Miyauchi Onsen (Hokkaido) Complete Guide | The Charm and Detailed Information of a Historic Secret Hot Spring Where the Elephant Hanako Took Therapeutic Baths
Miyauchi Onsen, located in Shimamatsu Village, Shimamatsu District, Hokkaido, is a historic hot spring that was discovered during the Ansei era (1854-1860) of the Edo period. Positioned at the base of Mount Taihei on the northwest slope facing the Japan Sea at the root of the Oshima Peninsula, this hidden gem nestled in a mountain valley along the Tomari River is highly regarded by hot spring enthusiasts.
This hot spring, once called “Bear’s Hot Spring” due to a legend that an injured bear healed its wounds here, is also widely known for having once been visited by Hanako, the famous elephant from Ueno Zoo, for therapeutic bathing. With a history spanning over 175 years, it continues to captivate many visitors as a precious hot spring facility where guests can still enjoy 100% pure hot spring water with no circulation or added water.
History and Origins of Miyauchi Onsen
History Since the Edo Period
The discovery of Miyauchi Onsen dates back to the late Edo period during the Ansei era. Initially used by local residents and therapeutic bathers, its reputation gradually spread due to its high efficacy. From the time of its opening, it was known as a hot spring suited for therapeutic treatment, particularly for its effects on skin diseases, neuralgia, and rheumatism.
From “Bear’s Hot Spring” to “Miyauchi Onsen”
According to legend, the hot spring was discovered when someone witnessed an injured bear healing its wounds in these waters. This episode gave rise to the name “Bear’s Hot Spring,” but it later became known as “Miyauchi Onsen” after the place name.
The Elephant Hanako’s Therapeutic Bathing Episode
The story of Hanako, an elephant from Ueno Zoo, is indispensable when discussing Miyauchi Onsen. Hanako, beloved by many people over the years, came to this Miyauchi Onsen for therapeutic bathing to maintain her health in her advanced years. This episode received national media coverage and significantly increased the fame of Miyauchi Onsen. Even today, the Miyauchi Onsen inn displays materials and photographs related to Hanako, allowing visitors to learn about those times.
Spring Quality and Efficacy of Miyauchi Onsen
Detailed Spring Quality
The spring quality of Miyauchi Onsen is sodium bicarbonate-sulfate spring (neutral low-osmotic high-temperature spring). In the previous classification system, it was called “glauberite sodium bicarbonate spring.” This spring quality is relatively rare, and the complex interaction of multiple components can be expected to produce diverse therapeutic effects.
The source temperature is approximately 60 degrees Celsius, quite hot, and with abundant water volume, it achieves perfect pure spring water flow. The water is naturally colorless and transparent, but appears reddish-brown due to the influence of iron oxide in the hot spring minerals. This reddish-brown color is evidence of abundant iron content and allows visitors to visually perceive the efficacy of the hot spring.
Drinking Spring Water is Possible
Miyauchi Onsen is also known as a hot spring where drinking the water is possible. By drinking the spring water, therapeutic effects can be expected for internal diseases such as gastroenterological and liver ailments. However, when drinking, it is important to consume appropriate quantities and avoid drinking large amounts at once.
Primary Therapeutic Effects
The main therapeutic effects of Miyauchi Onsen are as follows:
- Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain: The bicarbonate spring components promote blood circulation and alleviate pain
- Frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness: Thermal effects and components relax muscles
- Bruises, sprains, chronic gastrointestinal disease: Sulfate spring components promote tissue repair
- Hemorrhoids, coldness, post-illness recovery period: Hot spring components enhance the body’s recovery capacity
- Fatigue recovery, health promotion: Comprehensive relaxation effects
- Cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases: Direct therapeutic effects on the skin
Miyauchi Onsen Inn Facility Overview
Day-Use Bathing Facility
The Miyauchi Onsen inn accepts day-use bathing, allowing non-guests to enjoy the hot spring casually. The facility is not particularly luxurious, but its retro appearance somehow feels nostalgic and mysteriously soothing.
