Where to after Himeji Castle? A “Healing Hot Spring Tour” for two girls in Nakaharima.
After fully soaking in the beauty of World Heritage site Himeji Castle, do you ever find yourself wondering, “So, what’s next?” Actually, just a short trip from Himeji Station leads you to the ultimate hot spring experience!
In this report, two students head out on a day trip to explore the best bathing spots in the Nakaharima area (Himeji, Fukusaki, Ichikawa, and Kamikawa). > Let’s check out our recommended route alongside plenty of photos showing their genuine reactions!
- The journey begins at the Himeji Station Tourist Information Center.
- Himeji Area: Refresh yourself at these unique bathing spots!
- Fukusaki Area: Meet mystical Yokai and discover a hidden hot spring gem!
- Ichikawa & Kamikawa Area: Fully charge your energy with the power of nature!
- See, taste, and unwind in NAKA Harima.
- Check out their journey in the video!
- Local Shops & Spots
The journey begins at the Himeji Station Tourist Information Center.
“Himeji Castle was amazing! Do you know any other cool spots around here?” This simple question was the spark that started our hot spring tour.
At the station’s information center, we picked up a guide map featuring the best bathing spots in Nakaharima.
Himeji Area: Refresh yourself at these unique bathing spots!
First, we head to the outskirts of Himeji City. The girls’ excitement builds as they get ready for a bathing experience that’s a little different from the usual.
Tomisu no Sato
This spot offers a rare “Mine Shaft Radon Bath.” Inside a space created from an actual former mine, the heat slowly warms you right to the core.
“I can really feel the detox working!” they say, their conversation lively and bright.
Facility Information
| Location | 550-139 Minagō, Yasutomicho, Himeji-shi, Hyōgo 671-2415, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | ・Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM ・Weekends & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM ・(The above hours include access to the Radon Bath and regular Bathing.) |
| Fees | Basic Course: ¥3,500 for all-day access, including repeated radon baths, regular bath use, and Samue rental. Trial Course (First-time only): ¥2,400 for a 1–1.5 hour radon bath session, regular bath use, and Samue rental. |
| Benefits | Hormesis effect promoting immune system improvement, natural healing, and relief from chronic illnesses. |
「次、どこいく？」
Yumenoi
Himeji’s premier hot spring inn.
Even though the luxurious atmosphere feels super fancy, you can totally enjoy the day-trip hot springs without any pressure!
The “melt-in-your-mouth” pudding after a nice soak is pure bliss.
Facility Information
| Location | 187 Maenosho, Yumesakichō, Himeji-shi, Hyōgo 671-2103, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | Daily: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Last admission at 2:00 PM) Weekends & Holidays: Additional hours available from 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM, Excluding days when the inn is fully booked). |
| Fees | Admission is ¥1,760 for those aged 13 and over, and ¥880 for children aged 3 to elementary school. |
| Benefits | This is a Metaboric/Metasilicic Acid Spring, offering beautiful skin effects (moisturizing and boosting metabolism), fatigue recovery, and relief from joint and nerve pain. |
Kyouyou Center Kōderasō
The facility is famous for its “Taketori-no-yu,” a favorite among locals. The gentle tingling of the carbonated spring feels amazing, warming you deep to the core and making all your daily stress melt away.
It’s the perfect spot to just kick back and relax without any pretense.
Facility Information
| Location | 1470 Tsuneya, Kōderachō, Himeji-shi, Hyōgo 679-2165, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last admission at 8:00 PM) |
| Fees | Admission is ¥850 for ages 13 and up (excluding seniors), ¥750 for seniors aged 60 and over, and ¥500 for children aged 5 to elementary school. |
| Benefits | This is a Sodium Bicarbonate Spring, effective for muscle pain, skin conditions, and fatigue recovery. |
Shioya Onsen Yumoto Ueyama Ryokan
A historic hot spring source dating back to the Edo period, this inn is a place where you can feel the quiet flow of time.
As you soak in the hot springs and listen to the gentle sounds of nature, the hustle and bustle of the city simply melts away. The real charm of this place is its serene atmosphere—it’s the kind of scenery that makes you think, “This is the true heart of old Japan!”
Facility Information
| Location | 287 Shiota, Yumesakichō, Himeji-shi, Hyōgo 671-2112, Japan（MAP） |
| Benefits | This is a Bicarbonate/Slight Salt Spring, effective for conditions like digestive issues (stomach/intestines), diabetes, and gout. |
Fukusaki Area: Meet mystical Yokai and discover a hidden hot spring gem!
Next, we’re heading to Fukusaki Town, a place packed with unique and playful surprises!
Fukusaki-cho Monjusō
After a stroll through Tsujikawayama Park—famous for its legendary Yokai, “Gajiro”—we headed to Monjusou, a spot dearly loved by the locals.
福崎町文珠荘
“It’s like finding a hidden treasure!” exclaimed my international student friend. You can lose track of time while relaxing and looking out over the beautiful Harima Plain.
Facility Information
| Location | 1891 Higashitahara, Fukusaki-chō, Kanzaki-gun, Hyōgo 679-2205, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | Standard hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:30 PM); however, hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:30 PM) every Wednesday and on the third Tuesday of the month. |
| Fees | Admission is ¥400 (¥200 for elementary/junior high students and seniors aged 65 and up who are Fukusaki Town residents, and disability certificate holders). |
Ichikawa & Kamikawa Area: Fully charge your energy with the power of nature!
As we head into the final stretch of our trip, we’re moving into an area rich in nature to soak up some resort vibes.
Tennen Kasagata Onsen Seseragi no Yu
The open-air bath makes you feel at one with nature—the sense of freedom is absolutely incredible.
With the soothing sound of the river as your background music, you can enjoy sweet treats while soaking in a foot bath… The ultimate “chill time” is waiting for you.
Facility Information
| Location | 2073-12 Kamiushio, Ichikawa-chō, Kanzaki-gun, Hyōgo 679-2301, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | Hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays (last admission 7:00 PM), and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekends and holidays (last admission 8:00 PM). |
| Fees | Admission is ¥800 for ages 13 and up, and ¥400 for children aged 5 to elementary school. |
| Benefits include: | This is a Weak Alkaline Simple Hot Spring, effective for beautiful skin, nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, poor circulation/chills, fatigue recovery, and overall health improvement. |
Relaxia Mineyama Kogen Hotel
リラクシアの森
A resort hotel nestled in the high-altitude highlands. It feels like staying at a private villa, giving you that special sense of luxury that gently unwinds your mind and body after an active day.
Facility Information
| Location | 881-146 Kamioda, Kamikawa-chō, Kanzaki-gun, Hyōgo 679-3125, Japan（MAP） |
| Hours & Admission | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM) |
| Fees | Admission is ¥1,000 for ages 13 and up, and ¥500 for elementary school students. |
See, taste, and unwind in NAKA Harima.
“I can’t believe we had such a full experience just in a day trip!” As the day came to an end, both of them were glowing with surprise and satisfaction.
By taking just one small step beyond Himeji Castle, they discovered so many hidden charms of Japan they never knew existed.
Whether it’s a quick break between sightseeing or making special memories with friends—why not experience this “Nakaharima Healing Hot Spring Tour” for yourself?
Check out their journey in the video!
English Version
Japanese Version
Local Shops & Spots
Kamikawa Town
Ichikawa Town
Fukusaki Town
Himeji City
Ieshima (Himeji City)
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