はらだの湯

A potter will reopen the former Haradacho Yujin Onsen (closed in 2021), also known as "Azumushi Onsen," as a therapeutic hot spring in 2022. The colorless and odorless water, heated with firewood and containing radium, originated from a glass mine. Located in Onomichi, the starting point of the Shimanami Kaido on the Honshu side, this hidden hot spring evokes the image of the Seto Inland Sea, but it's a hidden hot spring nestled in the mountains, with no ocean smell, sparkling lights, or boats. Admission: ¥700. Disability discount: ¥450. Baths: Separate men's and women's baths. There are four small indoor baths (42-43°C) that can accommodate about five people. A slightly larger open-air bath (37-39°C) is also available. A family bath is available (reservations required). A kotatsu (Japanese-style table) is placed in the rest area, allowing for relaxation. It's a hidden hot spring in terms of both its name recognition and location, but it seems to have many repeat customers, and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 10 people bathing in the men's bath. The smell of burning firewood evokes memories of the Showa era.

This was my first time there since the new owners changed. It's not as lively as before, interacting with local residents, and the ticket machine is used. The receptionist was so busy on her smartphone that I couldn't tell if she even said hello. The other staff members didn't greet me or show any enthusiasm either. It was the same when I left the front door. 700 yen, which doesn't include shampoo, is a bit pricey for this area. I wouldn't say the place was very clean either. The solo sauna was also a disappointment. There were many things that were tolerated under the previous owners, but I wonder if they're still acceptable under the current owners. There are clearly fewer customers. The break room was so cluttered that it was hard to tell if it was a break room or a staff room. Also, are you aware of cat allergies? How about putting a cat futon or cat tower around the entrance? You seem to be still young, so I hope you do your best. The bath was good, so I'll definitely go back someday.

A radon hot spring located in the mountains a short distance from Onomichi. It's scheduled to open at 9:00, so I arrived at 9:03, but there were already four people there...it was early. I bought a ticket from the machine for 700 yen and handed it over. I heard the open-air bath is circulated, but thanks to the hot water coming from a charcoal source and being filtered in various ways, there's almost no chlorine smell, and the water smells more like chloride. The radon source water is cold, so it's boiled with firewood, which also adds to the lovely aroma. There were no built-in showers. I think there were about four showers. There were also some slightly elevated chairs. The radon source water is drinkable and is quite easy to drink. There are three drinking spots. Anyway, radon is most effective when inhaled, so the indoor bath is probably the best option. However, the deepest point is about 1m, so be careful with children.

It's been about 20 years since I last visited, and the sliding door at the entrance, which is too low for modern people, hasn't changed at all.☺️ I remember it used to be quite difficult to get there, and while coming from the Matsunaga side you have to walk down a narrow path, coming from the Mitsunari side is a fairly wide path.👍️ There's one indoor bath, one outdoor bath, and a single-person sauna. No shampoo, conditioner, or body soap provided. It felt like an old-fashioned public bathhouse, and I was able to spend some relaxing time there. Considering it's a hidden hot spring, it's quite busy, and it might get a little overcrowded on weekends and holidays. It seems there are also family baths.

There were a lot of female customers, and it seemed like many of them were regulars, soaking in the open-air bath for long periods of time. There was a single-person sauna, but I didn't see anyone using it. Some people were using the single-person cold spring tub bath, but I think it would be too cold if you weren't warm enough. I thought I could relax in the rest area, but the atmosphere wasn't very welcoming. Some of the customers didn't seem very happy about bringing young children with them, so even though I'd heard it was good for the skin, I don't think I'll be coming here again. I was happy that the woman at the reception desk was kind to me.