Tamatsukuri Onsen — 1,300-Year Beauty Hot Spring

Published: Jun 3, 2026

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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Tamatsukuri Onsen — 1,300-Year Beauty Hot Spring

Tamatsukuri Onsen (玉造温泉) is a 1,300-year-old hot spring resort famous for beautifying waters rich in sulfate and chloride, earning the nickname 'hot spring of the gods' in ancient texts. The alkaline waters (pH 8.4) are said to smooth skin and improve complexion, making it popular with Japanese women seeking beauty benefits. The onsen district lines the Tamayu River with traditional ryokan, public bathhouses, and a walking trail.

Tamatsukuri also has magatama (勾玉, curved jewel) crafting heritage dating to ancient times when comma-shaped jadeite beads were sacred Imperial treasures. The town's workshops let visitors shape and polish their own magatama stones, connecting to Japan's prehistoric jade culture.

Opening Hours

Public bathhouses: 10:00 AM–9:00 PM | Magatama workshops: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (walk-in available) | Tamayu River promenade: open 24 hrs

Closed: Bathhouses: varies by facility | Ryokan: year-round | Some shops close Thursdays

Entrance Fee

Day-visit bath: ¥500–800 | Magatama crafting workshop: ¥1,300 | River walking and foot baths: free | Ryokan overnight: ¥15,000–40,000/person

Best Season

Year-round onsen; autumn (October–November) for colorful foliage along Tamayu River; winter for snowy riverside ryokan atmosphere

Visit Duration

2–3 hours: bath (60–90 min) + river promenade (30 min) + magatama workshop (45 min)

Getting There

Access Information

Tamayu-cho, Matsue. 10-min bus from Tamatsukuri Onsen Station. Day-visit onsen: ¥500–800. Hours: most bathhouses 10:00–21:00. Ryokan: ¥15,000–40,000/night with meals. Magatama workshop: ¥1,300, 30–45 minutes, walk-in available. Visit duration: 2–3 hours (bath + river walk + workshop).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Beauty water science:** The spring water's high sulfate and chloride content (along with alkaline pH 8.4) acts as a mild exfoliant and moisturizer. Scientific testing shows the water increases skin