Local Guide
9 Recommended Spots in the Renewed Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring

Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring stretches along the clear Otosoregawa River in a valley in the northern part of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The hot spring, which has a history of about 600 years, has recently undergone a town-wide renewal and is attracting a lot of attention. The "Ontou" hot spring bathhouse, a symbol of the hot spring resort area, has been reborn as a modern building, and a number of renovated vacant houses have opened one after another. There are riverside terraces and stepping stones to cross to the other side of the river, and benches convenient for taking a break and eating are placed along the riverside sidewalks.
Here are some of the recommended spots in this hot spring resort themed "Osoto Tengoku," where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Enjoy the famous hot spring water with a view of the source gushing out.

The bathtub is 1 meter deep to take advantage of the spring water that wells up from the bottom. A statue of Sumiyoshidaimyojin sits on top of the bedrock.
The bathtub is 1 meter deep to take advantage of the spring water that wells up from the bottom. A statue of Sumiyoshidaimyojin sits on top of the bedrock.

Boasting a history of approximately 600 years, this is the oldest hot spring in Yamaguchi Prefecture. It was renovated in 2020 into a modern one-story building.
Flowing from the bedrock at the back of the bathtub is, surprisingly, freshly gushing hot spring water. Because Onyu is located above the place where the spring water springs, the spring water also gushes from the bottom of the bathtub and goes into the bathtub without being exposed to the air. The size of the bathtub is also designed to accommodate the volume of hot water so that the spring water can be poured over the bathtub. The lukewarm water, with a source temperature of 39 degrees Celsius, allows you to soak slowly and warms your body from the core. You can enjoy a luxurious bathing experience by simply soaking in the good hot water.

After taking a bath, relax in the rest area with bare feet.

Hot spring Ramune (plain and salt) 250 yen each
Hot spring Ramune (plain and salt) 250 yen each

After enjoying the hot spring, go to the rest area. The open space is filled with soft light coming in from the three glass windows. Various menus are available for you to enjoy after taking a bath. Cold ramune and beer will soak into your burned-out body. Three types of soft-serve ice cream are available: vanilla, hojicha (roasted green tea), and mixed. The hojicha, made with Ono-cha tea powder from Yamaguchi Prefecture, has an aromatic aroma and a pleasantly sweet taste with a refreshing aftertaste. Relaxing on the porch, you can hear the murmuring of the Onshin River in front of you. You can enjoy a blissful moment while gazing at the clear stream.

Local Guide Comment
The clear, colorless water is an alkaline simple hot spring with a pH of 9.5 to 9.9. The smooth, smooth water has a faint scent of sulfur. Body towels and skin care sets are available for purchase, making it a great place to stop by casually.
Onyu (hot spring bath)
  • Address 2265 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Stn.
  • Business hours 10:00-22:00
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission Adults 990 yen, 4-12 years old 500 yen, 3 years old and younger free
  • TEL 0837-25-4100
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)

Nagato's "Machi no Bandaidai" (Town Watchtower), where Nagato's goods and information are gathered.

The store is full of the playful atmosphere of a hot spring resort, with the cashier's counter as a watch stand and the showcase in front of it as a bath.
The store is full of the playful atmosphere of a hot spring resort, with the cashier's counter as a watch stand and the showcase in front of it as a bath.

This souvenir shop stands by the "Bamboo Grove Stairway" that leads from the parking lot in the hot spring resort to the Onshin River. The building was renovated from an old private house built more than 50 years ago, and welcomes visitors as a "town watchman" that also provides tourist information.
Inside the tiled showcase, which is reminiscent of a bath, you will find cute retro original goods. The showcase is filled with cute retro original goods, such as tenugui hand towels and sakoshis with the logos of Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring and Otosoredo, that you will want to use while strolling around. In one corner, you will find a sightseeing pamphlet, which is useful for gathering information about the surrounding area. If you are interested in learning more about Nagato Yumoto hot spring, feel free to visit.

Feast your eyes on Nagato's traditional craft, Hagiyaki Fukagawa Kiln.

The gallery displays the owner's collection. Exhibits are changed on an irregular basis.
The gallery displays the owner's collection. Exhibits are changed on an irregular basis.

