Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Shimane Prefecture Complete Guide|Japan’s Oldest Beautiful Skin Hot Spring, Tourism, and Access Information
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, located in Tamayu Town, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a renowned hot spring that boasts over 1,300 years of history as one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations. Known nationwide as the “beautiful skin hot spring,” it has been beloved by countless people from ancient times to the present day. Situated along the Tamayu River on the south side of Lake Shinji, the hot spring town enjoys excellent access to Izumo Taisha and Matsue Castle, making it an ideal location as a base for San’in sightseeing.
This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the charm of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, covering its history and origins, hot spring quality, attractions in the hot spring town, recommended hot spring inns, day-trip hot spring facilities, and access methods.
History and Origins of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
History as One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Spring Destinations
The history of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is extremely ancient, with its name appearing in the “Izumo no Kuni Fudoki” (Izumo Province Gazetteer) compiled during the Nara Period (733 CE). The gazetteer states that “bathing once will make one’s appearance beautiful, and bathing again will cure all ailments,” showing that its beautiful skin effects were recognized over 1,300 years ago.
During the Heian Period, Sei Shonagon wrote in her “Pillow Book” that “hot springs are the Nanakuri hot spring, the Arima hot spring, and the Tamatsukuri hot spring,” praising Tamatsukuri Hot Spring as one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs. In this way, Tamatsukuri Hot Spring has been known throughout the country as a renowned hot spring since ancient times, truly making it one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations.
The Origin of the Name “Tamatsukuri”
The place name “Tamatsukuri” (jewel making) comes from high-quality agate (chalcedony) being produced in this area in ancient times, and a group of craftsmen called “tamatsukunibe” (jewel makers) who made curved beads (magatama) living here. Curved beads were considered sacred ornaments in ancient Japan, and the Izumo region was one of the nation’s leading centers for magatama production.
Even today, the hot spring town has the “Tamaatsukuri Yugami Shrine,” which is famous as a power spot for the “wish stone” and “granted stone.” Tamatsukuri, having two “treasures” of hot springs and curved beads, has been recognized as a special place since ancient times.
Hot Spring Quality and Beautiful Skin Effects of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Hot Spring Components Like Toner
The hot spring quality of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is “sodium/calcium-sulfate/chloride spring water,” which is colorless and transparent yet contains abundant beautiful skin components. Particularly noteworthy is the amount of moisturizing ingredients contained in the hot spring water.
The hot spring water contains high levels of sulfate ions, which enhance skin moisture retention and provide a cleansing effect. Additionally, chloride ions create a film on the skin’s surface, preventing water evaporation, so the skin remains moisturized for long hours after bathing. Due to this characteristic, it is also called “natural toner.”
Scientifically Proven Beautiful Skin Effects
The beautiful skin effects of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring are not merely folklore. Through joint research with Shimane University, the beautiful skin effects of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring water have been scientifically proven to enhance moisture retention.
Metasilicic acid contained in the hot spring promotes skin metabolism and has the effect of removing old dead skin cells. Furthermore, the weakly alkaline nature of the hot spring gently removes skin impurities and old dead skin cells, leading to smooth skin.
When you actually bathe, you’ll feel your skin become moist and soft after bathing, as if you had applied toner. This effect, as the symbolic hot spring of “beautiful skin Shimane,” attracts women seeking beautiful skin from throughout the country.
Attractions and Spots in Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Town
Strolling Along the Tamayu River
The Tamayu River flowing through the center of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is a clear stream that flows into Lake Shinji. Hot spring inns line both sides of this river, forming a scenic hot spring town. A promenade is maintained along the river, and at night it’s illuminated creating a fantastical atmosphere.
The hot spring town has several free footbath spots where visitors can casually enjoy the hot spring while strolling. In particular, “Yuyakushi Plaza Tarai Yu” is located in the center of the hot spring town and serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
Beautiful Skin Spot Tours
Various spots themed around beautiful skin are scattered throughout the Tamatsukuri Hot Spring town.
Tamaatsukuri Yugami Shrine is popular as a power spot for matchmaking and beautiful skin. It’s said that if you touch a “wish stone” with your own “granted stone” at the shrine and make a wish, it will come true. Many visitors come to the shrine, and “beautiful skin prayer” amulets sold at the shrine are popular.
Miyabashi (Love-Granted Bridge) is a beautiful crimson bridge spanning the Tamayu River, considered a power spot for matchmaking. At the base of the bridge is a magatama monument, making it a popular photo spot.
