Oku-Shiobara Arayu Tera-no-Yu
Hot Spring Overview
"Oku-Shiobara Arayu Tera-no-Yu" is a public bathhouse located in Yumoto Shiobara, Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture, that preserves the atmosphere of a traditional healing spa. It is situated just below Mt. Iou (an explosion crater remnant) which emits steam and serves as a symbol of Arayu, creating a mystical atmosphere by its location alone. The name derives from "Entsuji Temple" that once stood at this site. Although the temple was burned down during the Boshin War and is now defunct, the bath was named "Tera-no-Yu" (Temple Bath) in memory of its history.
Arayu Onsen, which springs forth in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 970 meters, is said to have emerged following a major earthquake in 1659 (Manji 2). Even now, you can see steam and smell sulfur near the explosion crater. In the Oku-Shiobara hot spring area, there are three public bathhouses: "Tera-no-Yu," "Mujina-no-Yu," and "Naka-no-Yu," with "Tera-no-Yu" being the only mixed-gender bath among them.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
Access by Private Car:
From the Nishi-Nasuno Shiobara IC on the Tohoku Expressway, take National Route 400 and proceed along the Shiobara Road (Nisshio Momiji Line) toward Oku-Shiobara Arayu from the Shiobara Onsen area. Arayu Onsen is located after climbing a mountain road for about 15 minutes from the Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal. Tera-no-Yu is just in front of Shirakaba-so Ryokan, situated at the foot of Mt. Iou. The total travel time from the IC is about 40 minutes. Caution is needed for road conditions in winter.
Access by Public Transportation:
Take a regular bus from JR Nasushiobara Station to Shiobara Onsen Bus Terminal, which takes about 45 minutes. From there, transfer to a taxi for about a 20-minute ride to Oku-Shiobara Arayu Onsen. As buses are infrequent, checking the schedule in advance is recommended. Direct by bus from JR Nasushiobara Station takes approximately 65 minutes.
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About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
Unpaved 15min
It's located more than an hour away from JR Nasushiobara Station, requiring transfers between bus and taxi. Access by car also takes about 40 minutes from the Tohoku Expressway, with winding mountain roads along the way. Especially in winter, concerns about snow and ice increase the difficulty of access.
However, it can be reached by well-maintained roads all the way to the destination, and the facility itself is housed in a substantial building. The hot spring water is cloudy, and the building itself conveys a sense of good old tradition.
I rated it as Level 3 because while it's accessible by private car and equipped with minimal necessary facilities, it offers an authentic healing spa atmosphere with high-quality hot spring water.