The indoor bath has a simple design with pure spring water flowing from rusty iron pipes, featuring a concrete basin that conveys the natural essence of the hot spring. The reddish-brown water with floating hot spring minerals speaks to its high efficacy.
The open-air bath offers an open space surrounded by nature, allowing guests to enjoy bathing while taking in the seasonal scenery. It is particularly beautiful during the fresh green season of spring and the autumn foliage period.
Accommodation Facilities
Accommodation is also available at the Miyauchi Onsen inn. Guest rooms are primarily Japanese-style and while simple, are kept clean. Guests staying overnight are served special rice cultivated using the heat from the hot spring. Hot spring rice, grown using the thermal energy of the spring, is mineral-rich with a unique sweetness and is one of the major attractions of staying here.
Meals feature local fresh seafood from Shimamatsu Village. Located facing the Japan Sea, Shimamatsu Village is abundant in marine products such as sea urchin, abalone, and yellowtail, offering different seasonal flavors throughout the year.
Rates and Operating Hours
Day-use bathing rates:
- Adult: 500 yen
- Elementary school child: 300 yen
Operating hours:
- 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last admission)
- Irregular holidays are observed, so checking the closure calendar before visiting is recommended
Accommodation rates:
- Details require inquiry through the official website or by phone
- Reservations are accepted by phone or LINE
Access Information
Access by Public Transportation
To access Miyauchi Onsen by public transportation, the following route is typical:
- From JR Kuromatsunai Station, approximately 70 minutes by bus to “City Hall” bus stop
- Approximately 5 minutes by car from City Hall (approximately 4 km)
However, bus frequency is limited, so it is important to check the timetable in advance. From Kuromatsunai Station, one can also board a bus heading to Sutsu, transfer to a bus heading to Sakae Hama or Gensho at Sutsu (total approximately 75 minutes).
Access by Automobile
Automobile access is most convenient:
- From Sapporo area: Via National Route 5, from Kuromatsunai Town take National Route 229 toward Sutsu. Use Shimamatsu Village City Hall as a landmark, then approximately 5 minutes from there
- From Hakodate area: Head north on National Route 5, via Kuromatsunai Town using the same route
- Located approximately 5 km inland from National Route 229 on the Japan Sea side
Parking
The Miyauchi Onsen inn is equipped with free parking. However, the surrounding area is surrounded by rice paddies and fields, with few conspicuous signs, so careful attention is needed when visiting for the first time. This “pleasure of searching” is itself one of the charms unique to a hidden hot spring.
Attractions and Characteristics of Miyauchi Onsen
The Luxury of 100% Pure Hot Spring Water
The greatest appeal of Miyauchi Onsen is that it achieves perfect pure hot spring flow due to abundant water volume. Enjoying the hot spring water exactly as it comes from the source without any circulation or added water is a precious rarity among modern hot spring facilities. The water flowing from rusty iron pipes conveys the raw power of the hot spring itself.
Retro and Simple Atmosphere
While lacking luxurious facilities or flashy decoration, the retro appearance reflecting 175 years of history soothes the hearts of visitors. Away from modern bustle, in a space where time flows gently, one can experience true relaxation.
Hot Spring Rice Cultivation
The Miyauchi Onsen inn grows rice using the heat from the hot spring. This hot spring rice is served to overnight guests and is acclaimed for being mineral-rich with a unique sweetness. The ability to taste the blessings of the hot spring through meals is a unique experience to Miyauchi Onsen.
Location Surrounded by Nature
Positioned in a mountain valley along the Tomari River, it is surrounded by abundant nature. Spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s deep green, autumn’s colored leaves, and winter’s snow scenery offer beautiful seasonal views. The view from the open-air bath in particular is exceptional, allowing one to experience a sense of oneness with nature.