Princess God Plaza has “beautiful skin hot spring” where visitors can pray for beautiful skin, and hot spring water can be taken home. Many people put this hot spring water into mist bottles and use it as toner, and bottles are sold at various locations in the hot spring town.
Magatama Bead-Making Experience
Magatama bead-making is popular at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, allowing visitors to experience the region’s history. At “Izumo Magatama no Sato Transmission Hall,” you can make magatama using agate and wax stone. Making your own original magatama is a perfect souvenir for your trip.
The hall also has exhibits where you can learn the history of magatama and experience ancient Izumo culture. The completed magatama can be worn as an accessory, making it a special souvenir of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring.
Recommended Hot Spring Inns at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring has various hot spring inns, each with its own distinctive character. Here are some representative hot spring inns.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Yunosuke no Yado Chourakukan
Chourakukan is a long-established inn known for “Ryugu no Yu,” one of Japan’s largest mixed-bathing outdoor hot springs. The outdoor bath, measuring 120 tsubo (about 400 square meters), is impressive, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of source-flowing hot spring bathing. The approximately 33,000 square meter Japanese garden is magnificent, offering views of seasonal beauty.
Guest rooms have a quiet traditional Japanese atmosphere, and meals feature kaiseki cuisine using local seasonal ingredients. Dishes using Lake Shinji’s seven treasures are particularly exquisite.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Kaisuien Minami
An old-established inn founded in Meiji 21 (1888), it respects tradition and formality while providing modern service. The “Tengyu Great Bath” offers an open and spacious atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy Tamatsukuri’s beautiful skin hot spring.
The cuisine features Japanese dishes making use of Shimane ingredients, with the head chef’s special kaiseki course being a masterpiece of beauty. The thoughtfulness of hospitality is felt throughout, and many repeat customers enjoy this popular inn.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Izumo Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Shiroisagiya
Its greatest appeal is the prime location offering views of the Tamayu River from all rooms. The great bath and outdoor bath also overlook the river, allowing guests to bathe while listening to the babbling brook and experiencing the atmosphere of the hot spring town.
Dinner features creative kaiseki using local ingredients, pleasing both the eye and palate. The hall also features Ishimi Kagura performances, allowing guests to experience Shimane’s traditional culture.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Tamatsukuri Grand Hotel Choshoukaku
Located on a high ground overlooking Lake Shinji, this inn boasts its location. The panoramic great bath offers splendid views, particularly during sunset hours. Guest rooms offer diverse options from modern Japanese-style rooms to Western-style rooms to suit your needs. The buffet-style meals are also popular, allowing guests to enjoy as much Shimane local cuisine as they like.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring ~Kyokusui no Niwa~ Hotel Tamaizumi
A large hot spring hotel notable for its beautiful Japanese garden “Kyokusui Garden.” The spacious great bath and outdoor bath offer an open atmosphere where guests can enjoy hot springs in a relaxed manner.
The hotel’s facilities are well-equipped with gift shops, lounges, and more, ensuring a comfortable stay. Despite being large enough to accommodate group guests, it receives praise for its attentive service.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Matsunoyu
An old-established inn founded in the early Showa period with a homey atmosphere. The source-flowing hot spring provides excellent beautiful skin effects, and despite the modest bath size, guests can feel the excellent quality of the spring water.
The homey hospitality and home-cooked style meals are well-received, and the reasonable pricing is also attractive. Located in the center of the hot spring town, it offers convenient access for sightseeing.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Source-Flowing Hot Spring Inn Yugumi Chiyonoyu
All bathing facilities are 100% source-flowing hot spring luxury. Being able to enjoy fresh hot spring water at all times maximizes beautiful skin effects.
Guest rooms feature calm Japanese spaces designed to emphasize privacy. Meals feature kaiseki cuisine using seasonal ingredients, with each dish carefully prepared.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Izumo Kamigami Matchmaking Inn Konaya
A hot spring inn themed around matchmaking, popular with couples and groups of women. Matchmaking-themed decorations and services are evident throughout the facilities.
The hot spring is renowned as a beautiful skin hot spring, and toiletries for women are well-stocked. Many guests stay while sightseeing at Izumo Taisha, making it an ideal inn for a matchmaking pilgrimage trip.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring RYOKAN OQOQ (formerly: Tamaibesskan)
A luxury hot spring inn with private outdoor hot springs in all rooms. Guests can experience the luxury of monopolizing Tamatsukuri’s beautiful skin hot spring in private space.
The space blends modern design with traditional Japanese elements in a refined manner, and is also recommended for special occasion stays. The cuisine features creative kaiseki, pleasing both sight and taste.
