Umegashima Hot Spring (Shizuoka Prefecture) Complete Guide｜The Charm and How to Enjoy This Hidden Hot Spring with 1,700 Years of History
Located at the innermost reaches of Shizuoka City’s Aoi Ward in the source area of the Abe River, Umegashima Hot Spring is a representative hidden hot spring of Shizuoka Prefecture with approximately 1,700 years of history. Nestled in the grand nature at an elevation of about 1,000 meters, this hot spring is also known as Takeda Shingen’s secret hot spring and is beloved by many spa therapy guests and mountain climbers as a quiet mountain hot spring far from the hustle and bustle of the city. This article comprehensively introduces the charm of this hidden hot spring, covering its history, water quality, access methods, and surrounding tourist attractions.
What is Umegashima Hot Spring｜Shizuoka City’s Innermost Hidden Hot Spring
Umegashima Hot Spring is a hot spring village located at the uppermost part of the Abe River that flows through Shizuoka City. About 45 kilometers from Shizuoka Station by road, the hot spring town spreads out at the furthest reaches after heading north on Route 29 (Abe Kaido).
Located in mountainous terrain at an elevation of about 1,000 meters and surrounded by mountains such as Hakkoren, Otani Ridge, and Yamabushi in the southern part of the South Japanese Alps, the location truly deserves the word “hidden region.” Currently, 10 to 12 ryokans and inns operate, forming a hot spring village that shares the same hot spring source.
Umegashima Hot Spring comprises the “Umegashima Hot Spring Village” together with Umegashima Konya Hot Spring and Umegashima Nitta Hot Spring, each with distinct characteristics while sharing the rich nature and quality hot springs of the Abe River source region.
Recognition as an Environment Ministry-Designated National Health Resort Hot Spring
In 2017 (fiscal year 29), its superior natural environment and water quality were recognized, and it was designated as an Environment Ministry-Designated National Health Resort Hot Spring. This designation is awarded based on comprehensive evaluation of spring water quality, natural environment, and accommodation facility adequacy, and is a title given only to limited hot springs throughout Japan.
1,700 Years of History｜A Famous Hot Spring Continuing from the Era of Emperor Ojin
The history of Umegashima Hot Spring is extremely old, and according to tradition, its opening dates back approximately 1,700 years to the Kofun period, the era of Emperor Ojin (3rd to 4th century). This long history is among the oldest hot springs in Shizuoka Prefecture.
History as Takeda Shingen’s Secret Hot Spring
During the Sengoku period, it was known as one of Takeda Shingen’s secret hot springs. Takeda Shingen is said to have secured secret hot spring locations throughout his territory for the recuperation of soldiers wounded in battle, and Umegashima Hot Spring was said to be one of them.
The location deep in steep mountain paths perfectly fulfilled the conditions for a “secret hot spring,” demonstrating that its superior water quality was known at that time.
Development as a Hot Spring Spa
From the Edo period onward, it developed as a spa where people underwent hot spring therapy. Not only local people but also spa therapy guests from distant places came to visit. Until the Showa period, many people came for long-term stays to heal their bodies. Even now, its simple atmosphere remains, and it continues to be popular as a hot spring destination where one can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time quietly.
Water Quality and Benefits of Umegashima Hot Spring｜A Sulfur Spring Known as a Beauty Hot Spring
The greatest characteristic of Umegashima Hot Spring lies in its superior water quality.
Characteristics of the Water Quality
Water Quality: Simple Sulfur Spring
The water quality of Umegashima Hot Spring is a simple sulfur spring that mainly contains large amounts of sodium sulfide. It has the distinctive sulfur aroma characteristic of sulfur springs, and since the skin becomes smooth after bathing, it is also known as a “beauty hot spring.”
It has the same water quality as Umegashima Konya Hot Spring in the same Umegashima Hot Spring Village, and the source water temperature is moderate, requiring little to no heating or dilution—a quality hot spring.
Benefits and Applicable Conditions
The main benefits of Umegashima Hot Spring are as follows:
- Neuralgia and muscle pain: Sulfur components promote blood circulation and ease pain
- Joint pain and frozen shoulder: Thermal effects improve joint mobility
- Cold sensitivity: Provides deep body warmth with sustained blood circulation promotion effects
- Fatigue recovery: Hot spring components promote elimination of fatigue substances
- Chronic skin diseases: Sulfur’s sterilizing action is effective for skin disorders
- Diabetes: Contributes to improvement of metabolic function
- Women’s health conditions: Effective in hormone balance adjustment
- Beauty effects: Sulfur components remove old dead skin and smooth the skin
Sulfur springs are considered to have particularly high medicinal properties among Japanese hot springs, which explains why they have been used as hot spring spas since ancient times.
