Takedao Onsen

Takedao Onsen is a historic hot spring area located along the Mukogawa River gorge, straddling Takarazuka City and Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture. Often called the 'inner parlor of Kansai,' it is counted among the 'Three Ura-Rokko Hot Springs' alongside Arima Onsen and Rokko. The hot spring was discovered in 1641 by Takedao Naozo, a deserter of the Toyotomi army, who found it while gathering firewood after observing monkeys bathing in the warm water. The spring quality is simple hot spring and weak radioactive sodium-calcium chloride spring, containing radon which is rare in the Kansai region. The source temperature ranges from 25.3 to 29.6 degrees Celsius, with three sources producing 30 liters per minute. The mineral water that bubbles up from between the rocks is known as 'Gintakimizu' (silver falls water) and contains hydrogen sulfide. The waters are said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue recovery, sensitivity to cold, and chronic skin diseases. Currently, the ryokan Koyokan Bettei Azalee and the day-trip facility Motoyu are in operation, offering bathing while enjoying the scenic beauty of the gorge through all four seasons. The area is also known as the setting for Tsutomu Minakami's novel 'Sakuramori.' An abandoned railway hiking trail along the former JR Fukuchiyama Line (approximately 4.7 km) has become a popular tourist attraction.