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
You can enjoy Tamatsukuri Hot Spring’s beautiful skin hot spring without staying overnight at the following day-trip facilities.
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Yu-Yu
A day-trip hot spring facility located in the center of the hot spring town. The spacious great bath allows guests to stretch out and relax. The outdoor bath offers open sky views and an unrestricted sense of freedom while bathing.
With excellent access, it’s ideal for stopping by while strolling through the hot spring town. The reasonable pricing allows guests to easily experience Tamatsukuri Hot Spring’s water quality.
Day-Trip Bathing at Inns
Many hot spring inns accept day-trip bathing. Guests can enjoy the hot springs of various inns including Chourakukan’s “Ryugu no Yu” on a day-trip basis. However, depending on the time of day or day of the week, some inns may not accept day-trippers, so it’s recommended to confirm in advance.
Access Methods to Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Train Access
From JR Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Station
- About 2 km from the station to the hot spring town, approximately 30 minutes on foot
- About 5 minutes by taxi, fare approximately 1,000 yen
- About 10 minutes by Ichibata Bus to “Tamatsukuri Hot Spring” bus stop
- Many inns offer shuttle service (reservation required)
From Major Cities
- From Okayama Station by Limited Express Yakumo approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
- From Osaka Station by Limited Express Yakumo approximately 3 hours 30 minutes (via Okayama)
- From Hiroshima Station approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (shinkansen and local train transfer)
Access by Car
Using Expressways
- About 10 minutes from “Matsue Tamatsukuri IC” on the San’in Expressway
- About 30 minutes from Izumo Airport
- About 15 minutes from Matsue City Center
- About 40 minutes from Izumo Taisha
The hot spring town has parking lots at each inn as well as public parking areas. Traffic can be congested during tourist seasons, so early arrival is recommended.
Access by Airplane
From Izumo Enmusubi Airport
- About 30 minutes by airport shuttle bus to Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
- About 30 minutes by taxi, fare approximately 5,000 yen
- Car rental is also convenient
Izumo Airport has direct flights from Haneda Airport, Itami Airport, Fukuoka Airport, and other cities, offering good accessibility.
Tourist Spots Around Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha, a shrine famous nationwide as the deity of matchmaking, is about 40 minutes by car from Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. Featured in Japan’s oldest history books, this historic shrine is visited by many tourists along with Tamatsukuri Hot Spring.
Matsue Castle
Matsue Castle, designated a National Treasure, is about 15 minutes by car from Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. One of Japan’s twelve surviving original castles, the tower offers panoramic views of Matsue City and Lake Shinji. The castle town atmosphere also remains, offering enjoyable sightseeing.
Lake Shinji
Japan’s seventh largest lake, famous for its beautiful sunset. The seven treasures of Lake Shinji can be enjoyed at hot spring inns in Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. Lakeside driving and sightseeing cruises are also recommended.
Yaegaki Shrine
Popular as a power spot for matchmaking, famous for its fortune-telling using a mirror pond. About 20 minutes by car from Tamatsukuri Hot Spring with good accessibility, it’s ideal for a matchmaking pilgrimage.
How to Enjoy Tamatsukuri Hot Spring and Sample Courses
Day-Trip Course
Morning
- 10:00 Arrive at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, stroll the hot spring town
- 11:00 Visit Tamaatsukuri Yugami Shrine, pray for beautiful skin
- 12:00 Lunch at a hot spring town cafe
Afternoon
- 13:00 Magatama bead-making experience
- 14:30 Enjoy beautiful skin hot spring at day-trip facility
- 16:00 Buy souvenirs and depart
1 Night 2 Day Course
Day 1
- 14:00 Check in
- 15:00 Stroll hot spring town, visit footbaths
- 17:00 Bathe at inn’s hot spring
- 18:00 Dinner (kaiseki cuisine)
- 20:00 Evening hot spring town stroll (illuminated)
Day 2
- 7:00 Morning bath
- 8:00 Breakfast
- 10:00 Check out
- 10:30 Sightseeing at Izumo Taisha or Matsue Castle
- 15:00 Return journey
2 Night 3 Day Course
In addition to the 1 night 2 day course, visiting nearby tourist spots such as Yaegaki Shrine, Adachi Museum of Art, and Iwami Ginzan (historic silver mine) is recommended. Guests can fully enjoy hot springs while experiencing the charm of the San’in region.
Seasonal Charm of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Spring (March–May)
Cherry blossoms bloom beautifully along the Tamayu River, enveloping the hot spring town in a vibrant atmosphere. During cherry blossom season, nighttime illumination is also held, offering fantastical scenery. The mild climate makes it an ideal season for sightseeing.