The adjoining gallery exhibits works from the Fukagawa Kiln of Hagiyaki, a local traditional craft. Hagiyaki has been called "Ichiraku, Nihagi, San Karatsu," and has long been loved by tea masters. Hagi ware is highly absorbent, and the more it is used, the more tea and other liquids seep through the fine cracks (kannyu) on the surface, changing the texture. It is called "Hagi no Nanakake," or the "seven transformations of Hagi," and its taste is enhanced as it is used more and more.
The Fukagawa Kiln was established in 1657 as the official kiln of the Hagi Clan in Minose, Fukagawa-yumoto, Nagato City. The kiln has a history of about 360 years, and five kilns are currently in operation. Visitors can take their time to view the valuable works in the gallery.

Local Guide Comment
Gummies and juice made from Nagato Yuzukichi, a specialty of Nagato City, are recommended as souvenirs. A wide variety of local and prefectural crafts, famous confections, and "Nagato Yumoto no Yu" hot spring water are also available.
Otosore-do
  • Address 2321-1 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Stn.
  • Business hours 10:00-19:00 (L.O.D. 21:00)
  • Closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (open if the day falls on a national holiday)
  • TEL 080-4026-3935
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)

Encounter Hagiyaki Fukagawa Kiln vessels at a café that looks like a hideout

There is a gallery space near the entrance, where you can casually enjoy works by Fukagawa Kiln of Hagi ware.
There is a gallery space near the entrance, where you can casually enjoy works by Fukagawa Kiln of Hagi ware.

A café and gallery along the Onshin River in a renovated 50-year-old old house. It opened in August 2017 as the first of Nagato Yumoto hot spring's vacant house renovations.
Lined up in the gallery are works from the Fukagawa Kiln of Hagiyaki, a traditional local craft. The gallery exhibits and sells works by young artists who are the future of the kiln, which has a history of about 360 years. The theme of the works is mainly "everyday vessels. Coffee cups, plates, vases for single flowers, and other affordable yet elegant vessels for daily life are available. Come and enjoy the works of artists with different personalities and discover the charm of Hagiyaki Fukagawa Kiln.

Enjoy homemade cakes and coffee on the terrace overlooking the river

Terrine Chocolat
Terrine Chocolat" 650 yen, hand-drip home-roasted coffee "Onshin Blend" 650 yen

The café's popular menu item is homemade cakes. Two to three varieties are always available, changing daily, including the rich and fragrant "terrine chocolat," "Gorgonzola cheesecake," and "seasonal tarts" using seasonal ingredients. The café menu is decorated with tableware by permanent artists. Encountering these unique works of art is a pleasure along with the cakes.
There are 18 seats at tables, at the counter, and on the terrace. The terrace seats on the riverbank are pleasantly breezy and babbling, allowing you to spend a relaxing time away from the daily routine.

Local Guide Comment
The store sells seasonal honey from "Son Noen" in Yumoto. Visitors can enjoy the different aromas and tastes of the flowers of the four seasons. Numbers are limited, but if you are lucky enough to find some, check it out.
Cafe & Pottery Oto
  • Address 1261-12 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 7 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Station.
  • Business hours 10:00-16:00
  • Regular holidays Wednesdays and Thursdays (open if Wednesday or Thursday is a national holiday)
  • TEL 0837-25-4004
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)

Craft Beer from Hot Springs

From left:
From left: "Sanrokuroku Pale Ale" 715 yen, "Hoppin Hoppin Pale Ale" 660 yen

Run by a beer-loving couple, this is Nagato City's first craft beer brewery, which started brewing in June 2021 and celebrated its opening in July. The first thing that surprises you when you try their signature beer, Sanrokuroku Pale Ale, is its rich citrus aroma. The modest bitterness and smoothness of the beer's throat will make your cheeks drop involuntarily. This beer is recommended not only for those who enjoy craft beer, but also for those who have not had much of a chance to enjoy it. We always have 4 to 6 kinds of beers on tap, including pale ales, IPAs, and belgian whites. Be sure to compare beers with different tastes.

Taproom where you can taste freshly brewed beer

A blissful moment at TAPROOM. For takeout, you can choose between bottles or cups.
A blissful moment at TAPROOM. For takeout, you can choose between bottles or cups.

