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Japan's Oldest "God's Hot Spring"

Get smooth, moisturized skin in the "hot spring for beautiful skin" that has been gushing forth for 1,300 years

Tamatsukuri Onsen is famous as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The Izumo no Kuni Fudoki, compiled in 733 (the 5th year of Tenpyo), contains a description of Tamatsukuri Onsen stating that "once you soak in it, you become beautiful, and twice you soak in it, all illnesses are cured," and it was referred to as the "Hot Spring of the Gods."

The water of Tamatsukuri Onsen, renowned for its rich benefits, is a sodium/calcium-sulfate/chloride spring. Being weakly alkaline, it has a cleansing effect that removes dead skin cells and impurities, as well as a moisturizing effect that hydrates and retains moisture in the skin, leading it to be called a natural lotion. The "Hot Spring of the Gods," which continues to gush forth, is still cherished today as a famous hot spring that heals people and moisturizes both skin and soul.

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The Symbol is a Magatama

A hot spring town filled with magatama, the quintessential power stone

The Izumo region has produced "magatama" (comma-shaped beads) since ancient times, which are said to protect people from misfortune and bring good luck. Tamatsukuri, in particular, was a production site for high-quality agate, and it is said that the area's name comes from the fact that magatama production was once thriving there.

In Tamatsukuri, where traditions and techniques are still passed down today, there are magatama shops, magatama objects, and spots that incorporate magatama motifs everywhere. Just walking through the hot spring town, which is overflowing with magatama known as power stones, feels like it can recharge your energy.

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Himegami Square

Footbath time in the plaza where the Princess Goddess stands

There are three free foot baths scattered throughout Tamatsukuri Onsen. Because they allow visitors to enjoy the hot spring casually, they are bustling with tourists and locals alike. One of them is "Himegami Hiroba," located in the center of the hot spring town, where a bronze statue of the goddess Himegami sits. It has a roof, which is another appealing feature as you can soak without worrying about the weather.

Towels for the foot bath are also sold at the plaza, which is a nice point that allows you to stop by empty-handed. There are also information boards and tourist pamphlets for Tamatsukuri Onsen, making it a convenient base for exploring the hot spring town.

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After the footbath, take a break on a bench in the square. A camera stand is placed in front of the Himegami statue, the symbol of the skin-beautifying hot spring, so why not take a commemorative photo together as a memory of your trip?

Himegami Square

• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 24 hours
• Free admission, foot bath towel 100 yen

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Riverside Footbath

Relax in a riverside footbath during your stroll through the town

In addition to Himegami Hiroba, there are two other foot baths in Tamatsukuri Onsen along the Tamayu River. They are located near Magatama Bridge and in front of the day-trip hot spring facility "Tamatsukuri Onsen Yu-yu," making them perfect for a break while strolling through the hot spring town or when you want to relieve tired feet.

Some footbaths are hot while others are lukewarm, so please try to find your preferred temperature. As you soak your feet in the relaxing footbath and gaze at the Tamayu River flowing alongside the murmuring stream, both your mind and body will be warmly soothed.

Each of the three footbaths has a different atmosphere, so it is also fun to enjoy a tour of the baths while you stroll.

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Near the footbath by Magatama Bridge, there is a small island in the river shaped like a magatama called the "Happy Blue Agate." The stone in the center is a raw blue agate, and it is said that touching it will bring you good luck. Be sure to try and find it.

Riverside Footbath

• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 24 hours (lights out at 0:00)
• Free bathing

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Yuyakushi Square

Bottle up the hot spring water for beautiful skin and take it home

For those who want to try the highly beneficial Tamatsukuri Onsen water at home, we recommend the "Tarai-yu" (tub bath) at the Yuyakushi Square. You can draw the spring water that bubbles up into a large tub decorated with magatama beads and take it home in a container.

You can bring your own container, but special "Skin-Beautifying Hot Spring Bottles" are sold at the plaza. Their cute labels and convenient size make them popular; just fill one up to create your own natural lotion. They are popular not only for personal use but also as unique little gifts from Tamatsukuri Onsen. Please use the collected spring water within about 5 days.

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At the nearby "Yuaka Well" (commonly known as the Love-Coming Well), it is said that if you throw koi food (100 yen) into the river and the koi come to you, love is approaching. As for the vermilion "Miyabashi Bridge" (Love Fulfillment Bridge), they say that if you take a photo from the bridge and the torii gate of Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine is in it, your love will come true.

