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)
Located in the Oku-Kirishima Onsen Village at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range in Takaharu Town, where the legend of Tenson Korin originated. Yunomoto Onsen is a historic hot spring established in 1902 (Meiji 35).
The source is said to have emerged in 1784 (Tenmei 4), making it one of Japan's oldest carbonated springs. The water quality is high-concentration carbonated spring with a source temperature of 22°C, a cold spring. When heated, it changes from transparent to amber color. When you put your hand in the bathtub, fizzy bubbles wrap around your skin, and your body gradually warms up. Boasting one of the highest carbonation concentrations in the nation, it is renowned for its excellent blood circulation promotion effects.
From the open-air bath, you can hear the murmuring of the Iwase River and enjoy bathing surrounded by the tranquility of the mountains. The water is also drinkable and is said to be effective for chronic digestive diseases, diabetes, and gout.
- Water quality: High-concentration carbonated spring (Sodium-bicarbonate spring)
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath
- Source temperature: 22°C
- Heated, no dilution
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥500)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating period: Year-round (Closed 1st and 3rd Wednesday, or next day if holiday)
2. Gokuraku Onsen Takumi no Yado (Takaharu Town)
A hot spring inn nestled at the foot of Mt. Takachiho at an elevation of approximately 1,000m in the Oku-Kirishima Onsen Village. Opened in the early Taisho period, it has about 100 years of history.
The inn's founder drilled for hot springs in this area with the desire to "create a paradise-like place where people can be healed," and named it "Gokuraku Onsen" (Paradise Hot Spring). The most distinctive feature is the Icchou-seki bath, carved from a single rock weighing approximately 20 tons. The sight of golden iron-rich spring water filling the impressive rock bath is breathtaking.
The facility offers two types of spring water: high-concentration carbonated spring and iron spring. Alternating between the golden mineral bath and the clear carbonated spring is said to enhance the bathing effects. It also features an outdoor bath, sauna, and private baths, and has been selected as one of Japan's best turbid hot springs.
The cuisine features mountain river dishes made with carefully selected Miyazaki ingredients, with the hearth-style kaiseki featuring yamame trout and Miyazaki beef being particularly popular.
- Water quality: High-concentration carbonated spring, Iron-containing spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath, private baths
- Source temperature: 22°C (carbonated spring)
- Heated
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥400, 6:00-22:00, Wednesday 6:00-10:00, 15:00-22:00)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating period: Year-round
3. Shiratori Onsen Ue-Yu (Ebino City)
A historic hot spring where Saigo Takamori stayed for three months to heal his mind and body after losing the debate on sending a military expedition to Korea. Located on the mid-slope of Mt. Shiratori at approximately 600m elevation, along Prefectural Road 30 descending from Ebino Plateau toward the city center.
From the panoramic outdoor bath, you can overlook the Kakuto Basin, which originated from the Kakuto Caldera formed about 340,000 years ago, with a view of Ebino city below. The water quality is simple acidic spring, with aromatic wooden baths lined up creating an atmosphere rich in tradition.
A distinctive feature is the natural steam bath utilizing geothermal energy, located in a separate building from the main facility. Behind the facility is an area called "Shiratori Onsen Jigoku" (Shiratori Hot Spring Hell) with fumaroles, where you can feel the earth's energy through the billowing hot spring steam.
At the adjacent Shiratori Chaya teahouse, you can enjoy udon made with secret stock and natural hot spring eggs. The origin of the spring is linked to the myth of a white bird, said to be the incarnation of Yamato Takeru.
- Water quality: Simple acidic spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath, steam bath
- Source temperature: Approximately 60°C
- No dilution or heating
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥310 (local residents), ¥500 (others))
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating period: Year-round (7:00-20:00)
4. Shiratori Onsen Shita-Yu (Ebino City)
A sister facility located approximately 500m downhill from Shiratori Onsen Ue-Yu. While Ue-Yu is popular with tourists, Shita-Yu is beloved by local residents.
This charming facility incorporates playful elements into nature, with the garden-style outdoor bath popular for bathing while feeling the refreshing breeze flowing through the forest. It also features indoor baths, steam baths, and private baths.
On the grounds stands a monument with poems by Yosano Tekkan and Akiko, inscribed with verses they composed when they visited Shita-Yu during their trip to Ebino Plateau in July 1929. The facility also offers ample accommodation including a multi-purpose ground and cabins for an outdoor experience, allowing visitors to combine activities with hot spring bathing.
- Water quality: Simple acidic spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath, steam bath, private baths
- Source temperature: Approximately 60°C
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥310 (local), ¥500 (others))
- Accommodation: Available (Cabins)
- Operating period: Year-round
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)
A hot spring located at approximately 1,200m elevation, the highest in Kyushu. Situated in a highland area surrounded by the Kirishima mountain range, it remains cool even in summer and is popular as a base for trekking and mountain climbing.
The water quality is bicarbonate spring, an acidic spring that gives a tingling sensation to the skin. It is said to be highly effective for rheumatism and chronic eczema. The hot spring can be enjoyed at multiple accommodation facilities including Ebino Kogen Hotel.
With a source temperature of approximately 43°C, free-flowing water can be enjoyed in outdoor baths and indoor baths. The outdoor baths offer magnificent views of the Kirishima mountain range including Mt. Karakuni, and at night, you can enjoy a sky full of stars. It's an ideal hot spring for healing bodies tired from mountain climbing and trekking.
Nearby is also the Ebino Kogen Onsen Camp Village, where you can combine natural hot springs with camping for an outdoor experience.
- Water quality: Bicarbonate spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath, family bath
- Source temperature: Approximately 43°C
- Chlorine disinfection used
- Day-trip bathing: Available (varies by facility)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating period: Year-round
7. Kitagou Onsen Beppin no Yu no Yado Marushinso (Nichinan City)
A hot spring inn located in the Kitagou Onsen Village, called the inner sanctum of the Nichinan coast. It sits in a quiet environment with views of the greenery of Inohae Valley and rural landscapes, between the Nichinan coast with Udo Shrine and the castle town of Obi.
The 51°C natural hot spring water emerging from 800m underground is a bicarbonate spring affectionately called "Beppin no Yu" (Beautiful Skin Hot Spring). Characterized by a smooth, slippery texture that gently envelops the skin, it's popular with women for its high skin beautification effects. The water is also drinkable and is said to be effective for chronic digestive diseases, diabetes, gout, and liver disease.
The brownish water filling the indoor and outdoor baths is free-flowing from an abundant source. The women's outdoor bath has a quietly secluded design, while the men's is a rock-style outdoor bath.
The cuisine features kaiseki meals utilizing Miyazaki's mountain and sea delicacies, with the annual spiny lobster festival and Miyazaki beef grilled on ceramic plates being particularly well-regarded.
- Water quality: Bicarbonate spring
- Free-flowing from source
- Baths: Indoor bath, outdoor bath
- Source temperature: 51°C
- Day-trip bathing: Available (Adults ¥500, 11:00-19:50)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating period: Year-round (irregular holidays)
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.