Miyazaki Prefecture, known as the birthplace of Japanese mythology and the legend of Tenson Korin (the descent of the heavenly grandson), is home to numerous hot springs nestled at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range. Among these, the hidden hot springs, or "hitoyu," have been healing visitors for centuries, surrounded by abundant nature. This guide introduces Miyazaki's secret hot springs, featuring unique water qualities including high-concentration carbonated springs and iron-rich waters.
1. Yunomoto Onsen (Takaharu Town)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
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| 10:00 - 21:00 | ◯ | ◯ | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
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| 07:00 - 21:00 | ◯ | ◯ | 07:00-10:00 | × | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
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| 07:00 - 20:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 - 20:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
5. Kyomachi Onsen Gyokusenkan (Ebino City)
A long-established hot spring inn founded in 1915 (Taisho 4). Located in the center of Kyomachi Onsen Village, known as Miyazaki Prefecture's premier hot spring area, it's about a 2-minute walk from JR Kyomachi Onsen Station.
The signature bath is the outdoor bath affectionately called "Supponpon-buro" (naked bath). With a tanuki figurine sitting beside the rugged rock bath, a unique cave bath extends into the back. The water is a beautiful blue color, with smooth-textured simple spring water flowing directly from the source enveloping the body.
The facility displays haiku said to have been composed by the wandering poet Taneda Santoka when he visited. The retro, Showa-era lobby and corridors are adorned with watercolors and oil paintings. Guests can enjoy 24-hour bathing in Japanese and Western-style rooms that feel as comfortable as home.
- Water quality: Simple spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor baths (separate for men and women), outdoor bath (private), family bath
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥300, 11:00-20:00)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating period: Year-round (irregular holidays)
6. Ebino Kogen Onsen (Ebino City)
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
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| 11:00 - 20:00 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | Hol | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:00 - 19:50 | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ |
8. Miike no Yu (Takaharu Town)
A family bath-only hot spring facility adjacent to Miike Camp Village in the Oku-Kirishima Onsen Village. Opened in March 2012 and renewed in October 2023.
The source is a self-flowing hot spring that emerged in 1969, with 300 liters per minute flowing from 316m underground. Formerly known as Kirishima Higashi Onsen, it has been cherished as a therapeutic spa. All 13 rooms are private family baths, with options including rooms with only indoor baths, rooms with outdoor baths, and even rooms with saunas, selectable according to purpose.
The popular family baths with outdoor baths feature three types of baths: indoor bath, outdoor bath, and cold bath. The indoor bath water is changed for each guest, the outdoor bath is 100% free-flowing source water at 31°C, and the cold bath is set at 18°C. In summer, it's also enjoyed like a pool and is popular with children.
Family baths with saunas allow you to enjoy the perfect loop of "sauna → cold bath → outdoor relaxation," with rest areas equipped with TVs, refrigerators, and microwaves.
- Water quality: Sodium-bicarbonate spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath (family baths only, 13 rooms total)
- Source temperature: 31°C (outdoor)
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Weekdays 11:00-22:00, Weekends/holidays 10:00-22:00, family bath rates)
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating period: Year-round (Closed Tuesdays)
9. Yunotani Onsen (Miyazaki City)
A solitary hot spring inn located in the mountainous area of Takaoka-cho, Miyazaki City. Founded in 1792 (Kansei 4), it has over 200 years of history as a hidden secret hot spring.
Using cold mineral spring water emerging from the back and heating it, the water quality is bicarbonate spring. With a viscous texture, it's known among hot spring enthusiasts as an "ultra-smooth bath." After bathing, you get a refreshing clean feeling.
While it once operated as an inn, it now functions as a day-trip bathing-only facility beloved by locals and secret hot spring fans. The building retaining a Showa-era atmosphere sits quietly along the Oyodo River, exuding the character of a secluded hot spring.
At the reception, vegetables and rice crackers are also sold, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of an old-fashioned hot spring. The talkative couple who runs it sometimes gives commemorative printed materials about the hot spring's origin.
- Water quality: Sodium-bicarbonate spring (cold mineral spring)
- Heated
- Baths: Indoor bath
- Source temperature: Approximately 20°C
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥420)
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating period: Year-round
*It is recommended to check the current operating status in advance.
10. Ouji no Hara Onsen Kenkou Mura (Takaharu Town)
A hot spring facility adjacent to Ouji no Hara Park, the site of the Tenson Korin legend. Located at Ouji no Hara, considered the birthplace of Emperor Jimmu, it's a hot spring where you can feel the romance of mythology and history.
One of the Oku-Kirishima Onsen Village springs, the water quality is bicarbonate spring. It features indoor and outdoor baths with an open view overlooking the Kirishima mountain range. The facility also includes a dining area where you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
Within Ouji no Hara Park are scattered historical sites including Ouji no Hara Shrine enshrining Emperor Jimmu and the Ubadoko Stone, allowing visitors to combine walking and bathing for a full day. Cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring and autumn foliage in fall, where you can enjoy nature through the four seasons.
It's also used as a base for climbing Mt. Takachiho, beloved as a hot spring for healing fatigue after climbing.
- Water quality: Bicarbonate spring
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath
- Day-trip bathing: Available (9:00-19:30)
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating period: Year-round (Closed Tuesdays)
Conclusion
Miyazaki Prefecture's hidden hot springs feature diverse water qualities blessed by the Kirishima mountain range and a history continuing from the age of mythology. Each has its own character, including high-concentration carbonated springs, iron-rich springs, and beautiful skin hot springs, healing visitors for generations.
Why not immerse yourself in hot springs emerging from the land of Tenson Korin, spending leisurely time while feeling the romance of mythology and the blessings of nature?
*While the information represents the latest available at the time of research, there may be inaccuracies. Please check official websites for the most current information.