Yuyakushi Square

• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 24 hours
• Free to use, skin-beautifying hot spring water bottle 200 yen

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Tamasukuriyu Shrine

Create your own personal amulet at a power spot

This ancient shrine is revered as the guardian of Tamatsukuri, enshrining the god of magatama making, who is said to have created the Yasakani no Magatama (one of the Three Sacred Treasures), and the god of hot springs. Within the shrine grounds is the "Wish Stone," which is reputed to grant wishes and attracts a constant stream of visitors from all over the country.

To make a wish, first receive a natural "Kanae-ishi" (wish-granting stone) at the shrine office. After finishing your prayers at the worship hall, head to the Wish Stone next to the main hall. After purifying your Kanae-ishi with the sacred water that springs forth, touch it to the Wish Stone to make your prayer. Place the empowered Kanae-ishi and the slip of paper with your wish written on it into the drawstring bag, and your original amulet is complete.

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The "Omamori-ishi" (Amulet Stone) next to the Wish Stone is also a power stone known to those in the know. Made from raw blue agate, the material used for magatama beads, there is a reassuring legend that those who touch the glossy stone will be protected.

Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine

• 508 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane PrefectureMAP
• Approx. 6 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• Open for worship at any time
  Shrine office 9:00–12:00, 13:00–17:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 8:30–17:00
• Open every day
• Free admission, Kanai-ishi (wish stone) 600 yen
• 0852-62-0006
• Free

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Seiganji Temple

Pray for beautiful skin by applying makeup to the "Oshiroi Jizo" statue

Seigan-ji Temple enshrines Hoteison, one of the "Izumo Province Seven Lucky Gods," and many people visit it as part of the Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage. Enshrined in this temple, which has long been deeply revered by local people, is the "Oshiroi Jizo-sama" (Face Powder Jizo) for skin beauty prayers. It is said that a monk who once had a birthmark on his face applied face powder to the Jizo statue and prayed, and the birthmark disappeared completely. Today, people visit to pray for beautiful skin, as well as for the healing of physical ailments and illnesses.

First, pay your respects at the main hall. If you wish to offer a prayer slip, you can receive one at the "Oshiroi Fudasho" (prayer slip station). There are two types of slips, one depicting a face and the other a body; color in the area you want to beautify or heal with colored pencils and offer it. After praying to the Oshiroi Jizo-sama, use a brush to apply face powder to the statue to make your wish.

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At the Oshiroi Fudasho, in addition to prayer tablets, you can find the "Oshiroi Jizo-sama Amulet" containing blessed face powder, and "Oshiroi Jizo-sama Senbei" crackers featuring illustrations of the Jizo statue, both of which are popular as unique souvenirs.

Seigan-ji Temple

• 530 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 6 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• Summer: approx. 8:00–18:00, Winter: until approx. 17:00
• Open every day
• Free admission, Oshiroi prayer tablets (for face/body) 300 yen each
• 0852-62-0516
• Free

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Coffee Shop Yori-so

A blissful moment at a cafe where you can enjoy authentic coffee

Located in the middle of the hot spring town, this cafe features a white building with a cute round sign that is very photogenic. The coffee, carefully dripped using strictly selected high-quality beans, has an exceptional taste.

There is a wide variety of latte options, such as the fragrant "Rum Latte" and the "Charcoal Latte" made with edible bamboo charcoal. Other food items include café au lait soft-serve ice cream topped with magatama-shaped cookies and pita bread sandwiches featuring soybeans as the main ingredient, making it hard to choose. With an eat-in space available, you can relax and take your time, or take your order to go and enjoy it at your favorite spot, such as a footbath. It is a place you will want to stop by for various occasions.

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Along with coffee, craft beer from "Iwami Bakushu," a brewery in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture, is a popular choice on the drink menu. Enjoy this refreshing and rich beer, made with locally sourced ingredients, paired with snacks like smoked nuts.

Coffee Shop Yori-so

• 1213 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 11:00–18:00 (Subject to change. Please check Instagram)
• Irregular holidays (Please check Instagram)
• 0852-67-5885
• None

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Hokkori Shokudo Tsunagaru Ne

Happy, locally-sourced meals that your body will love

At this eatery, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026, you can enjoy a variety of handmade dishes primarily using locally grown vegetables. We recommend the "Daily Set Meal," which features 7 to 8 dishes including a main course, small side dishes, and soup. These wholesome set meals, which make the most of local specialties and seasonal ingredients, are gentle on the body and satisfying to the soul.

Other popular items include chicken mince curry and homemade syrup juices and sodas made with ingredients like yuzu and plum. There are also special menu days featuring dishes like marinated fish bowls with pork miso soup or medicinal soup lunches, so be sure to check their Instagram or other social media before you head out.

