Ukawa Onsen Yoshino no sato

I spent just an hour at the Onsen and loved it. The facilities were pristine, with a sauna and outdoor bath, and the views were lovely. There’s also a charming shop selling delightful treats. It was far better than anything I’ve found in Kinosaki. Don’t miss it!

For 600 yen, the sea view is quite good, and there’s a decent range of bath temperatures. This is a review of the onsen only, not the hotel accommodation. The baths are tiled, with no stonework even in the outdoor sections, so they don’t have much visual appeal. There isn’t a drinking fountain anywhere. On a hot day, if you haven’t brought a drink, you’ll have to buy one from the vending machines. There are none inside the bathing areas, so get a drink before going in.

The Sea of Japan is visible through the window on a clear day while you bathe, and the spacious setting and variety of baths make this onsen comfortable. I’m a big onsen fan, and this one really impressed me. I also liked the neat tilework at the washing stations. Bamboo baskets on tatami mats serve as lockers, giving the place a natural countryside feel.

The restaurant’s choices are limited, but the food is cooked with care. There are also small shops selling local produce, souvenirs, and drinks. The accommodations are available, though we didn’t use them, since we stayed in a tent on the nearby beach. It’s a great onsen on the Sea of Japan coast, with two sections alternating between men and women almost daily. The sea side is definitely the better option for its view.