Amagase Onsen Hotsprings, Hita, Oita

We also made a stop at Amagase Hotsprings (天ヶ瀬温泉) in Hita, Oita prefecture. Along the Kusu River (玖珠川 -gawa) lies three quite, little spa towns, Amagase, Yonotsuru and Tsuetate, each with its own distinct characteristics. Amagase, in particular, has an impressive history of 1,300 years.

The 5 open-air baths of Ekimae onsen, Masujiro onsen, Yakushiyu (top photo), Jidenyu and Tsurumai are the local specialty along the riverbed. Nothing can beat the experience of the hot springs warming your body, surrounded by the sound of the flowing river. A fee of 100 yen is payable for bathing. Or you can buy the Onsen Passport (1000 yen) and it will provide you with entry to onsen baths at various hotels, a day pass for the ‘Flower bus’, tourist facilities and more. The passport is available at “Ten-no-kuni Plaza” at JR Amagase Station.