Iwai Hot Spring Water, Tottori Prefecture | A Famous Thermal Spring with 1,300 Years of History, the Oldest in the San’in Region
Iwai Hot Spring, which flows in Iwami Town, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, is one of the oldest hot spring resorts in the San’in region, boasting a history of approximately 1,200 to 1,300 years. Located on the banks of the clear stream Gamo River, this hot spring resort is known for its abundant naturally-flowing spring water and the unique bathing culture called “Yu-kamuri” that has been passed down since the Edo period. It is also designated as a National Health and Wellness Hot Spring Resort by the Ministry of the Environment, and its therapeutic effects and hot spring atmosphere continue to captivate many hot spring therapy guests and tourists to this day.
History and Origins of Iwai Hot Spring Water
Origins of the Hot Spring Continuing from the Heian Period
The opening of Iwai Hot Spring is believed to date back to around the early Heian period, approximately 811 AD (Konin 2nd year). According to legend, when Fujiwara Fuyuhisa (the wealthy man of Uji) suffered from a serious illness, he bathed in the hot spring water that flowed from this area, and miraculously recovered. Prompted by this miraculous healing, the Oyuji Shrine was founded as a guardian deity of the hot spring, and since then it has been cherished by people for over 1,200 years.
Prosperity as a Post Town on the San’in Road
During the Edo period, the San’in Road (former National Route 9), a major highway connecting Tottori and the Kansai region, passed through the hot spring town, making it bustling with travelers. From that time, it was known as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and many people visited seeking treatment for neuralgia, rheumatism, and gynecological conditions. Even today, the hot spring town is lined with established inns with histories spanning 150 to over 400 years of operation, conveying the history and traditions to the present day.
Iwai Hot Spring’s Source and Water Quality
Natural Flowing Spring Water Boasting Abundant Discharge
The greatest feature of Iwai Hot Spring is its abundant hot spring volume from natural discharge. There is one source spring, and approximately 797 liters of hot spring water flows out per minute. The source spring temperature is approximately 49.0°C to 50°C, and naturally reaches the ideal temperature as it is brought to facilities, so it can be enjoyed as 100% source spring water without dilution. This abundant discharge volume and suitable temperature are one of the reasons why Iwai Hot Spring has been loved for many years.
Water Quality and Therapeutic Effects
The water quality of Iwai Hot Spring is “Calcium-sodium sulfate spring” (mirabiliite and gypsum-containing hot spring). The colorless and transparent water has the following wide-ranging therapeutic effects.
Main therapeutic effects:
- Neuralgia
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Motor paralysis
- Joint stiffness
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Chronic digestive disorders
- Hemorrhoids
- Cold sensitivity
- Convalescence period after illness
- Fatigue recovery
- Health promotion
- Arteriosclerosis
- Cuts
- Burns
- Chronic skin diseases
- Gynecological conditions
In particular, drinking the water is said to be beneficial for chronic gastroenteritis and hemorrhoids, so effects can be expected not only from bathing but also from drinking the spring water. Sulfate springs are also called “the water for wounds” and “the water for stroke,” and are characterized by excellent blood circulation promotion and heat retention effects.
The Unique Bathing Culture “Yu-kamuri”
An Odd Custom Passed Down from the Edo Period
Inseparable from discussing Iwai Hot Spring is “Yu-kamuri,” a unique bathing custom. This involves placing a hand towel on one’s head, striking the hot spring water in the bath with a ladle while singing the “Yu-kamuri song,” and pouring that water over one’s head. This unusual custom, passed down from the Edo period, is still carried on today as a symbol of Iwai Hot Spring.
The Etiquette and Meaning of Yu-kamuri
The etiquette of Yu-kamuri is as follows:
- Place a hand towel on your head
- Strike the hot spring water in the bath with a ladle with a “poka-poka” sound
- Scoop up water while singing the “Yu-kamuri song”
- Pour the scooped water over your head
This custom has both a practical meaning of spreading the hot spring’s therapeutic effects throughout the head, and a spiritual meaning of expressing gratitude and respect for the hot spring. From a modern medical perspective, warming the head promotes blood circulation and enhances relaxation effects.
Iwai Yukamuri Hot Spring (Public Bathhouse)
A Day-use Hot Spring Facility Beloved by Locals
The representative facility of Iwai Hot Spring is “Iwai Yukamuri Hot Spring.” This public bathhouse features source spring water at 49.8°C flowing from a corner of the parking area, reaching the ideal temperature in the bathing pool, offering 100% source spring water with no circulation or added water. It is cherished by locals as well as many tourists from within and outside the prefecture, and is popular as a place where you can casually experience the famous hot waters of Iwai Hot Spring.
