The fifth article in our selection series is “The 10 Onsens You Should Visit in Miyazaki.” When you visit onsens in Kyushu, Oita, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima are popular destinations; however, there are excellent onsens in Miyazaki as well. They are not as famous and popular as Kurokawa or Beppu, and not familiar to tourists. If you like to visit off the beaten track places, Miyazaki is a good option.

1. Akishigeyu

Akishigeyu is one of the best moor hot springs I’ve ever experienced. The surface of the water shines like gold, and you will be surprised with the silky touch of the water when you soak in the bath. Also, the owner Shigeko is really kind and charming, many frequent visitors come Akishigeyu not only for bathing at the hot spring but also for meeting and chatting with her.

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2. Yunomoto Onsen

Yunomoto Onsen may be one of the strongest carbonated cool spring in Japan. The bath is amazingly carbonated, it’s like bathing in soda pop. The owner says the spring used be stronger than it is now. That’s also amazing. After enjoying a soda bath, onigiri cooked using this spring water is recommended. The minerals in the water give it a nice texture.

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3. Shiratori Onsen "Ueyu"

Shiratori Onsen “Ueyu” is located on a hill and you can have a fabulous view of Ebino city from its open-air bath. The open-air bath is good; however, what I highly recommend is its steam bath. The steam bath uses natural hot spring steam rising from under the ground. I heard some frequent bather say “we want to keep this steam bath secret.” And I can understand the reason after experiencing it. It’s super relaxing!

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4. Yunotani Onsen

Yunotani Onsen is situated at the middle of the mountain and just 30-minute drive from the centre of Miyazaki city. Yunomoto Onsen has a cool spring source with subtle fragrance of sulphur. This onsen opened in 1792 and has been said to be good for the skin which you can see on the stone monument built in 1817. When you visit Yunotani Onsen, please have a drink of the cool spring water, it’s drinkable.

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5. Nango Onsen "Yamagiri"

Yamagiri is located at the north part of Miyazaki. What is special in this hot spring is its silky touch of water. The pH value is 8.7 which is high alkaline. Also, the hot spring source supplies 100 liters per minute, so the water is not recycled although the bath is big. There is an open-air bath as well. Yamagiri will satisfy everyone throughout the year.

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6. Tsuana Onsen

Also in Miyazaki, there is a turbid hot spring containing a large amount of minerals. That is Tsuana Onsen! Tsuana Onsen offers a cool spring and the water is heated up for the bath. The bath is reputed by its high moisturizing effect. The water is drinkable and subtle carbonated, you can taste it after bathing.

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7. Tsuru no yu Onsen

If you want to visit a rustic and small hot spring, Tsuru no yu is a good choice. It has been running from the Meiji period (more than 100 years ago) and maintained by a union of the locals. The hot spring water is simple and suitable for the daily use. Tsuru no yu has been serving as an essential part of daily life for the locals.

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8. Takaya Onsen

Takaya Onsen offers a cool spring which has been used for a medicinal bathing from a long time ago. The cool spring water is heated up to 42°C|107.6°F for bathing which is moderate for everyone. The bath can warm up the body thoroughly even in winter, you won’t feel a chill after bathing. Takaya Onsen runs a café and hotel as well, you can take a rest if you want.

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9. Yoshida Onsen "Kame no yu"

Kame no yu is a carbonated hot spring where the water rises up from under the ground without using any artificial devices. The water is not recycled and always fresh. Once you get in the bath, you would think “I don’t want to get out, I want to stay here for a long time!” Also, the building is nicely aged, so if you like to visit onsens with a rustic charm, Kame no yu will surely satisfy your interest. 

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10. Megumi no yu "Kannogo Onsen"

2.2 tons of hot spring water gushes per minute in Kannogo Onsen. This figure is ones of the largest even in Japan. The brown-coloured water contains a lot of minerals, and thus the bathroom floor is covered with deposited minerals. Also, there is a faucet at the entrance where you can bring back the hot spring water for free. People say the water is good for cooking, especially rice, as well.

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Others

Although I selected 10 onsens in Miyazaki, there are a lot more good onsens. Click the following button to see others.