Tamatebako Onsen
たまて箱温泉
An open-air hot spring on a seaside cliff, where you can soak while looking out over Mount Kaimon and the East China Sea. It is often cited as one of Japan's most scenic outdoor baths.
Tamatebako Onsen sits on a headland in Yamakawa Fukumoto, Ibusuki, and is a public day-use hot spring facility run by the city. The outdoor baths are divided into a 'Japanese-style' bath and a 'Western-style' bath, with men and women switching between them on alternating odd and even days. The Japanese-style side faces Mount Kaimon, while the Western-style side overlooks the sea and the distant islands of Takeshima and Iojima. The pools sit almost at the edge of the sea and sky, and the view is especially beautiful at sunset. Admission is about ¥510. Hours are roughly 9:30 to 19:30, and the baths are closed on Thursdays (check the official website). No towels are provided, so bring your own or buy one there. Nearby, Yamakawa Sunamushi Onsen Sunayuri lets you try a sand bath as well. It is about 10 minutes by car from JR Yamakawa Station. Buses are infrequent, so driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
Opening hours
09:30-19:30, closed Thursdays
Nearby sights
- Flower Park Kagoshima
- Cape Nagasakibana
- Lake Unagi
- Nishi-Oyama Station
- Ibusuki Sand Bath
- Ibusuki no Tamatebako Limited Express
- Lake Ikeda
- Hirakiki Shrine