Access to Umegashima Hot Spring｜By Car or Bus from Shizuoka Station
Since Umegashima Hot Spring is located at the innermost reaches of Shizuoka City, access takes time, but the route along the Abe River offers the charm of enjoying beautiful gorge scenery.
Access by Car
From Tomei Expressway Shizuoka IC
- Travel time: approximately 80 minutes (approximately 45 km)
- Route: Shizuoka IC → Route 27 → Route 29 (Abe Kaido) → Umegashima Hot Spring
Route 29 is a mountain road running along the Abe River with many curves and narrow sections. Especially in winter, there is a possibility of road surface freezing and snow, making studless tires essential and carrying chains recommended.
Access by Public Transportation
Shizutetsu Just Line from JR Shizuoka Station
- “Umegashima Hot Spring-bound” bus
- Travel time: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- Get off at the terminal “Umegashima Hot Spring”
- Number of daily buses: several per day (varies by season)
Since the number of bus runs is limited, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance. Be sure to confirm the return bus time in particular. The Umegashima Hot Spring Tourism Association and each ryokan provide the latest schedule information.
Access Precautions
- Winter (December to March) has a possibility of snow and freezing, and roads may be closed
- During typhoons or heavy rain, check for landslide danger; confirm weather information
- Mobile phone signal is weak in some sections
- Gas stations are before the Umegashima area, so fill up in advance
Accommodations in Umegashima Hot Spring｜Enjoy Mountain Hot Springs at Ryokans and Inns
Umegashima Hot Spring has 10 to 12 ryokans and inns operating, each with individual character.
Representative Accommodations
Seiko Ryokan
One of Umegashima Hot Spring’s representative long-established ryokans. It boasts source hot spring with no additives and mountain delicacies using local ingredients. Family-style hospitality makes it popular with repeat guests.
Baikun-ro
A historic ryokan where the atmospheric building and garden are appealing. You can enjoy hot springs in a calm atmosphere.
Yu-motoya
A ryokan located nearest to the source. Its characteristic is the ability to enjoy fresh hot spring water.
There are also several simple inns where you can enjoy hot springs and mountain delicacies at reasonable rates. While all lodgings share the same source, each has individual character in atmosphere, cuisine, and hospitality, giving you the pleasure of choosing a ryokan suited to you.
Accommodation Characteristics
- Source hot spring with no additives: Most ryokans allow you to enjoy source hot spring water
- Mountain delicacies: Cuisine using local ingredients such as river fish (yamame and iwana char), wild plants, and mushrooms
- Simple hospitality: Rather than large resorts, the charm is family-like atmosphere
- Quiet environment: At night, the starry sky is beautiful, with only the sounds of nature heard
Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities｜Enjoy Hot Springs at Kogane no Yu
For those who want to enjoy Umegashima hot springs without staying overnight, there are day-use hot spring facilities.
Umegashima Nitta Hot Spring Kogane no Yu
“Kogane no Yu” (Golden Hot Spring), a day-use hot spring facility slightly before the Umegashima hot spring village, uses the source water from Umegashima Nitta Hot Spring.
Facility Information
- Address: 5342-3 Umegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Phone: 054-269-2615
- Business hours: Normally 10:00–17:00 (reception until 17:00)
- Closed: Mondays (if a national holiday, the following day)
- Fee: Around 500 yen for adults (varies by season)
With indoor and outdoor baths, you can soak in hot springs while viewing the Abe River gorge. A dining area is also available where you can enjoy meals such as set meals and soba using local ingredients.
Day-Use Bathing at Ryokans
Some ryokans accept day-use bathing with advance reservation. If you wish to use this service, it is recommended to contact each ryokan by phone in advance. Since lodging guests have priority, bathing times may be limited, and day-use may not be accepted during peak seasons.
Tourist Attractions Around Umegashima Hot Spring｜Enjoy the Grand Nature
The charm of Umegashima Hot Spring is not limited to the hot spring itself. Various tourist attractions are scattered throughout the area where you can fully enjoy the grand nature of the South Japanese Alps.
Abe Falls
Located about 40 minutes walk (or about 10 minutes by car plus about 15 minutes walk) from Umegashima Hot Spring, “Abe Falls” is a famous waterfall selected for Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.
Characteristics of Abe Falls
- Drop: approximately 90 meters
- Width: approximately 10 meters
- Selected for Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls
- Particularly beautiful during new green season (May) and fall foliage season (November)
Located in the source area of the Abe River, the sight of abundant water flowing down the rocky surface is spectacular. A well-maintained walking path extends near the waterfall basin, allowing you to enjoy forest bathing while absorbing plenty of negative ions. However, the path has steep sections, so it is recommended to visit wearing comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing.
