The water here feels super smooth—my skin felt so soft and silky after soaking! The whole place is really quiet and relaxing, not too commercialized at all. Perfect spot if you just want to unwind. There's a lot of history here too, and many inns have different baths to choose from. Soaking and then taking a break is just so healing.
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Sakakibara Onsen
A historic hot spring beloved by the poet Sei Shonagon and deeply connected to the Ise Grand Shrine.
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Located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Sakakibara Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot springs, praised by the Heian-era poet Sei Shonagon in The Pillow Book as one of the nation’s “Three Famous Springs.”
It has long been known as the purifying bath of the Saio, the imperial princess who served at Ise Grand Shrine, and is still affectionately called “Miya no Yu” (The Shrine’s Bath) by locals. Even today, many visitors stop here to cleanse themselves before making their pilgrimage to Ise.
Once a thriving spa town, Sakakibara’s source is a clear, alkaline simple hot spring renowned for its smooth texture and excellent moisturizing and antioxidant properties-earning it a reputation as one of Japan’s top “beauty baths.” Along the quiet riverside stand traditional inns, public baths, and sand-bath relaxation facilities where guests can savor the healing waters that have soothed travelers for centuries.
Throughout the year, the hot spring village hosts a variety of events: the Kento-sai (Hot Spring Dedication Festival) in June, the Hotaru-akari Firefly Festival along the Sakakibara River, rice paddy art inspired by local schoolchildren, and the Harvest Festival celebrating seasonal produce. Visitors can also enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in the surrounding countryside.
Highlights
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A hot spring praised by Sei Shonagon as one of Japan’s Three Famous Springs.
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Deeply connected to the Ise Grand Shrine, with many visitors stopping by before their pilgrimage.
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Known as a “beauty bath,” where guests can enjoy its famed healing waters at inns or day-use facilities.
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Hosts various annual events such as the Hot Spring Dedication Festival and the Firefly Lantern Festival.
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Offers outdoor experiences like camping, mountain bike trail tours, and tent saunas.
Photos
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A collection of ryokans, day-use baths, and sand baths can be found throughout the area.
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Visitors can enjoy hands-on experiences such as indigo dyeing and other traditional crafts.
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Fireflies dancing along the river create a magical, glowing spectacle at night.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
The official website of the Sakakibara Onsen Promotion Association offers partial multilingual translation. There are also two information signs available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
Q
Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes, it is available at some facilities.
Q
Are there coin lockers available?
A
Yes, coin lockers are installed in some facilities.
Q
Are there designated smoking areas?
A
Yes, smoking areas are available at some facilities.
Reviews
2
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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The environment is really peaceful and not too commercialized, which makes it great for relaxing and recharging. There are some small inns and Japanese gardens nearby, so after soaking in the hot spring, you can take a stroll and just slow down. It's especially nice if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and just rest.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 榊原温泉
- Postal Code
- 514-1251
- Address
- Sakakibaracho, Tsu City, Mie
- Telephone
- 059-252-0017 (Sakakibara Onsen Promotion Association)
- Access
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(1) About 10 minutes by car from Kintetsu Osaka Line’s Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station.
(2) About 20 minutes by car from Ise Expressway Hisai Interchange. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)