The building is a renovated 60-year-old Property that was once a pharmacy. The interior is also a hot topic of conversation, with a cigarette sales corner and a photogenic interior that incorporates the neon lights of the former Onyu bathhouse. While retaining the original steel frame and tiles, copper plates are used for the counter and other parts to create the atmosphere of a manufacturing place. While blending in well with the hot spring district, the restaurant also evokes the ever-evolving Nagato Yumoto hot spring of today.
On weekdays, only bottled beer is available for takeout, but on Fridays and Saturdays, "TAPROOM" with a counter is open. The finest beer from the uncompromising brewing process can be enjoyed on the spot, a luxury that only a visit to the store can offer.

Local Guide Comment
The name of the store, "365+1," comes from the desire to color the 365 days of the local people plus one special day for those who visit on a trip with craft beer. As the name suggests, it is a relaxing spot where locals and tourists alike can casually gather and enjoy good beer.
365+1BEER
  • Address 1247-2 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi-ken MAP
  • Direction 7 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Station.
  • Business hours TAPROOM is open Friday 15:00-19:00, Saturday 13:00-19:00,
    Other days of the week, only bottled beer is sold (when Staff/staff members are present).
    *Variable, check SNS.
  • Closed Wed. and Sun.
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)

Tantalize your taste buds with Nagato yakitori (grilled chicken) using Nagato's "Choshu-dori" chicken.

Yakitori (grilled chicken) starts at 150 yen per piece. In addition to various chicken parts, pork belly and vegetables are also available.
Yakitori (grilled chicken) starts at 150 yen per piece. In addition to various chicken parts, pork belly and vegetables are also available.

Sakura Shokudo, with its cute sign and food stall, is a sister restaurant of Chikuzen Sohonten, a famous yakitori restaurant in Nagato City. Visitors never cease to come back for the yakitori, which is made with Choshu Dori, a brand-name local chicken. At the restaurant, fresh Choshu-dori purchased in the morning are skewered and carefully grilled over charcoal before being served. One bite will fill your mouth with the delicious flavor of the chicken. Yakitori in Nagato is basically salt-based, with garlic powder or other seasonings to taste. Onions, not leeks, are placed between the chicken pieces. You can enjoy Nagato City's unique yakitori, such as with torn cabbage.

A set meal featuring delicious foods from Nagato City that attracts many repeat customers.

Sakura Gohan
Sakura Gohan" (rice with sakura) is 1,300 yen. Yakitori (grilled chicken) is served daily, including tsukune, momo, and seseri.

Seating is available at the counter, in a small tatami room, or in a tatami room, making it a popular place to eat alone or in a group. The lunch menu is also popular, and the most recommended dish is the "Sakura Gohan," which includes three pieces of yakitori, sashimi, cold tofu, a small bowl of cooked food, and a variety of other items. The juicy, flavorful yakitori and fresh local sashimi go well with the prefecture's white rice, and the chopsticks are guaranteed to keep you coming back for more. At night, in addition to yakitori, the restaurant offers sashimi, grilled fish, and a la carte dishes such as "nagachiki," a sweet and spicy fried chicken with garlic. The restaurant also serves a selection of local sake that goes well with both the food and the drinks.

Local Guide Comment
Nagato City has one of the highest numbers of yakitori restaurants per 10,000 people in Japan. The city's poultry farming industry has flourished since fish cobs from the production process of its specialty, kamaboko, were used to feed chickens. Takeout is available from as little as one yakitori.
Yakitori Sakura Shokudo
  • Address 1272-6 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato City, Yamaguchi-ken MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Stn.
  • Business hours 11:00 - 14:30 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00 - 22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
  • Regular holiday Thursdays (open if Thursday is a national holiday, closed on another day)
  • TEL 0837-25-3660
  • Parking None (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)
  • Memo Reservations accepted only at night

Original dorayaki (pancakes) from "Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato" to enjoy as takeout

Dorayaki, baked at different times and temperatures depending on the day, are soft and smooth.
Dorayaki, baked at different times and temperatures depending on the day, are soft and smooth.

