the hot spring resort area.
Tofu doughnuts (150 yen or more per doughnut), limited to 40 to 50 daily, are one of the most popular sweets in the hot spring resort area.

The restaurant was renovated from a former izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and started in 2016, and although it is located in a tourist area, more than half of the customers are locals, making it very popular. The restaurant has only a counter and is run by a single female owner. The restaurant is close to the customers, making it an at-home atmosphere where you can enjoy conversation with the owner.
The shop also features tasteful tableware purchased from nearby kilns such as Sodeshi-gama and Yumachi-gama. Tofu doughnuts" are also available for takeout, so be sure to try one for dessert after your meal.

Hot and Cold Restaurant Tsunagarune
  • Address 1221-8 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane MAP
  •  Direction 5 minutes drive from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station
  •  Hours of Operation 10:45-16:00
  •  Regular holidays Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and irregular holidays
  •  TEL 050-3555-1119
  •  Parking Yes (1 car)

Return to the Property, which houses souvenir stores, cafes, and general merchandise.

 On the first floor, souvenirs based on the concept of
On the first floor, souvenirs based on the concept of "delicious and beautiful" and cosmetics from the local brand "Hime Labo" are lined up.

After enjoying the hot spring resort, return to the Tamatsukuri Art Box to return your yukata, a Property with a souvenir store on the first floor and a general store, café, and yukata rental on the second floor, located on the way to the Tamatsukuri Parking Lot. Free rental umbrellas and parasols are available, making it a good place for shopping, resting, and sightseeing.
The "Bihada Marche" souvenir store sells a wide range of products with the theme of "beautiful skin," including cosmetics made with Tamatsukuri's hot spring water, health-conscious snacks and drinks, and other Shimane specialties.

Relax in a café and enjoy handmade goods

 The photo shows an original character created by the owner, an amigurumi (stuffed animal) artist. The style is cute and warm.
The photo shows an original character created by the owner, an amigurumi (stuffed animal) artist. The style is cute and warm.

On the second floor are the sundries corner "Minamin*," "meguri." and "mame café," as well as the relaxation salon "Totonol. The general merchandise corner features Showa-era tableware, retro sundries, and artwork and goods created by the owner himself, making just browsing around the store an enjoyable experience.
The café overlooking the Tamayu River offers a variety of light meals such as "otsumae omatcha cappuccino," which allows you to make your own tea, hamburger steak sandwiches, and cakes. It is the perfect place for a short break after a stroll.

Tamatsukuri Art Box

Let's look for objects scattered around the hot spring resort!

 The
The "White Hare of Inaba," which has deep ties to Izumo Taisha Shrine, is a myth that you should learn about before visiting the site.

These unique objects can be seen when walking through hot spring resorts. All of them are based on scenes from Izumo mythology, such as "Yamata-no-orochi oguchi oguchi oguchi" and "Inaba no shiro-usagi (White Rabbit of Inaba).
Visitors can enjoy a slightly maniacal walk through the town by challenging themselves to "search for the gods" by looking for all nine objects as they stroll around. Each object is accompanied by a detailed explanation of the mythology, so it is recommended that you take this opportunity to learn about the various stories of Izumo mythology.

Unique signboards to help you walk around the town

 The title of a famous TV drama is also included in the speech balloons. It also serves as a landmark for major spots.
The title of a famous TV drama is also included in the speech balloons. It also serves as a landmark for major spots.

The unique signboards placed at each major spot in the hot spring resort area are also worth noting. If you read the "talking signs" carefully, you will find that they contain phrases that you have heard somewhere before and that will make you chuckle.
In addition, a series of "somewhat nosy signs" that give information that is not particularly necessary are placed throughout the area, and humorous signs are also posted at the entrances to hot spring resorts. Walking around while looking for interesting signs will make your stroll even more enjoyable.

Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
  • Address 32-7 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (Tamatsukuri Onsen Branch, Matsue Tourist Association) MAP
  •  Direction 4 minutes drive from JR Tamatsukuri hot spring station.
  •  TEL 0852-62-3300(Tamatsukuri Onsen Branch, Matsue Tourist Association)
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.