Uta no Yu 雅楽の湯

Soothing onsen, natural ambiance

I can't count how many times I've soaked in this onsen. It keeps drawing me back. I've walked to the onsen, passing the vintage shop houses and merchant residences that dot the route, but it's easier to take the onsen bus from the nearest station, Tobudobutsukoen Station. The outdoor baths are shaded by tall trees and graciously planted with shrubs and flowers. There is lots of space to lounge between baths. The natural ambiance makes this bath a great retreat. Inside, there are many spaces to lounge and a segregated rest area where you can nap. The central courtyard garden with lush plantings has a foot bath where you can gather with your party under the eaves. The onsen also has two restaurants - one izakaya-style and the other a buffet.