ABOUT
About this spot
Matsunoyama Onsen in Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture, is a historic famous hot spring known as one of Japan's "Three Great Medicinal Hot Springs," alongside Arima and Kusatsu. Its origin is said to date back about 800 years, when it was discovered after a hawk was seen healing its wounds there. The greatest feature here is the water quality, extremely rich in salt and boric acid. The water, said to be fossil seawater that wells up from underground, has strong sterilizing effects and is considered good for poor circulation and skin conditions. Even in heavy-snow regions in the harsh winter, your body stays warm and the heat lasts for a long time. The hot spring town has a retro atmosphere that retains a nostalgic Showa-era look, and just strolling around is soothing. At the public bath "Taka no Yu" you can casually enjoy the famous waters, and the surroundings also hold scenic spots such as the beech forest "Bijin-bayashi" and terraced rice fields, making this ideal for refreshing in nature. Why not leave the bustle of the city behind and spend a luxurious moment healed by rich nature and powerful waters, with friends, family, or alone as a treat for yourself?
Last updated March 29, 2026