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The signature sweet is the "Tofu Donut," which is two-thirds tofu. With its fluffy texture and light taste, you can easily finish one even after a meal. They come in various flavors such as plain, cinnamon sugar, and kinako (roasted soybean flour), and are available for takeout.

Hokkori Shokudo Tsunagaru-ne

• 1221-8 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 10:45–18:00 (Subject to change; please check social media)
• Irregular holidays (please check social media)
• 050-3555-1119
• Free (1 space)

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Yumachi Kiln

Add color to your life with tableware that embodies the "beauty of utility," becoming more beautiful the more you use it

This kiln, which follows the tradition of "Fujina-yaki" pottery dating back to the Edo period, was established in 1922 (Taisho 11). It offers a diverse range of pottery that incorporates new expressions while inheriting techniques learned from figures like Soetsu Yanagi, who promoted the "Mingei" (folk craft) movement that finds beauty in everyday objects, and the British potter Bernard Leach.

"Slipware," where patterns are drawn using a dropper filled with slip, is a technique passed down directly from Leach. All the pottery, which uses glazes such as yellow glaze made from local stone, has a warmth to it, and the comfort it brings to your hands and lips will surely bring a smile to your face.
Among them, the kiln's signature "Egg Baker" is a masterpiece that can be used for cooking over an open flame, in an oven, or in a microwave, allowing you to enjoy the true flavor of the egg.

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At Yumachi Kiln, you can also enjoy a pottery painting experience where you use a nail to draw letters or pictures on a teacup. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and the finished piece will be shipped to your home at a later date. Creating your own original vessel is perfect for a travel memory. If you would like to participate, please call ahead to make a reservation.

Yumachi Kiln

• 965 Yumachi, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 1-minute walk from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• 8:00–17:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 9:00
• Open every day (except year-end and New Year holidays)
• Painting experience from 3,850 yen (reservation required)
• 0852-62-0726
• Free

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Tamatsukuri Art Box

For choosing Tamatsukuri-style souvenirs or taking a break while strolling

This is a commercial complex located right in front of the "Kirakira Bridge," a photo spot decorated with illustrations of hot springs and gods. On the first floor, you will find the "Tamatsukuri Art Box" store, a sister shop of the cosmetics brand "Hime Labo," which carries cosmetics formulated with Tamatsukuri hot spring water. There is also a wide variety of items that make souvenir shopping fun, including classic Shimane Prefecture souvenirs, products using local ingredients, and original sweets and teas from Hime Labo.

On the second floor, you will find general goods shops like "Minamin*" and "meguri.", as well as "mame café" which overlooks the Tamayu River, so why not take your time and explore?

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At "Hime Labo Tamatsukuri Art Box Store," keep an eye out for the "Himegami Urana-Ginger Cookies." These cookies are made with ginger from Shimane Prefecture and come in three shapes: heart, magatama, and wish stone. The fortune-telling element, where you can predict your luck based on the shape you get, is also a hot topic.

Tamatsukuri Art Box

• 1241 Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Tamatsukuri-Onsen Station
• Hime Labo Tamatsukuri Art Box Store 9:00–18:00, others vary by store
• Thursdays
• 0852-67-5050
• None
• 【Hime Labo】https://www.instagram.com/hime.labo//
  【Minamin*】https://www.instagram.com/minamin_amigurumi
  【meguri. 】https://www.instagram.com/sukoshimukashi_meguri/
  【mame café】https://www.instagram.com/mamecafe.tamatsukuri

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Searching for Gods

Tour the hot spring town and find the gods

What catches your eye while strolling through the hot spring town are the large "God Hunting" signs and the numerous objects scattered along the Tamayu River. They are motifs of familiar Izumo myths, such as Susanoo-no-Mikoto's defeat of Yamata-no-Orochi, the "White Rabbit of Inaba," and the "Three Sacred Treasures," vividly depicting famous scenes from each myth.

There are nine objects in total, and signs describing their stories are also installed. It is a unique way to enjoy walking around a town steeped in mythology.

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Chatting Signboards

Introducing the famous spots of the hot spring town with plenty of humor

Beside the tourist spots scattered throughout the hot spring town are white signs with explanatory text and illustrations. When you read them, you will find them full of familiar phrases and little trivia that only those in the know will understand. The point is that information that makes walking around the town even more fun is packed into these features that will make you laugh.

There are other unique signs here and there in the hot spring town. The "slightly meddlesome signs" tell you information you probably don't need to know, but once you find one, you might not be able to stop yourself from looking for the others. Please enjoy your stroll through the hot spring town even more by going on a sign hunt.