Otani Kuzure (Otani Landslide)
“Otani Kuzure,” counted among Japan’s three major landslide sites, is the aftermath of a massive mountainside collapse caused by the great earthquake of 1854 (Ansei 1).
Sights of Otani Kuzure
- A massive landslide area approximately 500 meters wide and 700 meters high
- Ongoing collapse continues even now—a living geomorphology
- Full panoramic view can be seen from an observation platform
- Geologically valuable location
There is an observation platform about 20 minutes by car from Umegashima Hot Spring, where you can witness the astounding force of nature.
Cherry Blossoms and Fall Foliage at Umegashima
The Umegashima Hot Spring area offers the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
Spring (mid-April to late April)
Due to high elevation, cherry blossoms bloom later than in Shizuoka City. The sight of wild cherry blossoms painting the mountainside pink is magnificent.
New Green (May)
The fresh green leaves are beautiful, and the season is ideal for forest bathing.
Fall Foliage (November)
Fall foliage around Umegashima Hot Spring is among Shizuoka Prefecture’s most beautiful. Maples, Japanese maples, and beeches turn color, enveloping the entire gorge in autumn’s brocade colors.
Mountaineering and Trekking
Umegashima Hot Spring also functions as a base for mountaineering in the southern part of the South Japanese Alps.
Main Mountaineering Routes
- Hakkoren (elevation 2,372m)
- Otani Ridge (elevation 2,000m)
- Yamabushi (elevation 2,014m)
Trailheads to these mountains are located near Umegashima Hot Spring, making it possible to realize the ideal plan of mountaineering followed by relaxing in hot springs. However, these are serious mountaineering activities requiring adequate equipment and experience.
For beginners, hiking to Abe Falls or strolling along paths around the hot spring town are recommended.
Ways to Spend Time at Umegashima Hot Spring｜Model Plans
Here are model plans for maximizing enjoyment of Umegashima Hot Spring.
Day-Trip Plan
Morning
- 9:00 Depart from Shizuoka Station (by car or bus)
- 10:30 Arrive at Umegashima Hot Spring
- 11:00 Hiking to Abe Falls (round trip approximately 1.5–2 hours)
Afternoon
- 13:00 Lunch in the hot spring village
- 14:00 Day-use bathing at Kogane no Yu or ryokan
- 15:30 Depart Umegashima Hot Spring
- 17:00 Arrive at Shizuoka Station
1 Night, 2 Days Plan
Day 1
- 13:00 Depart from Shizuoka Station
- 14:30 Arrive at Umegashima Hot Spring, check in at ryokan
- 15:00 Explore the hot spring village
- 16:00 Soak in hot springs
- 18:00 Dinner (enjoy mountain delicacies)
- 20:00 Evening hot spring soak and stargazing
Day 2
- 6:00 Morning hot spring soak
- 8:00 Breakfast
- 9:00 Check out
- 9:30 Visit Abe Falls
- 12:00 Go to Otani Kuzure observation platform
- 13:30 Depart Umegashima Hot Spring
- 15:00 Arrive at Shizuoka Station
2 Night, 3 Day Leisurely Plan
Two nights allow you to experience true hot spring spa therapy atmosphere.
- Day 1: After arrival, relax in hot springs and rest
- Day 2: Nearby sightseeing (Abe Falls, Otani Kuzure, etc.) and hot springs
- Day 3: After morning bath, leisurely check out
Extended stays allow you to more fully experience the benefits of hot springs and achieve true mental and physical refreshment.
Precautions and Points for Visiting Umegashima Hot Spring
Here are precautions for comfortably enjoying Umegashima Hot Spring.
Seasonal Precautions
Winter (December to March)
- High possibility of snow and road freezing
- Studless tires essential, carrying chains recommended
- Check road conditions in advance (Shizuoka City road information and contact ryokans)
- Possibility of bus suspension or reduced frequency
Spring (April to May)
- Beautiful cherry blossom and new green season
- Road conditions may be unstable due to snowmelt
- Make reservations early as Golden Week brings crowds
Summer (June to August)
- Relatively cool and comfortable as a summer retreat
- Confirm road safety during rainy season
- Pay attention to weather information during typhoon season (August–September)
Fall (September to November)
- Fall foliage season (November) sees the most crowding
- Early reservations are essential
- Prepare warm clothing for cool mornings and evenings
Packing Checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes (hiking shoes if doing trekking)
- Warm clothing (high elevation with cold mornings and evenings)
- Rain gear (mountain weather changes suddenly)
- Insect repellent (summer)
- Mobile phone charger (weak signal in some areas)
- Regular medications
- Camera (record natural scenery)
Useful Information
Umegashima Hot Spring Tourism Association
The Umegashima Hot Spring Tourism Association provides the latest tourism information, road conditions, and event information. Checking before your visit is convenient.
