We visited Shirakigawachi Onsen "Sanso" which is located next to "Asahiya Ryokan" (see the previous article).

The owner Kiku and her son welcomed us. This onsen is managed by her family.

This is the dressing room and the locker. As the door cannot be locked, we recommend you to keep your valuables in your car, or bring them with you while bathing.

* Note that the bath is shared with "Asahiya Ryokan."

This is the first bath, which is reputed as "Doctorless" hot spring. It is said that the water is good for skin diseases. The slightly green-coloured water is little-bit thickened, and the quality is glorious. The manager said that the thickness changes by seasons.

The water comes from between the rocks on the wall, so it is really fresh. There are about ten faucets. The temperature is approx. 42 °C (108 °F) in summer. In winter, the temperature little bit decreases because the rocks are chilled.

* Note that the bath is shared with "Asahiya Ryokan."

We met Shigeru during our visit. He came this onsen for the first time in 70 years. We was a junior high school student when he came here last time. He enjoyed the bathing with the memory of his younger age.

This is the second bath. The water comes from between the rocks and is very fresh as the same as the first bath. The second bath is located close to the river, that makes the water tend to be cooler than the first bath.

* Note that the bath is shared with "Asahiya Ryokan."

The owner Kiku was really thoughtful and made us comfortable during our visit.  

You can see the water spring outside of the second bath. The water is drinkable.

There is a river under the lodge. The cool breeze from the river refreshed us in a summer day.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Shirakigawachi Onsen "Sanso"

Address: 5002, KamiOkawauchi, Izumi, Kagoshima

Tel: 099-668-2882

Access (Car): 1 hour 45 min from the centre of Kagoshima city. 1 hour 17 min from the Kagoshima airport.

Parking Lot: 12

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 21:00

Price: JPY 150