Tourist Spots Around Miyauchi Onsen
Nature and Tourism in Shimamatsu Village
Shimamatsu Village, where Miyauchi Onsen is located, is a nature-rich village facing the Japan Sea. With attractions from both sea and mountains, it is popular as a base for outdoor activities.
Cape Mozuta: A promontory jutting into the Japan Sea, this scenic spot features a beautiful contrast between steep cliffs and blue sea. On clear days, one can see as far as the Shakotan Peninsula.
Chihashiri River: Known as a clear stream, summer offers river play and canoe experiences. It has high transparency, allowing observation of river fish.
Shimamatsu Coastline: Featuring many rock formations, it is ideal for tidal pool exploration and fishing. Rich in marine products such as sea urchin and abalone, one can enjoy the bounty of the sea.
Nearby Hot Springs
Niseko Hot Spring Resort: Located approximately one hour by car, offering hot springs of diverse spring qualities. A hot spring tour combining it with Miyauchi Onsen is recommended.
Kuromatsunai Hot Spring: A hot spring facility in Kuromatsunai Town with good access from Miyauchi Onsen.
Surrounding Gourmet Information
Shimamatsu Village is a region abundant in Japan Sea marine products. Sea urchin, abalone, and yellowtail in particular are exquisite and can be enjoyed in fresh condition. While the Miyauchi Onsen inn serves dishes using local seafood, fresh marine products can also be purchased at nearby restaurants and farm shops.
Specialties of Shimamatsu Village:
- Sea urchin: In season from June to August, characterized by rich sweetness
- Abalone: Thick meat with a firm texture, enjoyed as sashimi or grilled
- Yellowtail: Winter cold-water yellowtail is fatty and exquisite
- Kelp: High-quality Japan Sea kelp is harvested
Visitor Characteristics at Miyauchi Onsen
Visitor Profiles
Those who visit Miyauchi Onsen are primarily:
- Hot spring enthusiasts: Serious hot spring fans seeking hidden gems and pure hot spring water
- History enthusiasts: Those interested in the hot spring’s history spanning from the Edo period and the elephant Hanako episode
- Nature lovers: Those wishing to enjoy Shimamatsu Village’s abundant natural beauty
- Those seeking therapeutic treatment: Those visiting for therapeutic bathing seeking the hot spring’s therapeutic effects
- Photography enthusiasts: Those wishing to photograph the retro atmosphere and natural scenery
Seasons Best for Visiting
While Miyauchi Onsen can be enjoyed year-round, particularly recommended seasons are:
Spring (April – June): Fresh greenery is beautiful and the weather is pleasant. The nature after snowmelt is vibrant.
Summer (July – August): Marine products are in season, particularly sea urchin. One can enjoy the hot spring while staying cool in the open-air bath.
Autumn (September – November): Colored leaves are beautiful, allowing full enjoyment of both the hot spring and nature. Temperature drops and the hot spring feels even more pleasant.
Winter (December – March): A hot spring surrounded by snow scenery is exceptional. However, winter tires are essential for access, and attention to weather is necessary.
Basic Information and Instagram Posts of Miyauchi Onsen
Basic Information Summary
- Location: 21 Chihashiri, Shimamatsu Village, Shimamatsu District, Hokkaido
- Spring Quality: Sodium bicarbonate-sulfate spring
- Source Temperature: Approximately 60 degrees Celsius
- Day-use bathing rate: Adult 500 yen, elementary school child 300 yen
- Operating hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last admission)
- Regular holidays: Irregular (requires confirmation)
- Parking: Available (free)
- Reservation method: Phone or LINE
- Official Instagram: @guunaionsen
- Facebook page: Available
Information Sharing on Social Media
The Miyauchi Onsen inn actively shares information through its official Instagram account (@guunaionsen). With over 1,000 followers and more than 1,200 posts, content includes:
- Daily scenes of the hot spring
- Surrounding scenery in each season
- Photographs of meals served
- Announcements of operating hours and closures
- Conditions of hot spring rice cultivation
- Historical information about the elephant Hanako
Following Instagram allows one to obtain the latest information before visiting and check irregular closure schedules. Additionally, posts by other visitors are abundant, helping one understand the actual atmosphere.
