Tamatebako Open-air Onsen

Tamatebako Open-air Onsen sits on the coast near Ibusuki, with two separate outdoor hot spring baths that trade places by gender depending on the day. The Japanese-style bath faces west toward Mount Kaimon; the Western-style bath faces east toward Take-yama (locally nicknamed Snoopy Mountain) and the sea. On odd-numbered days women use the Japanese-style bath and men the Western-style one; on even days it reverses. On clear days the view can stretch as far as Yakushima, Take-shima, and Io-jima.

The water is a sodium chloride strong saline spring drawn from a source running at 100.4°C, diluted and run on a continuous flow (kakenagashi) basis. It's said to help with neuralgia, rheumatism, and joint pain. Changing areas come with lockers, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and hair dryers, and there's an on-site cafe and small shop.

Day-pass entry runs 900 yen for adults (junior high and up) and 450 yen for children, with kids under three free; prices rise during designated peak periods (year-end/New Year, Golden Week, Obon, Silver Week) to 1,500 yen and 700 yen respectively, the adult rate then including a 100 yen bathing tax. Towels aren't included but can be bought (300 yen) or rented, and you're welcome to bring your own. The facility takes cashless payment via Airpay, and a Pocket Talk translator is on hand for non-Japanese speakers. Pets aren't permitted inside, apart from guide dogs. Parking covers 70 regular vehicles, and it's about a 10-minute drive or 14-minute bus ride from JR Yamagawa Station.