This is an exemplary onsen of the San’in Region. Compiled in the year 733, the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki describes “a hot spring in the mountains thriving with men and women of all ages.” It was already prospering as a famous onsen 1,300 years ago, but because its official opening date is not confirmed, it can be counted as one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.

The Izumo no Kuni Fudoki also states regarding the onsen, “If you bathe once, your skin will feel rejuvenated. Bathe twice and all maladies will be cured. No one has ever heard of this effect not working, so people say it is the hot spring of the gods.” The onsen’s reputation for beautifying skin made its way to the capital, and Tamatsukuri Onsen is also written about in Sei Shonagon’s The Pillow Book.

The waters of the “hot spring of the gods” continue to gush forth with their healing and anti-aging properties for the skin just like in the days of yore.

It is a popular secret to enjoy walking around in a yukata along the Tamayu-gawa River of the onsen town where there are restaurants, souvenir stores, and lucky spots. At the foot and hand baths that you can casually drop into, conversations naturally spring forth among travelers. Purchase a bottle of onsen water at Yukusushi Hiroba and take it home to use as onsen mist.