Tobaonsengō
Tobaonsengō is a hot spring town in Mie, Japan. Officially the water is classed as simple spring, chloride spring and bicarbonate spring.
The water here
Simple spring
Mild and low in dissolved minerals. Usually clear and gentle on the skin, which is why these baths are often recommended for first-timers.
Chloride spring
Salty water. The salt leaves a thin film on the skin, so you stay warm well after leaving the bath.
Bicarbonate spring
Smooth, slightly slippery water. Often nicknamed bihada-no-yu, the water for beautiful skin.
More photographs
From Wikimedia Commons. Tap a photo for the photographer and licence.
With tattoos
Many public baths still turn away visible tattoos, and the rule is set by each bath, not by the town. The reliable way round it is to bathe privately: a room with its own open-air bath, or an inn with a private bath you can book for yourselves.
Where to stay
Similar water elsewhere
Read more
Other towns in Mie
Planning a first soak? Read how an onsen stay works, and what to do if you have tattoos.