Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of the San’in region’s most renowned hot spring resorts, located in Tamatsukuri, Tamayu-cho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Along the Tamayu River, south of Lake Shinji, visitors will find traditional hot spring inns and hotels, foot baths, day-use bathing facilities, souvenir shops, restaurants, cafés, and more. The area offers a calm atmosphere typical of a historic hot spring town.

It is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, with records dating back to the Nara period, and is known as a celebrated hot spring with approximately 1,300 years of history. Long cherished as the “Bath of the Gods” and the “Beauty Bath,” it remains popular with many tourists as one of Japan’s leading hot springs for beautiful skin. It is also one of the largest hot spring districts in Shimane Prefecture and attracts many visitors throughout the year.

## History of Tamatsukuri Onsen

Tamatsukuri Onsen has a very long history and is mentioned in the *Izumo Fudoki*, a regional gazetteer compiled during the Nara period. It contains the following description: “After bathing once, one’s appearance becomes beautiful; after bathing twice, all illnesses are cured.”

This passage shows that Tamatsukuri Onsen has been known since ancient times as a hot spring beneficial for beauty and health. Its reputation continues to this day, and the resort is widely recognized throughout Japan as one of the places symbolizing Shimane, known as the “beautiful-skin prefecture.”

## Tamatsukuri and Magatama Culture

The place name “Tamatsukuri” originates from the fact that magatama and other polished stone beads were made in this area from ancient times.

Ruins and shrines associated with magatama production remain in the surrounding area, giving Tamatsukuri a unique history where hot spring culture and bead-making culture overlap. Throughout the hot spring district, visitors will also find bridges, artworks, and souvenirs inspired by magatama, creating an atmosphere unique to Tamatsukuri.

## Water Quality and Beauty Benefits

The hot spring water at Tamatsukuri Onsen is classified as a sodium-calcium sulfate-chloride spring. Its mildly alkaline, colorless, and transparent water is gentle on the skin, leaving it feeling moisturized and smooth after bathing.

Sulfate spring water is said to moisturize the skin, while chloride spring water helps retain moisture by forming a thin film on the skin’s surface. The water also contains metasilicic acid, a component known for its skincare benefits, and is sometimes described as being “like a natural facial lotion.”

According to a water-quality study conducted by a pharmaceutical company, the water at Tamatsukuri Onsen was found to significantly increase the skin’s basic moisture level. As a result, it is sometimes introduced as a hot spring with moisturizing properties similar to those of facial lotion. For this reason, it is particularly popular among women visiting in search of beautiful skin.

## Highlights of the Hot Spring Town

The Tamatsukuri Onsen district stretches along the Tamayu River. Traditional inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops line both banks, creating a charming townscape that is perfect for a leisurely stroll in a yukata.

In spring, the rows of cherry trees along the Tamayu River bloom beautifully, while at night, the lights from the inns softly illuminate the hot spring district. Rather than being a large entertainment district, Tamatsukuri is a place where visitors can quietly stroll around and enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town.

Objects inspired by local mythology are also scattered throughout the area, allowing visitors to encounter the world of Izumo mythology as they explore the town.

## Foot Bath Spots

Tamatsukuri Onsen has several foot bath spots where visitors can casually enjoy the hot spring water without staying overnight. They are also ideal places to take a break while sightseeing.

### The Foot Bath at Himegami Square

The foot bath at Himegami Square is a relaxing gathering place for both local residents and tourists. It is covered by a roof, making it easy to use regardless of the weather, and is perfect for resting your feet during a stroll.

### The Trough Bath at Yu-yakushi Square

At Yu-yakushi Square, visitors can experience the source water of Tamatsukuri Onsen at a facility known as the “trough bath.” Marked by a magatama, it is a popular beauty spot where visitors can freely draw hot spring water.

Small spray bottles may also be available for purchase nearby. Visitors can fill them with the spring water and take it home to use like a hot spring mist, making this a popular attraction.

### Foot Baths Near Yuyu

Foot baths have also been provided near “Tamatsukuri Onsen Yuyu,” a facility offering day-use bathing. They are convenient for visitors who want to relax during a walk through the hot spring district.

