We visited Mahoroba Onsen “Usa” in Kawabe, Usa, Ōita.

Tomiko welcomed us with a smile at the reception.

The dressing room is big and clean. Also, there are lockers to keep your valuables safe.

There is a big bathtub in the bathroom which is filled with subtle cloudy water. When you get in the bath, you would be amazed with how soft the water is. Many visitors say this hot spring is suitable for a long soak, and actually they do. The owner Akemi is very proud of the quality of the water, she said this is the best hot spring at least for her.

The water is not recycled, fresh water is continuously pouring into the bath. The temperature is 42°C|107.6°F which is moderate for taking a long soak. They say the hot spring has a lot of health benefits and is good for skin. Also, it is drinkable, many bathers bring back the water to improve the liver function.

Yoshihisa (the name of the man in the bath) is 77 years old and comes to Mahoroba Onsen every day. He took a bath and sauna repeatedly to soothe the body.

The owner Akemi is a member of the Usa city council. Before being the member, she used to be a teacher. In the past, she suffered from a health problem and recovered from that thanks to the advice and helps from many friends and doctors. So she wants this hot spring to be a community for relaxation and promoting health. Thus, she made a big lounge to facilitate the communication among visitors.

In Mahoroba Onsen, there is a small store selling local vegetables and foods. Also, Akemi runs Mahoroba Usa Bussankan nearby where you can take a meal and buy souvenirs.

According to the lore, Emperor Jimmu visited Usa in a long time ago. At that time, a local gōzoku named Usa Tsuhiko (菟狭津彦) welcomed and hosted him at this place. That’s the reason why this hot spring is named as “Usa” (菟狭 in Japanese).

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Mahoroba Onsen “Usa”

Address: 1765−8 Kawabe, Usa, Ōita

Tel: 0978-37-3711

Access (Car): 59 min from the centre of Oita City. 57 min from the Oita airport

Parking Lot: 40

Opening Hours: 09:00 - 22:00

Closing Days: Every third Tuesday

Price: JPY 400