The Appeal of Day-use Bathing
The charm of a public bathhouse lies in its simple and warm atmosphere, and you can also enjoy interaction with regular local visitors. The rates are reasonable, making it convenient to stop by casually during sightseeing. The fresh source spring water offers the same high quality as inn hot springs, allowing for a genuine hot spring experience even on a day-use basis.
Major Inns and Accommodation at Iwai Hot Spring
Iwaiya – A Long-Established Inn with 150 Years of History
Iwaiya, characterized by its quaint three-story wooden building, is a long-established inn with a 150-year history. With the entire building having tatami mat flooring and just 14 rooms (or 13 rooms), it is known as a quiet inn that retains the atmosphere of a therapeutic hot spring resort. The 100% source spring water hot spring features multiple bathhouses including the large public bath “Gensen Longevity Water” and “Celebration Water,” the outdoor bath “Setogawa Water,” and the private bath “Yoimachi Grass,” each offering a different ambiance to enjoy the hot spring.
Akashiya – A History of 400 Years of Establishment
Akashiya, located on the banks of the clear Gamo River, boasts an impressive 400-year history of operation. This inn, which has continued to maintain “source spring flowing” since the Edo period, is beloved by many repeat customers for its traditional Japanese inn ambiance and heartfelt hospitality. The appeal is being able to savor the “Iwai Hot Water,” said to be the oldest in the San’in region, in a historic setting.
Other Accommodation Facilities
The Iwai Hot Spring town has several other inns and accommodation facilities, each with its own unique charm. All facilities offer source spring water hot springs, and you can choose based on size, atmosphere, cuisine, and other preferences. The quiet and calm atmosphere unique to a small-scale hot spring resort is ideal for those who wish to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy leisurely hot spring therapy.
Value as a National Health and Wellness Hot Spring Resort
An Excellent Hot Spring Resort Certified by the Ministry of the Environment
Iwai Hot Spring is designated as a “National Health and Wellness Hot Spring Resort” certified by the Ministry of the Environment. This designation is granted only to hot spring resorts that meet strict standards, including having excellent spring water quality and discharge volume, favorable environment, and well-equipped medical facilities and accommodation. Iwai Hot Spring is recognized as an excellent hot spring resort meeting these conditions, with an environment where you can safely enjoy hot spring therapy.
Tradition as a Therapeutic Hot Spring Resort
The designation as a National Health and Wellness Hot Spring Resort indicates that Iwai Hot Spring possesses value not merely as a tourist destination but as a full-fledged therapeutic hot spring resort. The hot spring therapy culture of extended stays for thermal cure continues to be upheld in modern times, with a constant stream of people visiting for the purpose of therapeutic treatment of chronic conditions and fatigue recovery. The calm and simple-minded atmosphere of the hot spring town provides an ideal environment for refreshing both body and mind.
Basic Information
Location and Access
Address: Iwai, Iwami Town, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture
Main access methods:
- Train: About 10 minutes by car from “Iwami Station” on the JR San’in Main Line
- Car: About 30 minutes from “Tottori IC” on the Tottori Expressway
- Bus: Available via local bus from Iwami Station
The hot spring town spreads along the Gamo River, a clear stream originating in the Chugoku Mountains, and is located in a pastoral area. It is conveniently located near Tottori city center and can be used as both a day-use hot spring and an overnight hot spring resort.
Operating Hours and Fees
Operating hours and fees vary depending on the facility. Some inns accept day-use bathing, but it is recommended to confirm in advance. The public bathhouse “Iwai Yukamuri Hot Spring” can be used at relatively reasonable rates.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
The following tourist attractions are located around Iwai Hot Spring:
- Uradome Coast: A beautiful coastline of the Sea of Japan, part of the San’in Kaigan Geopark
- Tottori Sand Dunes: Japan’s largest sand dunes, about 30 minutes by car
- Oyuji Shrine: A historic shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of Iwai Hot Spring
- Iwami Town’s beaches: Beautiful beaches with high transparency
By combining hot spring visits with sightseeing, you can fully enjoy the charm of the eastern Tottori Prefecture area.
How to Enjoy Iwai Hot Spring and Recommended Points
The Luxury of Source Spring Water Flowing
The greatest charm of Iwai Hot Spring is that all facilities offer 100% source spring water bathing. Fresh hot spring water without circulation or added water has high efficacy and exceptional feel on the skin. The abundant discharge volume of 797 liters per minute makes this luxury possible, which is a precious experience rarely available even at large-scale hot spring resorts.
