Takarazuka Onsen is a hot spring town in Hyogo, Japan. The water leaves the ground at 38.2°C, comfortably warm. It measures pH 6.9 — close to neutral. Officially the water is classed as chloride spring, iron spring and radioactive spring. 2 inns take visitors here.
Getting there
From Kyoto / Osakaunder 1 h
CarNot needed
JR PassCovers the train
Train to Takarazuka Station (JR)
A short walk
Fly into Kansai (KIX) or Itami. Times are rough estimates worked out from station locations, not a timetable — check the exact route on Google Maps.
Chloride springIron springRadioactive spring
The water here
Chloride spring 塩化物泉
Salty water. The salt leaves a thin film on the skin, so you stay warm well after leaving the bath.
Iron spring 含鉄泉
Turns reddish brown as the iron meets air. The water is clear at the source.
Radioactive spring 放射能泉
Contains trace radon that leaves the water quickly. Also called radium or radon springs.
Places from Wikidata, photographs from Wikimedia Commons. Distances are in a straight line from the town.
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.