武田尾温泉 足湯

I visited on a weekday lunchtime. At first, there was no one there, so it was a bit lonely, but after a while, an elderly gentleman who was out hiking came in, so I called out to him and we went in together. Before I went in, someone from the inn that manages the facility came down and swept up fallen leaves with a broom. It's not as fancy as the footbath facilities that charge a fee, but I think it's fairly well maintained. The water felt a little lukewarm, but by the time I got out it was warm enough. It's surrounded by maple trees, so I think it's a great place to visit during the autumn foliage season.

Like everyone said, the water is lukewarm. Wish it were warmer because it would be such a relief to our tired feet after walking through the tunnels of Takedao all the way from Namaze Station. But as it’s free, I can’t complain. I also had a chance to have a friendly chat with the locals who regularly drive there from home just for a casual soak in the foot onsen. Lukewarm or not, it’s always nice to have one near your home. Ideally you should start your hike from JR Namaze then find this place to rest. Don’t stay too long as others may be waiting in line. Then it’s just a short walk to JR Takedao.

I stopped by after hiking along the abandoned railway line. It's about an 8-minute walk from Takedao Station. There's a spacious parking lot, so parking cars and motorcycles isn't a problem. The water in the footbath is a comfortable, warm temperature. The water is smooth and doesn't have a strong sulfurous smell, but since it's free to use, it's a good place to drop by on a whim. There's a vending machine next to the footbath, but no restrooms.

After walking around the abandoned railway line, I came to check out the foot bath. It's small, but it's free to use and a wonderful space! Today, it was so hot that I didn't feel like soaking my feet! It would probably be best to go during the autumn foliage season or the cold winter months! There is a parking lot, but the tunnel is very narrow, so it's safer to walk.

Not only is there a free foot bath, but the Takedao Onsen area is at its best during the autumn foliage season! This area is rich in variety of autumn leaves and there's even a river, making it reminiscent of Arashiyama in Kyoto. One way or another, I end up going there every year to see the autumn leaves!