We visited Ibusuki Onsen "Yajigayu Onsen" in Yajigayu, Jitcho, Ibusuki. Yajigayu Onsen opened in 1892, and has over 100 years of history. Each of both Men's bath (男湯 otokoyu in Japanese) and Women's bath (女湯 onnayu in Japanese) has two bathrooms called Yajigayu and Daikokuyu. Yajigayu only contains the water from the hot spring source, while Daikokuyu additionally contains cold water because the temperature of the original hot spring is very high.  

The owner welcomed us at the reception. She smiled and said "You can spend a relaxing time in Yajigayu Onsen because time goes by so slow here." Also she said the majority of the bathers are locals. During our interview, some frequent bathers passed the reception with a casual greeting.

The dressing room is clean and simple. There is no locker, however, the dressing room can be monitored from the bathroom.

This is Yajigayu. The combination of the bathtub, floor, and bamboo fence is very charming. The bathroom is well maintained and clean, which makes the bathing experience comfortable. The water colour changes according to the season, the owner says especially it looks beautiful in February or March when the depositions in the water forms like a flower.

The water contains rich iron ion, and the faucet is covered with a net because a lot of depositions are contained. Many bathers repute its touch and skin-smoothing benefit.

Masataka (the name of the man in the picture) has been living in Ibusuki for 60 years and is a farmer. He comes to Yajigayu Onsen everyday with his wife. In every evening, many farmers get together at the bath to chart together and exchange the information about farming and also their crops. 

This is Daikokuyu. The bathroom is well maintained and clean as well. The water is always overflowing. When taking a bath, the owner says the recommended step is "Rinse off the surface dirt on your body" - "Ease into the bath" - "Lying down on the floor using the woody pillow" - "Pour the water over your body as you like". The important thing is "Don't be hurry, relax".

On the second floor of the building, there is a lounge which has the traditional Japanese design. It is very lovely. You can relax yourself after bathing.

MAP

INFORMATION

Name: Ibusuki Onsen "Yajigayu Onsen"

Address: 1068, Yajigayu Jitcho, Ibusuki, Kagoshima

Tel: 0993-22-3030

Access (Car): 1 hour 5 min from the centre of Kagoshima city. 1 hour 21 min from the Kagoshima airport

Parking Lot: 20

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 21:00

Closing Days: Thursday

Price: JPY 300