A soak in an onsen is a welcome way to warm up during Japan’s colder months, although hot spring bathing is popular throughout the year. Hiroshima offers several options, from mountain bathhouses to coastal inns overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. Here are four places to consider, whether you want a quick city visit or a relaxing overnight stay.
What is an onsen?
An onsen is a natural hot spring, and the word also refers to the bathing facilities that use its water. Baths can be indoors or outdoors, ranging from simple public facilities to those within hotels and traditional Japanese inns, known as ryokan.
Under Japan’s Hot Springs Act, spring water qualifies if it is at least 25°C at its source or meets specified mineral or other substance thresholds. This means some onsen use naturally cool spring water that is heated for bathing.
A sento, by comparison, is a public bathhouse that typically uses heated ordinary water, although some also use natural hot spring water.
Yunoyama Onsen
In the mountains of Hiroshima’s Saeki Ward, Yunoyama Onsen offers a quieter alternative to the city’s sightseeing spots. According to the bathhouse’s official history, the springs were discovered around 1,200 years ago, and Hiroshima’s feudal lord Asano Yoshinaga established a bathing retreat here in 1750.
Today, visitors can bathe at Yunoyama Onsenkan, best known for its utase-yu: a stream of spring water falling from around four meters above. At approximately 23.5°C, this unheated water provides a bracing contrast to a warm soak.
Nearby Yuki Lodge offers accommodation and day bathing at the separate Yuki Onsen. It is another option if you would like to combine a bath with a longer stay in the countryside.
Address: Yunoyama Onsenkan, 471 Wada, Yuki-cho, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima City
Miyahama Onsen
Miyahama Onsen is a small coastal hot spring area in Hatsukaichi, on the mainland near Miyajima. Its inns and bathing facilities make it a good choice for combining a soak with a visit to the island or an overnight stay by the Seto Inland Sea.
For day visitors, Benimansaku-no-Yu is a straightforward option, with outdoor baths, a sauna and an on-site restaurant. The facility is around ten minutes by car from Miyajimaguchi Station, while local buses also serve it.
If you prefer a ryokan stay, browse the accommodation options on the Miyahama Onsen website. Sea views vary by property, room and bath, so check the details before booking.
Address: Benimansaku-no-Yu, 2-2-1 Miyahamaonsen, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
Miyajima
After exploring Miyajima’s temples, walking trails and waterfront, a bath can be an appealing way to unwind. However, access varies between hotels, so check whether your chosen venue accepts day visitors.
LiVEMAX Resort Aki Miyajima offers day bathing, a sauna and an observation bath with views over Miyajima. Private baths are also available by reservation, with an additional charge.
For an overnight stay, Kinsuikan has its own natural spring, Miyajima Shioyu Onsen, whose water contains seawater. The inn currently states that day-use bathing is suspended, so plan to stay overnight if you want to use its onsen.
Where: Miyajima, Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. Check each hotel’s website for directions and bathing access.
Ujina Natural Hot Spring Honoyu
You do not have to leave Hiroshima city to enjoy natural spring bathing. Ujina Honoyu has outdoor hot spring baths alongside indoor baths and a sauna, making it a convenient option during a city break.
Choose the full admission option if you want to use the outdoor baths and sauna: the cheaper indoor-only ticket does not include them. The facility’s access page gives directions by bus, tram and car.
Address: 3-4-34 Ujinahigashi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima City
Before you visit
Wash thoroughly before entering the bath, keep towels out of the water, and follow the facility’s rules on swimwear and photography. Tattoo policies differ between venues, so check in advance if this affects you. Opening hours, maintenance closures and day-use arrangements can change; confirm the latest information on the official website before traveling.
