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With Kimio Ono who runs a museum nearby, in his home — With *Kimio Ono* who runs a museum nearby, in his home

We visited Ukenokuchi Onsen "Ukenokuchi Kyodo Yokujyo" in Ukenokuchi Tano, Kokonoe-machi, Kusu-gun, Ōita. “Uke” (筌 in Japanese) is the name of a fishing tool. According to Kimio who runs a museum nearby, this hot spring was opened to the public in the Meiji period when it was contributed to the village.

This is the reception. It is unstaffed on weekdays, and some members of the local union attend on weekend.

The dressing room is simple. There are only compartments.

The bathroom is very big and the bathtub is big as well. It is filled with yellow hot spring water. The water is a little bit hot, but contains a rich amount of minerals. Also, the touch is exceptional.

The main composition of the water is iron and sulphur ions. It is said the water treats burn injury, surface wounds, and neuralgia. Also, drinking the water can be good for stomach flu. Some visitors come from a long distance to Ukenokuchi Kyodoyu attracted by these health benefits.

On the day we visited, there were many visitors. From the left to right, Hayao from Takachiho, Saburo from Shimonoseki, Hisao from Kokonoe, Syosuke from Kumamoto, and Koreichi from Kumamoto. Four out of five people came from prefectures other than Oita. They all were satisfied with this bath.

He is Kimio who runs a museum nearby Ukenokuchi Onsen Kydoyu. He is knowledgeable about the local history and published some books about the history of the Iida area in Kokonoe.