Sakakibara Hot Spring

Sakakibara Onsen is one of Japan’s "Three Famous Hot Springs" praised by Sei Shonagon in The Pillow Book, alongside Nanakuri-no-Yu, Arima-no-Yu, and Tamatsukuri-no-Yu. It has an extremely long history, and it is said to have already flourished as a therapeutic hot-spring destination by the Heian period. Many hot-spring towns have a lively, sightseeing-style atmosphere with lots of souvenir shops, but Sakakibara Onsen has more of a quiet retreat feeling deep in the mountains, with little in the way of entertainment-focused elements. Historically, it was also called a "sacred hot spring," and it is said that visitors to Ise would bathe here as a purification ritual before visiting shrines, which may be why it once became very busy. The hot spring water is an alkaline simple spring, known for a smooth, slightly slippery feel that leaves skin feeling soft and silky. Many facilities use heating and circulation, which in today’s context can be seen as unavoidable for effective resource use. Access is not especially convenient, and public transportation within the hot-spring area is limited. Shuttle buses from various inns may be available from Sakakibara Onsen-guchi, but traveling by car via the Ise Expressway and National Route 165 is more convenient.