Shiohitashi Onsen Ryoma Park

Shiohitashi Onsen is a historic hot spring located in Makizono-cho Shukukubota, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Discovered around 1806, it is also known as Tsuru-no-Yu (Crane Bath) because cranes were seen healing their wounds in the waters. Situated along the Ishizaka River gorge in the Amori River system, it belongs to the Shinkawa Valley Onsen area. This onsen is famous as the place where Sakamoto Ryoma and his wife Oryo stayed for 18 days during what is considered Japan's first honeymoon trip in 1866. Ryoma healed his sword wounds from the Teradaya Incident here. The site was redeveloped and reopened as Shiohitashi Onsen Ryoma Park on May 1, 2010. The park features the Ryoma Museum, Ryoma and Oryo's Matchmaking Foot Bath, the Honeymoon Monument, and the remains of the bathtub Ryoma used. The facility has separate baths for men (Ryoma-no-Yu) and women (Oryo-no-Yu), with two different spring sources: Shiohitashi and Tsuru-no-Yu. The water quality is sodium-magnesium-calcium bicarbonate spring with source temperatures of 51.3C and 44.2C. The water is free-flowing without dilution, heating, or circulation. Known for its pale green color, it has been traditionally valued for treating cuts and gastrointestinal issues.