Tamatsukuri Onsen
玉造温泉
A hot-spring destination where the bath itself is the sightseeing.
What this place is
Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉) is an onsen hot spring located in Tamayu, Shimane Prefecture. The closest large city to the onsen is Matsue, which can be accessed by car, bus, or rail. Tamatsukuri is a noted sulfate spring with water temperatures between 50–70 °C (122–158 °F). Tamatsukuri Onsen is an ancient hot spring, dating back to the 8th century where gods are said to bathe once a year since the creation of Japan according to the myth of Izanagi and Izanami. The onsen is mentioned as early as 733 in an entry in the Izumo Fudoki, an ancient record of the culture and geography of Izumo Province. The waters of Tamatsukuri are said to aid in the recovery from several ailments such as rheumatism, skin conditions, etc. The mineral content of the water is said to be beneficial to the skin, and is a popular destination with those interested in the area's ancient history, and its beauty benefits.
Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉) is one of the standout places to visit in Shimane. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Mineral-rich water that locals have soaked in for generations — each source has its own temperature, colour and smell.
- A bathing town you can wander in a yukata, with steam drifting between wooden inns and public baths.
- Open-air rotenburo tubs framed by mountains, river valleys or the sea, which change completely with the season.
What you can do here
- Take a day-use bath (higaeri onsen) even without staying overnight — most inns open their baths in the afternoon.
- Try the free foot baths (ashiyu) dotted around town for a quick warm-up between stops.
- Buy a bath-hopping pass and compare two or three different sources in one afternoon.
- Eat the local onsen specialities — steam-cooked eggs, puddings and vegetables sold near the sources.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
- JR to Tamatsukuri-Onsen; walk ryokan street.
- Nearest station/stop: Tamatsukuri-Onsen.
Good to know before you go
- Wash and rinse at the shower stations before entering the tub; the bath water is shared.
- Some traditional baths still restrict tattoos — look for tattoo-friendly inns or private family baths (kashikiri).
- Bring a small towel; larger bath towels are usually rented or sold at the counter.
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