Hirauchi Kaichu
Bathe like a Local in this Beloved Ocean Onsen
Though Yakushima is not a volcanic island, several hot springs can be found on the island, including some amazing onsen locations. There are two public ocean onsen pools in Yakushima which are very popular. A short 10min drive from Shiki no Yado (our minshuku accommodation) is Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen. A natural hot spring onsen which is only accessible at low tide for a couple of hours in the morning and the evening. Generally wherever you are staying can tell you the tide times. The longer you wait after low tide the hotter the water becomes.
The other is Yudomari Onsen (which we didn’t visit) in the neighbouring village of Yudomari. The onsen is divided into a male & female section so you don’t have to worry about mixed nudity (if you’re uncomfortable with that) and the bath is slightly larger. There is also a footbath available. Yudomari is not subject to the tides unless it’s a particularly stormy sea so you can generally access it 24/7. This onsen is not particularly hot so perhaps avoid it in mid winter and like Hirauchi Kaichu there is a 200yen honesty box.
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A Morning Spent Soaking in Hirauchi Kaichu
Hirauchi Kaichu is a public onsen that is very popular with the locals, for some it’s customary to bathe there everyday. It has been used in their daily life for over 400 years. It never was intended as a tourist attraction, so please be respectful of their rules and onsen etiquette. We were extremely lucky to have the onsen to ourselves for a time.
Place 200 yen in the honesty box, make sure to place your shoes in the rough shelves provided.
Ensure that you rinse yourself from the two smaller onsen pools with the plastic bowls provided.
Long hair should be tied up or wrapped up with a small towel and NO bathing suits are allowed.
You can have a small towel or small sarong for modesty, if you’re that concerned.
Hirauchi Kaichu is unisex, so you do have to be comfortable with nudity of both sexes.
There are no changing rooms, so you’re stripping down naked in public and make sure to have a waterproof bag/plastic bag with you to put your clothes in.
NOTE: If you have tattoos, cover them up! This is still a local island onsen, be respectful of the culture and what tattoos mean to them (association with the Yakuza).
Wash make up off before entering the onsen too. Also if you plan to visit at low tide at night, bring a torch.
And now just appreciate the beauty of bathing in a natural ocean onsen
HIRAUCHI KAICHU DETAILS
WEB: HIRAUCHI
OTHER PLACES TO STAY & THINGS TO DO
Shiki no Yado- one of my favourite local minshuku in Japan
Yakushima Travel Guide - how to spend your time on this magical island
Sankara Hotel & Spa - coming soon - a luxury stay in Yakushima
TRAVEL FURTHER
Kagoshima Prefecture:renowned for its onsen, wild islands and delicious food
Amami Islands: a stunning lesser travelled archipelago
Amami Oshima:the largest of the Amami Islands, lush and tropical
Tokunoshima:a unique island of differing, awe-inspiring landscapes