Notes and Advice When Visiting Miyauchi Onsen
Prior Confirmation is Important
Since Miyauchi Onsen has irregular holidays, always confirm operating status before visiting. Checking the closure calendar on the official Instagram or confirming by phone is recommended. Especially when traveling from afar, prior contact is essential.
Access Preparation
The surrounding area is surrounded by rice paddies and fields with few conspicuous signs, so utilize car navigation or smartphone map applications. Winter brings snow accumulation, making studless tires essential.
Items to Bring
- Towels (paid rental is available)
- Change of clothes after bathing
- Drinking water (while spring water drinking is possible, for post-bathing hydration)
- Camera (for photographing the retro atmosphere and natural scenery)
How to Use the Hot Spring
Since source temperature is high, it may feel hot initially. Do not overexert yourself; gradually acclimate your body. When drinking spring water, consume small amounts at a time.
Scarcity of Nearby Facilities
With few shops or convenience stores near Miyauchi Onsen, it is recommended to prepare necessary items in advance. The nearest shops are around Shimamatsu Village City Hall.
Reviews and Reputation of Miyauchi Onsen
High Evaluation Points from Visitors
Quality of Pure Hot Spring Flow: Many comment “You can experience a true hot spring” and “The reddish-brown water with floating hot spring minerals conveys efficacy.”
Retro Atmosphere: Reviews include “It feels like traveling back to the Showa era” and “The simplicity puts the mind at ease.”
Deliciousness of Hot Spring Rice: Overnight guests report “The rice cultivated in the hot spring is exquisite” and “Mineral-rich with a unique sweetness.”
Cost Performance: For the day-use bathing rate of 500 yen, many evaluate it as “This quality at this price is exceptional.”
Points of Caution (from reviews)
- “The facility is old, not suited for those seeking luxury”
- “The location is hard to find, so allow extra time to visit”
- “Irregular holidays require prior confirmation”
- “Access by public transportation is difficult”
From these reviews, it becomes clear that Miyauchi Onsen is ideal for those seeking a “true hot spring” and “hidden gem,” but may not suit those prioritizing comfort and convenience.
Summary: The Appeal and Value of Visiting Miyauchi Onsen
Miyauchi Onsen is a true hidden hot spring in Shimamatsu Village, Hokkaido, with over 175 years of history. Discovered during the Ansei era of the Edo period, known as “Bear’s Hot Spring,” and visited by the elephant Hanako for therapeutic bathing, this hot spring continues to provide the luxury of 100% pure hot spring water in the modern era.
With a sodium bicarbonate-sulfate spring quality offering diverse therapeutic effects for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and skin diseases, it is ideal for therapeutic bathing purposes. The abundant water volume and reddish-brown water with floating hot spring minerals convey the raw power of the hot spring itself.
While the facility is retro and simple, this is precisely Miyauchi Onsen’s charm. Away from modern bustle, in a space where time flows gently, one can experience true relaxation. Day-use bathing at an affordable 500 yen per adult, with overnight stays offering hot spring rice and local seafood cuisine, makes it accessible.
Access is certainly not convenient, and the location may be difficult to find. However, this is precisely what gives it value as a hidden gem—only those who visit can experience its special charm. While prior confirmation of irregular holidays is necessary, the effort is worthwhile for this extraordinary hot spring.
For hot spring enthusiasts, history lovers, nature admirers, and all who seek true hot springs, Miyauchi Onsen will provide an unforgettable experience. In Shimamatsu Village in southwestern Hokkaido, cradled by nature, please experience the blessings of hot spring waters nurtured over 175 years of history.