Hot Spring Atmosphere Throughout the Seasons
Iwai Hot Spring has different charms in each season. You can enjoy hot springs in nature that changes with the seasons: spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, summer’s murmuring Gamo River and coolness, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenery. The snow-viewing bath in winter is especially exquisite—the luxury of soaking in warm hot spring water while gazing at a silver-white world is truly blissful.
Experiencing Hot Spring Therapy Culture
The ability to experience genuine, full-scale hot spring therapy, now rare in modern times, is also a major attraction of Iwai Hot Spring. By staying for several days to about a week and bathing in the hot spring daily, you can expect effects such as relief from chronic fatigue and pain. The quiet environment unique to a small-scale hot spring resort is also ideal for digital detoxing, allowing you to reset both body and mind.
Interaction with Local People
At public bathhouses and small inns, natural interaction occurs with local people and other hot spring therapy guests. The ability to feel human connection—through hot spring talk and stories of regional history—is a charm unique to Iwai Hot Spring. Having local people teach you the etiquette of “Yu-kamuri” will also become a pleasant memory.
Symptoms Suitable for Iwai Hot Spring’s Water Quality
Characteristics of Sulfate Springs
Iwai Hot Spring, being a calcium-sodium sulfate spring, possesses the characteristics of sulfate springs known as “the water for wounds” and “the water for stroke.” This water quality has a strong effect of dilating blood vessel walls and promoting blood circulation, and is particularly effective for the following symptoms.
Musculoskeletal Diseases
It is effective for chronic pain and discomfort of the musculoskeletal system, such as neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, and joint stiffness. The thermal effect of the hot spring combined with the blood circulation promotion action of sulfate springs improves blood flow to the affected area, easing pain and inflammation.
Circulatory System Diseases
It is also effective for symptoms related to blood circulation, such as arteriosclerosis and cold sensitivity. Sulfate springs have a blood vessel-dilating action, improving circulation throughout the entire body, helping with cold sensitivity improvement and arteriosclerosis prevention.
Digestive System Diseases
Drinking the water is said to be effective for chronic gastroenteritis and hemorrhoids. Drinking sulfate spring water activates digestive function and is expected to improve stomach and intestinal function.
Gynecological Diseases
Traditionally believed to be effective for gynecological conditions, it helps relieve female-specific cold and discomfort. The thermal effect and heat retention of hot spring water improve blood circulation in the pelvic area, and mitigation of symptoms such as menstrual pain and menopausal disorders can be expected.
Precautions and Etiquette When Visiting Iwai Hot Spring
Bathing Etiquette
To protect the precious source spring water flowing naturally, please observe the following etiquette:
- Rinse with hot water before entering the bath
- Do not place towels in the bathing pool
- Avoid prolonged bathing and take breaks as appropriate
- Refrain from bathing after drinking alcohol
- Do not bathe when in poor health
Experiencing Yu-kamuri
When experiencing “Yu-kamuri,” do not overexert yourself and proceed at your own pace. First-time visitors should ask local people or inn staff to teach them the etiquette. It is not necessary to perform it perfectly; what matters is enjoying the hot spring culture.
Reservations
Since many are small-scale inns, advance reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, holidays, and during tourist seasons. If you wish to use the facility for day-use bathing, it is also advisable to inquire in advance with the facility to confirm whether they accept such use.
Conclusion: Refresh Body and Mind at the San’in Region’s Oldest Famous Hot Spring
Iwai Hot Spring Water is a rare existence that possesses all the ideal conditions for a hot spring resort: over 1,200 years of history, abundant source spring discharge, excellent water quality, and unique culture. Located in the quiet rural area of Iwami Town, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, this hot spring, designated as a National Health and Wellness Hot Spring Resort, is a precious place where one can experience the authentic hot spring therapy culture that modern people are forgetting.
The fresh source spring water enjoyed at 100% flow rate offers wide-ranging therapeutic effects, including relief from neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue recovery, refreshing both body and mind. “Yu-kamuri,” a unique bathing culture, is a charm unique to Iwai Hot Spring that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
Whether you visit for a day-use bath or an overnight stay, Iwai Hot Spring offers its own pleasures. When visiting Tottori Prefecture, be sure to enjoy an exceptional hot spring experience at this oldest famous hot spring in the San’in region, while touching its history and traditions. The murmuring of the clear stream and the warmth of the hot spring will soothe your daily fatigue and provide you with vitality for tomorrow.