The restaurant is attached to Hot spring ryokan "Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato" KAI Nagato, which stands at the foot of Akebono Bridge over the Onshin River. This Property is open to non-guests as well, and is a café stand specializing in takeout. The signature menu item is dorayaki, carefully baked one by one. Using carefully selected ingredients, the shop takes great pride in the attention to detail in the ingredients, baking method, and the balance of the sweet bean paste.
In keeping with the inn's theme of "the teahouse residence of the feudal lord," the interior has a stately atmosphere with antique furniture and pieces from the local traditional craft "Hagiyaki Fukagawa Kiln. There are also benches along the riverside path in front of the inn, so you can enjoy a snack while gazing at the clear stream.

Dorayaki incorporating local flavors, served with a drink that pairs well with the dorayaki.

Various types of dorayaki are priced at 300 yen. The white and sweet bean paste inside is specially made for these dorayaki by Muraoka Kogetsudo, a long-established local Japanese sweets shop.
Various types of dorayaki are priced at 300 yen. The white and sweet bean paste inside is specially made for these dorayaki by Muraoka Kogetsudo, a long-established local Japanese sweets shop.

The dorayaki come in three varieties: yuzukichi, natsumikan (summer orange), and azuki (adzuki bean), with a limited menu depending on the season. The "Yuzukichi" is a sandwich of Yuzukichi, a citrus fruit original to Yamaguchi Prefecture, simmered in honey and filled with white bean paste. The fresh flavor goes well with the gently sweet dough. The "Azuki" with azuki bean paste and sweet and sour honey and white bean paste sandwiches are also must-try items on the menu.
The drinks that go well with the dorayaki are also noteworthy. In addition to the "Special Latte," which is a perfect balance of espresso and milk, "Matcha Latte" and "Natsumikan Marmalade Tea" are also available.

Local Guide Comment
On the opposite bank of the Akebono Bridge in front of the restaurant is Hoshino Resorts KAI Nagato's "kawadoko terrace," which can be used except in the area reserved for hotel guests. Enjoy an elegant moment in the open space set up on the river.
Akebono Cafe
  • Address 2229-1 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato-shi, Yamaguchi-ken (attached to KAI Nagato) MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Sta.
  • Business hours 11:00-16:00
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Parking Use Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring Parking for non-guests.

The temple where Nagato Yumoto hot spring opened

The main hall was moved and reconstructed in the late Edo period and is designated as a tangible cultural property of the prefecture.
The main hall was moved and reconstructed in the late Edo period and is designated as a tangible cultural property of the prefecture.

The temple was founded in 1410 by Hirotada Washinozu, a governor of Nagato. Once known as "Koya in the west," this famous Soto Zen temple enjoyed a prosperous period of time.
Daneiji Temple is also known as the site where Nagato Yumoto Hot Spring was founded. 600 years ago, the temple's Zen master Teian received a revelation from an old man who claimed to be the great god Sumiyoshi that a hot spring had sprung up in the area. The Onyu was discovered at that time and is known as "Shinju no Yu," and a stone where Sumiyoshi-daimyojin used to sit in zazen meditation can still be seen on the temple grounds.
The temple is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season, when the grounds are covered with colorful maple trees and ginkgo trees.

Take a walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the sights that tell the story of the temple's history.

Banjaku Bridge, 14.2 m long and 2.4 m wide
Banjaku Bridge, 14.2 m long and 2.4 m wide

In addition to the main hall, there are many other attractions within the spacious precincts of the temple. Banseki Bridge over the Daneiji River is one of the "Three Odd Bridges of Hochou," along with Kintai Bridge in Iwakuni City and Niji Bridge in Yamaguchi City. Dating back to the early Edo period, it is a beautifully sculpted combination of natural stones of various sizes.
Lining the hill behind the main hall are the graves of Yoshitaka Yoshitaka, the 31st head of the Ouchi clan that established a major culture in Yamaguchi Prefecture, his eldest son, and his vassals. There is also a pond where Yoshitaka, who was pursued for rebellion, realized his death when he could not see his own reflection in the water, and a rock where he is said to have hung his helmet. There are also many other attractions such as the 16 arhat statues, a historical museum, and the Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Nagato.

Local Guide Comment
The annual illumination of the park during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage viewing periods is not to be missed. Check the website for the schedule and other details.
Taneiji Temple
  • Address 1074-1, Fukagawa-Yumoto Monzen, Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Sta.
  • TEL 0837-25-3469
  • Parking Free of charge

Soul food of Yamaguchi Prefecture, full of traveler's sentiment

KAWARA-SOBA
KAWARA-SOBA" is 1,419 yen per person (photo shows 2 servings). Made with Ishizhu tiles, one of Japan's three major tile types.