## Tamatsukuriyu Shrine

One of the most famous spiritual power spots in Tamatsukuri Onsen is Tamatsukuriyu Shrine. The shrine enshrines the gods of hot springs and bead-making and has attracted worshippers since ancient times.

Within the shrine grounds is a sacred stone called the “Wishing Stone.” Visitors receive a “Wish-Granting Stone” from the shrine office, touch it to the Wishing Stone, and make a prayer. It is said that wishes will then come true. The shrine is popular among visitors praying for good relationships and good fortune and is a must-visit spot when exploring Tamatsukuri Onsen.

## Good-Luck Spots for Love and Relationships

Tamatsukuri Onsen is home to several spots associated with love and good relationships.

### Koikoi Well

Koikoi Well is popular as a spot for finding love and forming good relationships. People visit to pray for romantic success and a suitable partner, and it is an easy place to stop by while strolling through the hot spring district.

### Koikanai Bridge

Koikanai Bridge is a red bridge leading to Tamatsukuriyu Shrine. It is said that a wish will come true if the shrine’s torii gate appears in a photograph taken from the bridge. It is a popular photo spot for couples and women traveling together.

### Blue Agate

Along the Tamayu River is an exhibit of blue agate, which symbolizes the area’s magatama culture. It is said that touching the raw blue agate will bring happiness, making it an attraction where visitors can experience the unique culture of Tamatsukuri.

## Seiganji Temple and the Oshiroi Jizo

The Tamatsukuri Onsen district is also home to Seiganji Temple. Within the temple grounds stands a Jizo statue known as the “Oshiroi Jizo,” or “White Powder Jizo,” which is beloved by people praying for beautiful skin.

It is said that visitors can receive blessings for beautiful skin by applying white cosmetic powder to the part of the statue corresponding to an area of their own skin that concerns them, then offering a prayer. This spot is especially popular among women and is perfectly suited to Tamatsukuri Onsen’s reputation as a beauty hot spring.

## Magatama Bridge and Strolling Through the Hot Spring Town

A bridge shaped like a magatama, known as Magatama Bridge, spans the Tamatsukuri Onsen district. Inspired by the magatama that symbolizes Tamatsukuri, the bridge blends beautifully into the scenery of the hot spring town.

Walking along the Tamayu River allows visitors to explore foot baths, shrines, cafés, souvenir shops, and more, making it possible to enjoy the unique character of Tamatsukuri Onsen even during a short visit. The area is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season in spring, when the entire riverside takes on a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

## Convenient Location for Sightseeing

Tamatsukuri Onsen is located approximately 15 minutes by car from central Matsue, making it easy to combine with sightseeing at Matsue Castle and Lake Shinji. It is also about 50 minutes by car from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, making it a convenient base for trips around the Matsue and Izumo areas.

Nearby attractions include Lake Shinji and Matsue Castle, while a slightly longer trip takes visitors to Shimane’s most famous destinations, such as Izumo Taisha and the Adachi Museum of Art. Tamatsukuri Onsen is suitable both for relaxing getaways centered on hot springs and for journeys using the resort as a base for sightseeing throughout the San’in region.

## Summary

Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts, with approximately 1,300 years of history, and is a distinguished hot spring destination mentioned in the *Izumo Fudoki*. It has long been said that “bathing once makes you beautiful, and bathing again cures all illnesses,” and it is known throughout Japan as a beauty-enhancing hot spring.

Its mildly alkaline water contains metasilicic acid and leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturized, with a texture reminiscent of natural facial lotion. The atmospheric hot spring town along the Tamayu River offers numerous attractions where visitors can enjoy both bathing and sightseeing, including foot baths, Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, Koikanai Bridge, Koikoi Well, and the Oshiroi Jizo at Seiganji Temple.

With convenient access to Matsue Castle, Lake Shinji, and the Izumo Taisha area, Tamatsukuri Onsen is also an excellent base for sightseeing in Shimane Prefecture. Combining beautiful-skin hot springs, history, love and relationship blessings, and magatama culture in one destination, Tamatsukuri Onsen is a popular hot spring resort well worth visiting during a trip to the San’in region.