Okame no Yu

Sonikogenonsen Okame Hot Spring, also known as Okame-no-yu, is a day-trip bathing facility located in the scenic Soni Highland area of Nara Prefecture. The facility opened in 2004 and has since earned recognition for its exceptional spring water quality. The spring quality was ranked number one in Western Japan, featuring sodium-hydrogencarbonate water that makes the skin moist, which has earned it a reputation as a beauty spring among visitors.

The hot spring is positioned within walking distance of Soni Highland's famous pampas grass fields, making it an ideal retreat after hiking the plateau trails. The facility sits at 830 Taroji, Soni, Uda District, adjacent to the Soni Kogen Farm Garden complex where visitors can also find dining options and local craft beer.

The bathing experience centers around two distinct bath areas that alternate weekly between male and female guests. The Stone Bathroom offers views of the Soni Highland grasslands from its outdoor bath, while the Wood Bathroom features panoramic vistas of Mount Kabuto and Mount Yoroi from its open-air section. Both areas provide indoor and outdoor bathing options, allowing guests to soak while surrounded by mountain scenery. The facility includes an on-site restaurant serving local Soni Village cuisine, and visitors can purchase regional products at the entrance shop.

Admission costs ¥900 for adults (junior high school students and older) and ¥500 for children (ages 3 to elementary school age). Access requires traveling to Nabari Station via Kintetsu Railway, then taking a Mie Kotsu bus bound for Yamagasu-Nishi. The bus journey takes approximately 45 minutes to Soni Kogen Farm Garden station. During October and November, direct bus services to Soni Highland operate from Nabari Station. By car, the journey takes roughly 1.5 hours from Nara, with paid parking available at the nearby Farm Garden. Contact inquiries can be made at +81-745-982615.