Located on the first floor of a renovated 70-year-old wooden apartment building called "Daigo Nagaya," this restaurant specializes in kawara soba, a specialty of Yamaguchi Prefecture. KAWARA-SOBA is a local dish consisting of brown soba noodles served on a heated tile and topped with ingredients such as egg, beef, and green onion, and served with warm dipping sauce. The visual impact of the dish, which appears with a sizzling sound, is unbelievably impressive. Yanagiya uses carefully selected ingredients such as eggs from the prefecture and leeks from Nagato City. The special dipping sauce is made to match the tea soba and is the restaurant's pride and joy. As you eat your way through the fluffy soba, the part of the noodle in contact with the tile will become crispy with roasted rice. You can also enjoy changing the flavor with grated momiji mushrooms and lemon.

Freshly baked chewy dumplings to be enjoyed by the river

Freshly baked Mitarashi dumplings: 162 yen for 1 dumpling, 540 yen for 4 dumplings
Freshly baked Mitarashi dumplings: 162 yen for 1 dumpling, 540 yen for 4 dumplings

Mitarashi dumplings, available only for takeout, are a must-have after-meal dessert or snack. The dumplings are made from Japanese Uruchi rice flour and baked to order. The savory burnt texture is also an appetizing point. The chewy texture of the dumplings is covered with a sweet and spicy sauce, and the taste is so irresistible that one dumpling is not enough.
The dumplings are delicious as they are, but the toppings are a great way to upgrade the taste. We recommend the ice cream topping. The combination of freshly baked dumplings and thick vanilla ice cream melting in the heat is irresistible.

Local Guide Comment
Tile soba noodles are served on the terrace, weather permitting. The garden extends and the JR Mine Line tracks run right by the restaurant. There are not many trains, but depending on your timing, you may be able to see a cute train.
KAWARA-SOBA Yanagiya
  • Address 1F Daigo Nagaya, 1325-1 Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Sta.
  • Business hours 11:00-19:00 (LO 18:30)
  • Regular holidays Tuesdays and the 3rd Wednesday of the month
  • TEL 080-9185-3070
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)
  • Memo Reservations not accepted

A harmonious café with a selection of delicious and comfortable foods

Seasonal syrup soda
Seasonal syrup soda" 660 yen, "Cheesecake" 770 yen

This café/shop is located on the second floor of a renovated wooden apartment building called "Daigo Nagaya," and is well known for its owner-selected products. The interior retains the original clay walls and pillars while adding hard materials such as mortar and stainless steel. The space has a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere. Outside the window is a seasonal view of the Onshin River. Relaxing on the Moroccan chairs or couches will make you lose track of time.
The signature cake is the "Cheesecake" from IMUSTAN, a popular bakery in Fukuoka Prefecture. The sea salt served with it is optional. The sweet and savory taste of the cheese is enhanced and you can also enjoy the crispy texture of the salt.

A selection of items that are a pleasure to use and wear

Clothes are original brand
Clothes are original brand "YAA!!!" of the owner's store "TERCEIRO". etc.

The selection is centered on skincare and fragrance products, as one would expect from a hot spring resort, and includes carefully selected lotions, soaps, hand creams, and other products. Cute tenugui hand towels with an illustration of the word "Yumoto" are also popular. The selection of original clothing, ceramics, and other items is sure to be a hit, not only as gifts, but also for yourself. The owner's wish to "enrich your travel experience with the four seasons" can be felt everywhere at Tre. Why not enjoy encountering products and sweets that you have never seen before?

Local Guide Comment
Apart from the café-style business, events and workshops are also held from time to time; check out their Instagram page for announcements.
cafe and shop Tre
  • Address 2F 1325-1 Daigonagaya, Fukagawa-Yumoto, Nagato, Yamaguchi-ken MAP
  • Direction Approx. 15 min. walk from JR Nagato Yumoto Sta.
  • Business hours 11:00-17:00 (L.O.16:30), Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10:00-17:00 (L.O.16:30)
  • Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
  • Parking No parking (use Nagato Yumoto hot spring parking lot)

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.