Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen is a sulfate spring that contains a good balance of sulfate ions and metasilicic acid, and is comparable to a lotion in its moisturizing properties.

It is said to have opened in the Nara period (710-794), and was known as the hot spring of the gods, as described in Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book (circa 1000) as “hot spring of Nanakari, hot spring of Tamatsukuri, and hot spring of Arima.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the hot spring is lined with cherry blossom trees along the Tamayu River and lined with inns.

There are pure Japanese-style inns built in the sukiya style, modern hotels, and inns where visitors can relax in an open-air bath in the garden while gazing at azaleas.
Ryokan specialties include sashimi carp, Matsuba crab, morogebi shrimp, and sea bass.

The area has prospered since ancient times as a production center for kagatama and tubular beads, and is dotted with kagatama objets d’art.
At Tamasakuyu Shrine, a large, round stone called a wishing stone is dedicated as the sacred object and is a popular spot.

The hills in the eastern part of the hot spring resort, centering on the 199-meter-high Mt. Hanasen, produce agate, which comes in three basic colors: blue, red, and white. Blue agate, with its beautiful deep indigo color, is particularly precious and can only be found here in the whole country. Goods using agate can be purchased in the hot spring resort area.