Ikaho Outdoor Bath

Highly recommended for a very local experience! This outdoor onsen might be small and very local but it’s worth the experience. Entrance is 450yen per adult and this gives you access to the pool and a locker. Different from other onsens, this onsen doesn’t allow you to use soaps before entering, instead you just rinse your body with the onsen water. I highly suggest you bring your own towel or purchase one at the counter. There is a lukewarm and a hotter pool, both featuring the local ‘gold’ thermal water. I have tattoos but no one seemed to say anything.

Note that you can't use anything such as soaps and shampoos here and nowadays Chinese traveller’s group are coming so frequently, then sometimes might be very crowded with them, therefore, whether you can enjoy bathing or not deeply depends on the number of travellers. Frankly speaking, I can say that it worth 200 JPY at most. A smoking space in front of entrance was nothing more than harassment for non-smokers.

Entrance fee: ¥600 Went 1 hour before its closing at 1800hrs. Only 2 other ‘soakers’. No frills bathhouse! Brownish hot spring water (Kogane no yu/golden hot spring) with high iron content was adequately hot - very relaxing & comforting for the body, especially on a cold evening. Last to leave the hot spring … happy!

Amazing experience. There is minimal shower facility but the open air onsen is sublime. It is secluded and one has to walk here to get in. The environment is especially serene, and the two kinds of onsen water is great, especially the iron based one. Right temperature and professional even more magical during autumn.

Little cute onsen that's in the forest. It has 2 types of onsen, 1 warm and 1 very hot. You should only rinse with the onsen water before entering. It was very nice and calm and the sulfur water was great for my skin. Definitely recommend it