For those who love hot springs, you can enjoy the onsen at Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu (早戸温泉つるの湯) after your boat ride to Mugenkyō Gorge. The onsen ryokan is within walking distance from Hayato Station. It is open for day visitors and has open-air hot spring baths overlooking Tadami River. Unlike many hot spring facilities, Tsuru no Yu’s onsen is completely free-flowing from the source without adding water, heating, circulation, or disinfection. Your skin will definitely become much smoother after indulging in Tsuru no Yu’s hot spring!
The spring source is said to have been discovered over 1,200 years ago. A farmer started using the hot spring for medical purposes after seeing a crane’s injured foot recover after bathing in the onsen. The hot spring here is effective for neuralgia, trauma, bruises, fractures, and more. It is also suitable for drinking.
Tip: The cup above the spout is for you to drink the onsen.
Staying at Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu
Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu’s accommodation facility (Tōjidō, 湯治棟) was renovated in 2018. So, the guest rooms and facilities have been upgraded, ensuring a more pleasant stay. Note that the check-in process is completed in the main building. Please take the elevator down to the reception to complete the process before heading to the accommodation building next door.
Because Tsuru no Yu has been a facility for medical treatment, most ryokan guests would spend at least a couple of nights here. So, a communal kitchen is a part of the facility for the guests to utilize. There are several rice cookers, cooktops, and sink to accommodate multiple guests. Different types of cooking utensils can also be found on the shelf.
The most surprising appliance in Tsuru no Yu’s kitchen is the refrigerator. They look like lockers in Japan’s train station! Each room has its designated fridge and is lockable to ensure others don’t accidentally take your food!
- Note the seasoning provided in the kitchen is limited.
- Yukata/pajama is rentable for 300 yen.
- The ryokan has a restaurant. But the only vegetarian dish offered there is plum rice balls.
- You can call, email, or fill out the Online Form to reserve for your stay.
- The owner speaks English, making it easier for international tourists.
Tip: There is a passageway connecting the accommodation building with the day-visitor’s hot spring facility.
Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu’s Business Hours and Access Information
- Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu is open to day-visitor from 10 am to 8 pm.
- The last admission is at 7:30 pm.
- Please refer to Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu’s Website for the admission fee.
- Hayato Onsen Tsuru no Yu is a 10-minute walk from JR Hayato Station (早戸駅).
- If you are a ryokan guest, pick-up and drop-off service is available. Please let the ryokan know in advance.
Discover the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
Aizu-Yanaizu Station is one of the stations along Japan’s most stunning train line, the Tadami Line. From the local train’s window, which runs through the mountains, breathtaking natural views unfold one after another throughout the year. Several tourist spots worth checking out are also dotted along the Tadami Line, enriching your visit to Japan’s rural towns.
So, refer to our Tadami Line article for more information on expanding your itinerary to include a couple of scenic spots!
