Hot springs have been loved by people since ancient times, and as history has accumulated, they have developed a unique culture.

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the three oldest hot springs in Japan (Dogo, Arima, and Shirahama), as well as the oldest hot springs in Japan. We will also introduce access information and sightseeing plans.

What is the oldest hot spring in Japan?

There are several hot springs that are said to be the "oldest"

When you hear "Japan's oldest hot spring," many people probably think of Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture, Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, or Shirahama Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. In fact, there are other hot spring areas that are said to be "Japan's oldest" besides these. The reason for this is the difference in records, such as when they appeared in ancient documents and when members of the imperial family or historical figures visited them.

For example, the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) (712) states that Prince Karu was banished to the hot springs of Iyo at Dogo Onsen, and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) (720) records that Emperor Jomei visited Arima Onsen in 631. The Nihon Shoki also contains an article about Empress Saimei's visit to Shirahama Onsen in 658. Some hot springs have legends that go back even further, and the title of "oldest in Japan" changes depending on which document is considered the oldest.

The history of hot springs explained through the "Nihon Shoki" and "Manyoshu"

The Nihon Shoki and Kojiki are historical books that describe the origins of Japan, and contain many records of emperors and members of the imperial family visiting hot springs. These prove that hot springs were already popular as therapeutic baths and sacred activities during the Asuka and Nara periods.

Additionally, the Manyoshu contains several poems about hot springs, which show that people at the time enjoyed hot springs not only as a place to relax the body and mind, but also as a subject for waka poetry. These classic descriptions convey the depth of Japan's hot spring culture to the present day.

A thorough comparison of the three ancient hot springs! The charms of Dogo, Arima, and Shirahama

Famous for being the oldest hot springs in Japan, Dogo Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Shirahama Onsen are often referred to as the "Three Ancient Hot Springs of Japan." Here we will compare the quality of their springs, their effects, and the attractions of the surrounding sightseeing spots.

What are the differences in spring quality and efficacy? The secrets of Kinsen and Ginsen

Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)

Spring quality : alkaline simple spring

Features : Gentle on the skin, said to have a great effect on skin beauty

Efficacy : Fatigue recovery, neuralgia, rheumatism, joint pain, etc.

History topic : It appears in the Kojiki, and Prince Shotoku is said to have visited it in 596.

Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)

Spring quality : Kinsen (iron chloride spring) / Ginsen (hydrogen carbonate spring)

Features :

Gold spring: Contains a lot of iron and salt, and has a brownish color. It has a high moisturizing and heat-retaining effect. Silver spring: Contains carbon dioxide gas, and is expected to promote blood circulation and relieve fatigue.

Efficacy : Cold sensitivity, back pain, joint pain, allergic skin diseases, etc.

History topic : A favorite of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it is also known as "Taiko's hot spring resort."

Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture)

Spring quality : Chloride spring

Characteristics : Due to its coastal location, the water contains a lot of salt, so your body will stay warm even after you get out of the bath.

Efficacy : Neuralgia, muscle pain, poor circulation, etc.

History topic : The Nihon Shoki records that Empress Saimei visited the area in 658

Enjoy sightseeing and gourmet food in the area! Recommended plans

Dogo Onsen

Must-see spots : Dogo Onsen Main Building, Botchan Karakuri Clock, Dogo Park

Food : Sea bream rice, jacoten, sweets made with Ehime mandarin oranges

Recommendation : Enjoy eating your way around the shopping streets of the hot spring resort. Enjoy the atmosphere of the illuminated main building at night.

Arima Hot Springs

Must-see spots : Taiko Bridge, Arima Toy Museum, Zuihoji Park

Food : Carbonated rice crackers, Arima cider, and Kobe beef dishes are also popular

Recommended : Enjoy the retro atmosphere while strolling through the hilly streets. The autumn leaves are beautiful.

Shirahama Hot Springs

Must-see spots : Saki-no-yu (open-air bath overlooking the sea), Adventure World, Senjojiki, Engetsuto Island

Food : Grouper hotpot, pickled plums, local seafood

Recommendation : The best part of Shirahama is being able to enjoy the ocean and hot springs at the same time. Meeting the pandas at Adventure World is also a popular course.

Are there any more?! Other oldest hot springs in Japan!

"Sankoyu isn't the only hot spring in Japan that is the oldest!" There are other attractive hot spring resorts and inns that claim this. Here we will pick out some representative trivia.

The world's oldest inn! The history of Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan

Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan, located in the mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a long-established inn that has been certified by the Guinness World Records as having been founded in 705.

It is said to have been discovered by the eldest son of Fujiwara Kamatari, and you can enjoy the hot spring water that has been handed down for over a thousand years. The inn itself is like a history museum that transcends time and space, and you can enjoy the luxury of soaking in the hot spring water while feeling the passage of time.

