Tsukioka Onsen

The feature of Tsukioka Onsen is its hot spring, which boasts the highest amount of sulfur in Japan. It has the effect of dissolving the keratin in the skin, making it smooth and youthful. Additionally, the sulfur component stays in the body for a long time, earning it the nickname "hot spring of longevity and eternal youth." Furthermore, the color of the hot spring at Tsukioka Onsen is a beautiful emerald green, often mistaken for bath additives. Combined with the vast rural and mountain landscapes visible nearby, the sounds of nature, and the scent of the mountains and water, it's sure to refresh not only the body but also the mind!

In the town of Tsukioka Onsen, there is a free tourist garden called the "Garden of Moonlight". The lanterns lining the corridor in the garden are designed with various Japanese patterns and create a fantastic world from evening onwards. At the back of the Japanese garden, there are benches and relaxing spaces where you can sit and chat. Enjoying a leisurely conversation while surrounded by a fantastic atmosphere is one of the highlights of a trip to Tsukioka Onsen. During the day, the garden is a bright Japanese garden with pleasant natural greenery and the sound of water, so be sure to stop by during the daytime as well.

When it comes to Niigata, it is known as the best rice-producing area and the best sake-producing area in Japan. The only place where you can enjoy premium sake from all of Niigata's sake breweries at once is "Niigata Local Sake Premium SAKE KURA" in Japan. Closed every Tuesday, they offer a tasting of three cups of sake for 600 yen, allowing anyone to easily enjoy Niigata's sake. If you're overwhelmed by the number of sake options and don't know what to drink, don't worry. Knowledgeable staff members are always on hand to help you choose the perfect sake for you based on your preferences.

Geisha culture is an integral part of hot spring towns. Geisha are women who liven up banquets at hot spring inns with dance and music (such as shamisen). In the past, there were geisha in hot spring towns all over Japan, but their numbers have decreased in recent years. Tsukioka Onsen is one of the few hot spring towns where 30 geisha still remain. The geisha in Tsukioka have a common fee system for their performances, so you can ask the female innkeepers at each inn for more details. However, some inns may not offer this service, so it's best to confirm before making a reservation. Please enjoy the refined traditional culture of Japan that is becoming harder to experience in recent years at Tsukioka Onsen!

Asai Ino Shrine, located just a short drive from Tsukioka Onsen, is a popular shrine among women and couples, said to offer blessings for safe childbirth, fertility, and love fulfillment. The main power spot of the shrine is a large, round stone located behind the main hall. It's said that this stone was not naturally rounded by the river, but was actually excavated from the surrounding sacred mountains in its current shape. The round shape is said to resemble a pregnant belly, leading to its association with blessings for safe childbirth. If you're looking for a place to visit just a little further from Tsukioka Onsen, be sure to check out Asai Ino Shrine!