Misasa is a small hot spring town along the Mitoku River known for its radium-bearing spring water, one of the more radioactive natural spring sources in the world, which has made it a destination for onsen cure (toji) visits for generations. The town itself is low-key: a cluster of ryokan, a public footbath, and narrow streets rather than a large resort strip.
Misasa Onsen is a small hot spring town in the Tohaku hills known for radium-rich waters, among the most radioactive natural hot springs in the world, which local tradition and some research associate with health benefits, drawing visitors to its ryokan (traditional inns) for centuries. The town center is compact and walkable, centered on the Yumo bridge over the Mitoku River, with free public foot baths, a communal outdoor bathing spot in the riverbed itself (Kawara-buro), and narrow streets lined with older wooden ryokan buildings and small shops. Visitors without an overnight stay can still experience the springs through day-bathing packages offered by several ryokan, typically available mid-morning to mid-afternoon. A walking visit covering the foot baths, bridge, and town streets takes about 1 to 2 hours, while an overnight stay is the traditional way to experience the baths fully, often paired with a kaiseki dinner featuring local Tottori ingredients. The town has a quiet, unhurried atmosphere any time of year; winter brings a snow-lit ambiance that many visitors find especially atmospheric, while summer evenings are pleasant for a stroll along the river. The town is a short bus ride from JR Kurayoshi Station and often paired with a Sanbutsuji temple visit on Mount Mitoku nearby.
| Admission | Adult Free (foot baths and streets); day-bathing at ryokan ¥500–1,500 ($3.30–10) where offered · Child Free (foot baths); reduced day-bathing rates vary |
|---|---|
| Hours | Free foot baths open 24 hours; ryokan day-bathing typically 11:00–15:00 |
| Typical visit | 1–2 hours for a walking visit; overnight recommended for the full onsen experience |
| Best time | Any season; the radium-rich water is prized year-round, with a quieter, snow-lit atmosphere in winter |
| Getting there | Bus from JR Kurayoshi Station (about 25 min) to Misasa Onsen |
| Address | Misasa, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori 682-0122 |
Location
Misasa, Misasa-cho, Tohaku-gun, Tottori 682-0122
35.3628, 134.1508 View on map
Highlights
- Radium-rich natural hot spring waters
- Free public foot baths along the Mitoku River
- Kawara-buro open-air riverbed bathing spot
- Historic wooden ryokan streetscape
- Day-bathing packages at local ryokan
Tips for visiting
- Day-bathing at ryokan is typically available 11:00 to 15:00; check individual property hours
- Bring a small towel for the free foot baths, which are open around the clock
- The Kawara-buro riverbed bath is mixed-gender and modesty coverings are recommended
- Combine the visit with the Sanbutsuji Nageiredo climb on nearby Mount Mitoku
- Overnight stays offer the fullest experience of the onsen and local kaiseki dining
When to visit
Any season suits the radium-rich waters; winter offers a quieter, snow-lit atmosphere, while summer evenings are pleasant for a riverside stroll.
Accessibility
The town center has some sloped and uneven streets typical of a hillside hot spring town; the main foot bath area near the bridge is relatively level and accessible.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A walking visit to the foot baths and town streets takes about 1 to 2 hours; an overnight ryokan stay is recommended for the full onsen experience.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, the free foot baths are enjoyable for children, though the open-air Kawara-buro bathing spot is better suited to adults.
Is photography allowed?
Photography is allowed along the public streets and bridge; photography inside ryokan bathing areas is generally not appropriate out of respect for other bathers.