Multi-Night Discounts
Many ryokans offer multi-night discounts. If staying 2 or more nights, check when making reservations.
Weekday Use
While weekends and fall foliage season are crowded, weekdays are relatively quiet, allowing quiet enjoyment of hot springs.
Food Culture of Umegashima Hot Spring｜Taste Mountain Delicacies
One of the charms of Umegashima Hot Spring is simple mountain cuisine using local ingredients.
Representative Dishes
River Fish Cuisine
Salt-grilled yamame and iwana char from the clear waters of the Abe River, and kanroni (sugared braised) are excellent. Fresh river fish lacks odor, with firm meat.
Wild Plant Cuisine
Spring brings tempura and dressed dishes of wild plants, with abundant seasonal mountain plants. Warabi (Japanese bracken), zenmai (Japanese ostrich fern), tara-no-me (Japanese angelica tree shoots), and kogomi (ostrich fern fiddleheads) are mountain delicacies rarely experienced in cities.
Mushroom Cuisine
Fall offers cooking with wild mushrooms including matsutake. (Harvest amounts vary year to year.)
Boar and Venison Cuisine
Some ryokans offer gibier cuisine like boar hot pot and venison dishes in winter.
Local Vegetables
Vegetables cultivated at high-elevation Umegashima develop increased sweetness from temperature differences and are characterized by concentrated flavor.
These dishes differ from fancy urban cooking, characterized by simple preparation methods that bring out the natural flavors of ingredients. However, this simplicity is precisely the charm unique to Umegashima Hot Spring, allowing you to appreciate nature’s blessings.
Summary of Umegashima Hot Spring’s Charm｜Why People Visit Hidden Hot Springs
Summarizing Umegashima Hot Spring’s charm:
- 1,700-year history: Ancient hot spring continuing from Emperor Ojin’s era, representative of Shizuoka Prefecture
- Superior water quality: Simple sulfur spring with beauty effects and diverse benefits
- Hidden region atmosphere: 1,000m elevation mountainous area, grand nature unimaginable in Shizuoka City
- Seasonal scenery: Cherry blossoms, new green, fall foliage, and snowy landscapes with beauty each season
- Abe Falls: Access to Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls
- Simple hospitality: Warm human touch absent from large resorts
- Mountain delicacies: Simple and delicious dishes using local ingredients
- Mountaineering base: Gateway to southern South Japanese Alps
- Environment ministry designation: Quality assurance as national health resort hot spring
- Takeda Shingen’s secret hot spring: Feel historical romance
In modern society, perhaps a truly “empty” place becomes luxury and valuable. Umegashima Hot Spring has weak mobile phone signals, no convenience stores, and becomes pitch black at night. However, precisely because of this, you can experience the beauty of starry skies, the babbling of streams, bird calls, the warmth of hot springs, and human warmth.
Access Information and Contact Details for Umegashima Hot Spring
Basic Information
Location
〒421-2301 Umegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Contact Information
- Umegashima Hot Spring Tourism Association
- Shizuoka City Tourism and Culture Bureau
- Individual ryokans and inns (for direct reservations)
Access
- Car: approximately 80 minutes from Shizuoka IC
- Bus: approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours from JR Shizuoka Station
Best Seasons
- Fall foliage: early to mid-November
- Cherry blossoms: mid-April to late April
- New green: May
- Summer retreat: July–August
Regarding Reservations
Lodging reservations can be made by calling individual ryokans directly or through reservation websites such as Rakuten Travel and Jalan. Early reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and fall foliage season.
Day-use bathing at Kogane no Yu requires no reservation, but for day-use bathing at ryokans, advance confirmation by phone is necessary.
Conclusion｜Refresh Mind and Body at Umegashima Hot Spring
Umegashima Hot Spring is a hidden hot spring located at Shizuoka City’s innermost reaches with a 1,700-year history, blessed with superior water quality and rich nature—a representative famous hot spring of Shizuoka Prefecture.
While access takes time, the journey itself, including the route along the Abe River, is part of taking a trip to refresh mind and body away from daily life. The clear Abe River, mountains of the South Japanese Alps, Abe Falls from Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, and seasonal natural beauty, coupled with sulfur-scented hot springs and simple mountain delicacies, heal all who visit.
This hot spring has remained a secret hot spring of Takeda Shingen and a spa therapy destination with long history, continuing to shine with unchanged charm in modern times. For those wishing to escape urban bustle, pursue digital detox, and heal mind and body through nature and hot springs, Umegashima Hot Spring is an ideal choice.
When visiting Shizuoka, please be sure to extend your journey slightly to experience this hidden famous hot spring. The blessings of 1,700 years of history and the unchanged beauty of nature await you.
