Iwamuro Onsen

Iwamuro Onsen is a hot spring town with a history of over 300 years since its founding. It has prospered since ancient times as a base for visiting Echigo Ichinomiya Yahiko Shrine. The town is dotted with historic inns and restaurants, allowing you to feel the charm of a traditional hot spring town. The characteristic of Iwamuro Onsen is the "black water" containing sulfur-iron compounds formed by the combination of sulfur and iron. It is effective for neuralgia and joint pain.

Iwamuro Onsen is located in a quiet place surrounded by a rich natural environment. There are accommodations in the area that offer views of the Kakuda Beach and the Echigo Plain and Yahiko Mountains. In addition, some accommodations at Iwamuro Onsen have private open-air baths with hot spring water flowing directly from the source, allowing you to enjoy the coexistence of refreshing nature and hot springs. It's a place where you can enjoy the changing seasons of nature, with cherry blossoms blooming in spring, swimming at the beach in summer, beautiful autumn foliage in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.

Iwamuro Onsen has many accommodations with natural hot springs that flow directly from the source, including outdoor baths and indoor baths. Among them, "Hoteru Ohashi Tate no Yu" boasts an outdoor bath with a panoramic view of the Echigo Plain and Mt. Yahiko. At "Ryokan Iwamuroya," there is a natural hot spring outdoor bath where you can luxuriate in the splendor of the hot springs. The water of Iwamuro Onsen is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and more. Why not refresh your mind and body in the natural hot springs that flow directly from the source?

From late June to early July, the "Fuyutsuma Firefly Festival" is held in the Iwamuro district. The clear streams along the riverside in the Iwamuro district have been home to fireflies since ancient times. There are not many clear streams in modern Japan where fireflies live. Thanks to the efforts of the local people, you can still see wild fireflies in Iwamuro. If you're considering going to Iwamuro Onsen, why not visit during early summer when fireflies are flying around?

Around Iwamuro Onsen, there are castle ruins such as Tenjinyama Castle and Matsudakeyama Castle. In particular, Tenjinyama Castle has almost complete remains of a medieval castle, such as earthen and stone walls, a gourd-shaped pond, and a warrior's rest area. From the main castle ruins at the mountaintop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Iwamuro Onsen at the foot of the mountain. It's a recommended tourist spot for history lovers. Why not tour the castle ruins while feeling the history at Iwamuro Onsen?

There are many experience events organized by the Iwamuro Onsen Tourism Association. While it's nice to relax at a ryokan during the day, why not participate in events that allow you to learn more deeply about the local area and experience it if you've come all the way to Iwamuro? In the "Mase Copper Mine Tour," you can learn about the history of the Mase Copper Mine and the wildflowers that grow there while listening to the guide's explanation. In the "Sasadango Handmade Experience," you can try making the Niigata specialty sasadango using the traditional method of the Iwamuro district. Since the events held vary depending on the season, those visiting Iwamuro Onsen should contact the tourism association for more information.

Around Iwamuro Onsen, there are restaurants where you can enjoy dishes made with fresh mountain and seafood delights from Niigata. In particular, at "Komatsuya," a small inn, you can relax and unwind in peace with fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan and three private baths. At "Michi no Eki Iwamuroya," you can also enjoy local cuisine and products. Why not try delicious Niigata cuisine at Iwamuro Onsen?

In the Nishikawa area of Niigata City, where Iwamuro Onsen is located, the "Straw Art Festival" is held from the end of August to early October. Various art works using rice straw are displayed, and many people from both inside and outside Niigata City visit every year. The rice straw used in the straw art works is collected from elementary schools in the former five towns and villages (Makimachi, Nishikawamachi, Iwamuramura, Katagamimura, and Nakanokuchimura) that have merged. Using this rice straw, students from Musashino Art University and other schools create rice straw art.

Twice a month (on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays), the "Farmers' Exchange Restaurant Yasai no Heya" will open in a traditional Japanese house located in Iwamuro Onsen. Local farmers will provide dishes made with ingredients they have grown themselves. The basic lunch menu consists of "rice balls, miso soup, a main dish, a side dish, a small dish, a condiment, a dessert, and tea." Local dishes from Niigata City may also be served. If you happen to be in Iwamuro Onsen on the 2nd or 4th Tuesday of the month, be sure to visit.