Senhara Onsen Chihara Onsen

Chihara Onsen is a historic therapeutic bathing facility nestled deep in the mountainous valley of Misato Town, Ochi District, Shimane Prefecture. Its history dates back to 1885 (Meiji 18), when records in the Sawatani chronicles document the establishment of a hot spring lodging. Situated at the southern foot of Mount Sanbe along a tributary valley of the Gonokawa River, this solitary inn was exclusively reserved for therapeutic bathing until the early 1980s, closed to general visitors. The spring has long been renowned for its special efficacy in treating cuts, burns, and skin diseases, and local residents have maintained the custom of bathing at seasonal milestones such as Setsubun, Doyo no Ushi no Hi, and post-harvest cleansing.

The spring water is classified as carbon dioxide-containing sodium chloride and bicarbonate spring with a neutral pH of 6.6. The source temperature is approximately 34.5 degrees Celsius, and the water is delivered completely without dilution or heating as a pure free-flowing source. The most remarkable feature is the ashimoto yushutsu gensen (foot-bubbling source), where the spring water wells up directly through gaps in the wooden floorboards of the bathing pool, with dissolved carbon dioxide creating a constant stream of bubbles rising through the yellowish-brown water. The total dissolved mineral content reaches 10.17 g/kg, including 2,970 mg sodium ions, 3,690 mg chloride ions, and 142 mg metasilicic acid.

The bathhouse is a simple wooden structure divided into male and female sections by a central partition. The changing area and bathing area are combined in an unpretentious layout that preserves the authentic atmosphere of a traditional therapeutic bathing facility. During winter months, a heated goemon-buro (iron cauldron bath) is also available. Day-trip bathing costs 500 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Towels are available for 200 yen, and room rest is 1,200 yen per person for up to 5 hours. Visitors may also take home spring water.