We visited “Tsukano Kósen” in Megusuno, Ōita, Ōita. It was managed by four nearby ryokans, but is now managed only by Sansuiso because other three ryokans had closed.

Go to the reception of Sansuiso, the owner Katsunori will welcome you with a smile. Pay the entrance fee here, then move to the bathhouse. It might take a couple of minutes by foot.

You can follow the path to get to the entrance.

There is a box at the entrance, you can pay the entrance fee here instead of paying at the reception.

The dressing room is small but clean. As there are no lockers, you should keep your valuables by yourself.

This is the bathroom. The water colour indicates a lot of minerals are dissolved. When you get in the bath, you will notice deposited yellow minerals piling up on the bottom of the tub. The water of Tsukano Kósen was originally used for drinking from a long time ago, and later, the bathhouse opened 120 years ago.

A lot of water gurgles out of the faucet. The water type is sodium bicarbonate saline cool spring, and it is said that bathing here treats neuralgia and skin diseases.

Takamori is 77 years old and comes to Tsukano Kósen every day. He is a black belt in Karate, and still has a muscular body. He says he also drinks the water every day after bathing.

You can go up the hill on the right of Tsukano Kósen to get to a traditional water well. This water well opened in 1884, the reputation of its medicinal benefit was highly reputed, and many people came from across Japan to drink the water.

The inside is like a small shrine because the power of the water has been worshiped. This cool spring water treats indigestion, and its medicinal benefit was officially certified by a research institute of Kyushu University (currently integrated with Kyushu University Beppu Hospital). In the age where the medicine for stomach ulcer was not available, many patients came here to cure the disease by drinking the water. Actually, it was cured after staying here for about a week.

This is the cool spring source. The water is bubbling up from the ground. It is subtly carbonated and has an iron-like flavour. Although the medical technology has progressed a lot, the power of natural cool spring water might be revalued someday.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Tsukano Kósen

Address: 21 Megusuno, Ōita, Ōita

Tel: 097-541-0008

Access (Car): 30 min from the centre of Oita City. 1 hour 5 min from the Oita airport

Parking Lot: 30

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 11:00, 13:00 - 20:00

Price: JPY 200