We visited Yoshimatsu Onsenkyo "Haraguchi Onsen" in Tsurumaru, Yusui-cho, Aira-gun. Haraguchi Onsen has over 100 years of history and the current building was renovated 30 years ago. 

The dressing room is very simple. There are only some baskets to put your clothes.

The water comes from moor hot spring, and is really dark-coloured, so local people call this onsen as "Coffee Spring." The owner says the majority of bathers are locals and the water treats skin rushes. People used to come to Haraguchi Onsen for the therapeutic bathing (staying at an onsen to cure diseases by bathing) from a long distance. Also, the water is drinkable, they receive orders from customers in the Kansai or Shikoku region.

The water is mixed from two hot spring sources, one is 45°C (113°F) and the other is 80°C (176°F). We were afraid it was too hot, however, it wan't and was actually comfortable.

He is a frequent bather Mizuo. He came back to Kagoshima after retiring from his job, and comes to Haraguchi Onsen almost every day. He speaks with a Kansai accent, and is an entertaining person.

There is a building dedicated to visitors for the therapeutic bathing, however, it is almost not in use now.

They are owners Mr. and Mrs. Nosé. Mr. Masaaki used to run a liquor shop near the Tsurumaru station, but he inherited the ownership of Haragushi Onsen from the previous owner when he was 60 years old. Since then, 30 years have passed and he is currently 90 years old. They help each other to run Haraguchi Onsen for many frequent bathers. During our interview, Mrs. Nosé prepared stools for us and, furthermore, gave us a cup of tea. We really appreciate her kindness.

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INFORMATION

Name: Yoshimatsu Onsenkyo "Haraguchi Onsen"

Address: 1172, Tsurumaru, Yusui-cho, Aira-gun, Kagoshima

Tel: 0995-75-2045

Access (Car): 1 hour 1 min from the centre of Kagoshima city. 30 min from the Kagoshima airport

Parking Lot: 50

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 19:30

Price: JPY 250