The birthplace of the hot spring mark? Trivia about Isobe Onsen

Isobe Onsen, located in Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, is known as the birthplace of the famous "♨ (hot spring mark)". The symbol used at Isobe Onsen around 1661 to indicate the efficacy of the hot spring is said to be the roots of the current hot spring mark. There are also tourist spots scattered around the area, such as the Usui Pass Railway Cultural Park and the old Nakasendo road, so you can enjoy historical walks along with the hot springs.

The legend of Japan's oldest open-air bath! Myoken Onsen Wakeyu & Yunomine Onsen

Myoken Onsen Wakeyu (Kagoshima Prefecture)

This natural open-air bath is said to be where Wake no Kiyomaro bathed. Located along the river, it has a great sense of openness, and the generosity of being free to use is also appealing. You can experience the homey atmosphere of this bath that locals use on a daily basis.

Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu (Wakayama Prefecture)

Located along the World Heritage site of Kumano Kodo, this hot spring has an impressive small wooden bathhouse. It is said that the water changes color seven times a day, and it has long been believed to have mysterious healing powers. This is a hot spring where you can feel the history of its use as a **purification bath for pilgrims to Kumano**.

Access and sightseeing tips! How to fully enjoy Japan's oldest hot spring

Check out the transportation options and travel times! A detailed explanation of the surrounding attractions

Dogo Onsen (Ehime Prefecture)

Access: 40 minutes by limousine bus from Matsuyama Airport, 20 minutes by tram from JR Matsuyama Station. Attractions: Dogo Onsen Main Building, the shopping district, and Matsuyama Castle are also nearby, so you can visit them all at the same time.

Arima Onsen (Hyogo Prefecture)

Access: 30 minutes by bus from Shin-Kobe Station, or 1 hour by direct bus from Osaka (Umeda) Highlights: Easy access to Mount Rokko and Kobe city, perfect for a day trip

Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama Prefecture)

Access: 10 minutes by car from Nanki Shirahama Airport, 2.5 hours from Osaka by Kuroshio Express Highlights: Adventure World, Senjojiki, Engetsuto Island, and other leisure and scenic spots

Staying overnight or just taking a day trip? How to enjoy the baths depending on your travel style

In case of lodging

At historic, long-established inns and luxury lodgings, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with plenty of local seasonal ingredients and traditional hospitality.

For example, at the long-established inns in Arima Onsen, you can enjoy the specialty "carbonated rice crackers" and dishes made with locally produced ingredients. It is also appealing to stroll through the hot spring town at night in a yukata, walking through the charming streets lit by swaying lanterns.

What's more, special experiences exclusive to guests await you, such as enjoying a soak in the hot springs in the quiet hot spring town in the early morning.

For day trips

On a day trip, you can enjoy the unique features of each hot spring resort. At Dogo Onsen, you can soak in the baths while feeling the history at the Dogo Onsen Main Building, an important cultural property, and enjoy local gourmet food at the Botchan Karakuri Clock and shopping arcade.

At Arima Onsen, we recommend experiencing the different spring qualities at Kin no Yu and Gin no Yu, and touring historical sites such as Taiko Bridge and Nene Bridge. At Shirahama Onsen, you can refresh yourself in the open-air baths Saki no Yu and Shirasuna, which overlook the Pacific Ocean, and enjoy the spectacular views of Engetsu Island and Shirarahama Beach.

summary

The theme of "Japan's oldest hot springs" is filled with history and culture that has been passed down since ancient times. Looking at the three oldest hot springs, Dogo Onsen, Arima Onsen, and Shirahama Onsen, you can see that not only are the spring quality and efficacy of each hot spring, the surrounding sightseeing spots, and the gourmet food, but the "oldest evidence" based on ancient documents and legends is also very diverse.

Furthermore, there are many other hot springs that are said to be the oldest, such as Nishiyama Onsen "Keiunkan" in Yamanashi Prefecture, Isobe Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Myoken Onsen Wakeyu in Kagoshima Prefecture, and Yunomine Onsen in Wakayama Prefecture. Each has its own unique origin and attractions, allowing you to experience just how diverse Japan's hot spring culture is.

When planning a trip to a hot spring, narrow down your options based on your preferences and the purpose of your trip, such as history, spring quality, and ease of access. You can enjoy the atmosphere of a long-established inn that makes you feel like you've traveled back in time, or you can take a quick day trip around the hot spring town. Depending on your choice, your trip will become a completely different memory.

Please use this article as a reference and discover the appeal of "Japan's oldest hot spring" for yourself. Soaking in a bath that is imbued with eternal history and thinking about the activities of ancient people will surely be a special experience.