The onsen is accessible via bus or taxi from Ibusuki Station. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the station. Make sure to check local transportation schedules for the best route.
The onsen has limited accessibility features. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to its natural beach setting and uneven terrain.
Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen features a mix of open-air baths with natural sea views. The baths are filled with mineral-rich water sourced directly from the ocean.
Traveler reviews
An intimate and restorative outdoor hot spring on the southern point of Yakushima Island, Japan. This onsen is unique in the way that it is only available twice a day, during the low tide; timing is crucial. I had the privilege of donating money, washing up, then soaking in this space after acclimating to its natural heat.
View my video of the space on YouTube~
Sidenote: I'm a tourist and saw other tourists doing weird things. Be mindful.
This is a natural hot spring that feels similar to a nudist beach. According to long-standing local traditions, swimwear is generally not allowed. However, because the area is quite bright, most men use a towel and women wear pareos to cover themselves.
Honestly, with the increasing number of tourists and foreign visitors, I feel like allowing swimwear could be an option in the future. That being said, it is a traditional spot with local customs, so I really hope everyone respects and follows the rules for now. Also, please keep in mind that cameras are strictly prohibited as everyone is nude.
Very lovely outdoor onsen experience sitting in between large boulders hearing the ocean waves, dont be too concerned about the naked rule. Although no swimsuits are allowed, the women wore sarong like dresses (like a boob tube dress) and men had a modesty towel or cloth over their privates.
I did have my silver jewellery tarnish from the sulphur in the water which made it go bluish grey. So remove your silver jewellery if you dont want that! (Its not permanent and can be polished off)
It was nice until a group of 10 white women arrived, who all wore regular bath towels into the pools and took photos with their phones of everything, including the area with naked bathers.
So beware. Perverts (read: white women) might photograph you naked.
If you can’t follow the rules, stay away. It seems like other reviewers say there are unwritten local rules here. I’m following the written rules on the signs, you should too.
If you can’t handle being nude in a mixed onsen, go to the one next door that’s not mixed.
Amazing experience walking down to this onsen at 8pm (low tide was at 10) on a Sunday night, and sharing the place with a few locals. There was an electrical storm on the horizon and the pool was not too hot.
Incredible being in warm water while waves rushed in towards us (but never hit us) and watching the lightning on one horizon… and looking up at the stars on the other side of the horizon….unforgettable…
