Overview
Sakakibara Onsen is a historic hot spring resort located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. Its history dates back to the Heian period, when it was mentioned by the author Sei Shonagon in her famous work, "The Pillow Book." She listed "Nanakuri-no-yu"—believed to be modern-day Sakakibara Onsen—as one of the three great hot springs in Japan, alongside Arima and Tamatsukuri.
The onsen also flourished as a place for pilgrims to purify themselves and rest on their way to the Ise Grand Shrine. Today, it maintains a quiet, tranquil atmosphere with several traditional inns scattered throughout a peaceful rural landscape, continuing its legacy as a beloved "Bijin-no-yu" (waters of beauty).
Typical Spring Quality and Indications
The water at Sakakibara Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring with a high pH of around 9.5. This colorless, odorless water feels exceptionally smooth and silky on the skin, much like a beauty serum. The alkaline properties gently exfoliate old skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed after bathing, which is why it is famously called the "waters of beauty."
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Autonomic instability
- Peripheral circulatory disorder
- Poor gastrointestinal function
Water Characteristics and Best Season to Visit
The source temperature is relatively low at around 32-34°C (90-93°F), so most facilities heat the water for their baths. However, some inns offer unheated baths where you can enjoy the spring water as is. This lukewarm water is gentle on the body and perfect for long, relaxing soaks. While enjoyable year-round, the mild weather of spring and autumn makes for a particularly pleasant visit.
Access
Facilities with Analysis Reports
No facilities with registered analysis reports in this area yet.
Facilities Without Analysis Reports
Nearby Sightseeing and Local Cuisine
- Ise Grand Shrine (Ise Jingu): Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine.
- Okage Yokocho: A charming historic street near Ise Grand Shrine, recreating the atmosphere of the Edo period.
- Matsusaka Beef: One of Japan's top three brands of wagyu beef, available at local restaurants.
- Iga-ryu Ninja Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to the history and techniques of the Iga ninja clan.
- Louvre Sculpture Museum: A sister museum to the Louvre in Paris, featuring remarkable sculptures.
- Kazahaya no Sato: A beautiful flower garden known for its plum blossoms and wisteria.
- Onsen-gayu: A local specialty of rice porridge cooked with the onsen's mineral-rich water.