We visited Shichifuku Onsen “Utonosho” in Mori, Kusu-machi, Kusu-gun, Ōita. You can find this signboard on the Route 387, turn left and go into the mountains.

Go down along with the road, then you will find this big wood house. As it is located deep in the mountains, your mobile phone can be out of the network range depending on the service provider.

The manager Yuki welcomed us with a smile at the reception.

Take a couple of minutes of walk to get to the bathhouse.

The dressing room is big and clean. As it is fully made with wood, the atmosphere is really good.

This is the open-air bath which is paved with stones. As it is located at the middle of the mountains, you can enjoy the mountain view while bathing.

This moor hot spring is not hot (38.1°C|100.58°F), hence you can relax for a long time to completely warm up your body.

What is unusual in Utonosho is fine bubbles contained in the water. When you soak in the bath, whole your body will be soon surrounded by the bubbles. This phenomenon is really unusual. This hot spring can be carbonated thanks to its outstanding freshness. That’s why Utonosho is highly evaluated by onsen geeks.

Toyohiko is a frequent bather who is 80 years old. He comes to Utonosho every day after working in his farm to soothe his body.

This is the indoor bath which contains hot water. If you feel a chill in the open-air bath, you can take this bath.

The origin of Utonosho dates from 16 years ago. The owner saw this scenery by chance while driving the car, and he was so attracted with it. And he started cutting down trees and reclaiming land only with his friends, and he opened Utonosho in 2003 after drilling the hot spring and ground water. The house of Utonosho is made with the woods cut by themselves during the reclamation. Their passion and action is amazing.

By the way, you can see these small birds walking in the garden in Utonosho. It’s an ordinary sight.

Finally, ground water is naturally rising from the ground in Utonosho. Frequent visitors say it is really good as well as the hot spring.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Utonosho (Shichifuku Onsen)

Address: 4398-2 Mori, Kusu-machi, Kusu-gun, Ōita

Tel: 0973-72-0429

Access (Car): 1 hour 14 min from the centre of Oita City. 1 hour 17 min from the Oita airport

Parking Lot: 50

Opening Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (last entry at 18:00)

Closing Days: Wednesday

Price: JPY 400