Not only in the summer time! One of the superb three oldest spas in Japan - Nanki Shirahama Onsen

Super superb view! "Saki-no-Yu"

“Saki-no-Yu” is one of the top three Onsens with superb view out of many that I have visited. The Onsen is located very close to the sea - it is closed when the wave is high since being so close to the sea. And what’s surprising is that we were told that this bathtub with a long history is the only one left among the “Yuzaki Shichito (7 Onsens of Yuzaki) ” that goes as far back as the 7th century. The type of hot spring water here features “sodium-chloride hydro carbonate spring” with a subtle scent of sulfur. The best part of this “Saki-no-Yu” is that it lets you enjoy the view of the vast ocean, the sound of the waves, and the scent of the sulfur and the sea - all of them while you are soaking in the hot spring water. Of course, this is a free-flowing hot spring, although there are rare occasions where some water is added to cool off the temperature of the spring water, this certainly is a superb Onsen.

-Admission fee: JPY 400 (3 years and up) -Time of operation: 8:00 - 17:00 (time may vary depending on the season) -Closed on: Wednesdays *Photograph provided courtesy of the Shirahama Town Office as Saki-no-Yu prohibits photographing inside the premises.

Enjoy the two different types of spring water - "Muro-no-Yu"

This Onsen is located in Yuzaki Onsen town right along Shirahama beach where there are rows of inns and hotels, and it is one of two representative communal baths in Nanki Shirahama Onsen, along with Saki-no-Yu. This hot spring is constantly bustled with locals and tourists. One of the greatest points about this “Muro-no-Yu” is that there are two different types of hot spring water are available in two tubs, so, it is just as same as if you have gone to two different Onsens! I feel as though the experience there is a good value for money. I would be happy if you could feel the subtle differences as you enjoy them to your heart’s content in two types of Onsen as their hot spring water are not significantly different. In addition, I definitely suggest you enjoy the coziness of the waiting room (lobby?) as the building itself offers you a retro twist.

-Admission fee: 400 JPY for adults; 130 JPY for school children; 70 JPY for children. -Operating hours: 7:00 - 22:00 -Closed on: Tuesdays

The inn with beautiful and splendid view: "Kaishu"

“Kaishu” is one of the relatively new inns in Nanki Shirahama Onsen. It appears that this inn is very popular that it is always bustled with many guests. The exterior and the interior of the inn are stylishly furnished with modern Japanese style decor. Unfortunately, I still have not had a chance to stay there, but I was fortunate enough to use the bath with the use of “Nanki Shirahama Yumeguri Fuda” pass, issued by Shirahama Hot Spring Inns Association、which enables the holders of the passes to enjoy three baths out of 12 inns and hotels. I, on the other hand, was too impressed with the bath at “Kaishu” that I have used up my pass with the Onsens in “Kaishu”.

Although there are many private bath tubs available for reservation, the open-air bath with a splendid view, “Hamachidori-no-Yu”, as shown in this photo was the best of the best. In addition, “Hamachidori-no-Yu” is a “co-ed” bath, which is uncommon in Kansai region. However, ladies, please do not worry; you can enjoy this co-ed bath as the bathing wears are available. I’m sure you will be completely and profoundly soothed when you see the splendid view becomes even more splendid at the time of dusk. Actually, their wooden indoor hot spring there is also exquisite that I hope you will enjoy the hot springs thoroughly. I am wishing for an opportunity to stay there and enjoy the restful time in the hot springs there in the near future.

-The baths are not available for the visitors. Only those with “Nanki Shirahama Yumeguri Fuda” passes can use the baths. -Operating hours (time available for visitors): 15:00 - 21:00 -Open throughout the year.

More superb Onsens of Shirahama to follow

The photo shown here is the image of “Tsuna-no-Yu”, which is located in an isolated location away from spa town. The interior of this Onsen resembles the atmosphere of “Sento (public bath house) ”, but the hot spring water there is just exquisite! It offers the water of great quality that assures you of the freshness.