Shiratori Onsen Shimoyu

Shiratori Onsen Shimoyu is a hot spring facility located along Prefectural Route 30 from Ebino Plateau toward the city center, slightly below Shiratori Onsen Kamiyu in Ebino City, Miyazaki Prefecture. This historic hot spring has been used since the Edo period, and there was once a 'middle bath' (Nakayu) as well. In July 1929 (Showa 4), the famous poets Yosano Tekkan and Akiko visited Ebino Plateau and stopped at Shimoyu, where they composed poems. A literary monument commemorating their visit stands within the facility.

The facility's greatest feature is its charming design that incorporates playfulness within nature. The 'Garden-style Open-air Bath' allows visitors to enjoy hot springs while feeling the refreshing breeze blowing through the forest, appreciating the changing expressions of nature through the seasons. The 'Natural Steam Bath' is also popular, utilizing a unique system where hot spring components are dissolved by adding cold mountain water to high-temperature steam rising from valley crevices.

The facility is thoughtfully designed for accessibility, with two wheelchair-accessible private baths to ensure that people requiring nursing care can also enjoy the hot springs. These private baths are available for welfare bathing and nursing care bathing at 1,500 yen for 90 minutes.

The facility includes 'Shiratori Butsu,' a restaurant serving dishes made with local ingredients. Accommodation is also available, with multiple cabins for 5-7 people, as well as field athletics and a multipurpose ground. The area has a 1000-year history as a Shugendo (mountain asceticism) site, where the monk Shoku opened shrines while pioneering the Kirishima mountain range. Located near Shiratori Shrine, the facility is beloved by local residents. While Kamiyu (Upper Bath) is frequently visited by tourists, Shimoyu (Lower Bath) is characterized by its homey atmosphere with many local users.