Summer (June–August)
Fresh greenery is beautiful, and the babbling of the river sounds refreshing. Summer festivals and fireworks are held, offering a lively hot spring town experience. The combination of cool indoor air conditioning and hot spring baths is also effective for preventing summer fatigue.
Autumn (September–November)
Autumn leaves color the hot spring town, offering the most scenic views of the season. Particularly from late October to early November is peak viewing season, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of viewing autumn leaves from an outdoor bath. Abundant ingredients make cuisine especially delicious during this period.
Winter (December–February)
The snowy hot spring town offers exceptional beauty. The warmth of hot spring bathing is particularly appreciated in cold seasons. Winter flavors such as matsuba crab can be enjoyed, which is also attractive. Special events are held during the year-end and New Year’s period.
Gourmet Experiences in Tamatsukuri Hot Spring Town
Hot Spring Town Cafes
Cafes and sweets shops themed around beautiful skin are scattered throughout the hot spring town. You can enjoy unique menus such as coffee made with hot spring water and sweets infused with beautiful skin ingredients.
Lake Shinji Seven Treasures
The seven types of fish and shellfish caught in Lake Shinji (Japanese sea perch, grass shrimp, eel, rice fish, silverfish, carp, and freshwater clams) are called “Lake Shinji Seven Treasures” and can be enjoyed at restaurants and inns in the hot spring town. Freshwater clams are particularly renowned as a Lake Shinji specialty, and clam soup and seasoned clams are exquisite.
Izumo Soba
Izumo soba, a representative local specialty of Shimane Prefecture, can also be enjoyed at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. Served in unique ways such as divided-tray soba and hot water-drained soba, enjoying Izumo soba is one of the tourism pleasures.
Souvenirs from Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Magatama Bead Items
The most representative souvenir of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is naturally magatama. Various magatama goods are sold, from authentic agate magatama to accessories and keychains. Popular as charms for matchmaking and good fortune.
Beautiful Skin Cosmetics
Cosmetic items such as toner and cream made with Tamatsukuri Hot Spring water are also popular. Purchasable at various locations throughout the hot spring town, guests can experience the beautiful skin effects of Tamatsukuri Hot Spring at home.
Local Sake
Shimane Prefecture is a region with flourishing sake brewing, and multiple breweries exist around Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. Japanese sake made with local rice and water is an ideal souvenir to enjoy Shimane’s flavor at home.
Japanese Sweets
Abundant options include hot spring buns and sweets featuring magatama motifs, all uniquely Tamatsukuri Hot Spring. Many items have good shelf life and are appreciated as souvenirs for workplaces and friends.
Tips for Booking Accommodation at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring
Booking Timing
As a popular hot spring destination, early reservation is necessary, particularly for weekends, holidays, and autumn foliage season. Consider reserving 2-3 months in advance. Weekday bookings are relatively easier to secure and offer reasonable rates.
Plan Selection
From standard plans to special kaiseki courses and anniversary plans, each inn offers various options. Choose according to your purpose and budget. Check for early booking discounts and multi-night discounts to book economically.
Room Types
Room types vary widely including Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and rooms with private outdoor baths. Rooms with private outdoor baths are particularly popular and require early reservation. For group or family stays, selecting a larger room ensures comfortable accommodation.
Summary
Tamatsukuri Hot Spring is one of Japan’s oldest hot spring destinations with over 1,300 years of history and is known nationwide as the “beautiful skin hot spring,” representing Shimane Prefecture as a leading hot spring destination. Featured in the Izumo Province Gazetteer and the Pillow Book, this historic hot spring has scientifically proven beautiful skin effects, characterized by hot spring water like natural toner.
Along the Tamayu River flowing into Lake Shinji, the hot spring town features diverse hot spring inns from long-established traditional inns to modern hotels, each offering distinctive hot springs, cuisine, and hospitality. Throughout the hot spring town, beautiful skin spots and matchmaking power spots are scattered, making the area enjoyable for strolling.
With excellent access to nearby tourist spots such as Izumo Taisha and Matsue Castle, it’s ideally located as a base for San’in sightseeing. Day-trip hot spring facilities are well-equipped, allowing easy experience of beautiful skin hot spring water.
Why not spend a special time at Tamatsukuri Hot Spring, which has continued healing countless people from ancient times to the present, soaking in the beautiful skin hot spring, strolling the hot spring town, and enjoying Shimane’s food and culture? The historic renowned hot spring will gently embrace both your heart and body.
