Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen is a hot spring facility located within Kaze-no-Kuni IWAMI RESORT & STAYS, a large resort surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The resort sits on a gentle hill at an elevation of approximately 230 meters and covers an expansive area of about 33 hectares.
Forests, ponds, lawns, and accommodation facilities blend naturally across the spacious grounds, creating an open and peaceful atmosphere. Guests can enjoy much more than bathing here, with accommodation, outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and other ways to connect with nature.
One of the greatest attractions of Kaze-no-Kuni is its spacious natural setting. A large pond lies near the center of the resort, with accommodation and activity facilities spread around it.
Surrounded by forests and fresh air, guests can enjoy a slower pace of life away from the noise and pressures of the city. The resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including a comfortable main building, cozy cottages surrounded by trees, rooms where guests can stay with their pets, and distinctive treehouses.
Staying among the trees offers a unique experience in which visitors can feel closely connected to the surrounding natural environment.
The spring at Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring with clear, colorless, and gentle water. It is traditionally appreciated for its smooth feel on the skin and is known locally as a “beauty bath.”
Bathing is traditionally associated with gently cleansing excess oil and dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth after a soak.
Large windows offer views of the surrounding landscape, which changes beautifully with the seasons. Guests can relax in the bath while looking out over greenery and the nearby water.
The bathing facilities also include a bubble bath, waterfall-style bath, and sauna, providing a variety of ways to unwind and enjoy a refreshing bathing experience.
Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen can be enjoyed both as a day trip and as part of an overnight stay. Day visitors can stop by for a refreshing bath while exploring the region, while overnight guests can experience the changing scenery of the resort in the morning and evening.
The hot spring has traditionally been associated with relaxation and relief from everyday fatigue, as well as conditions such as nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, and sensitivity to cold. Visitors should regard these as traditional hot spring indications rather than medical treatment.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors beyond the hot spring. The resort has a covered tennis court and spacious lawns where visitors can play sports and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Families can also enjoy activities such as flying kites, playing frisbee, and sliding down grassy slopes. These simple activities allow children and adults alike to make the most of the resort’s open natural surroundings.
A dog run is also available on the grounds, making Kaze-no-Kuni an appealing destination for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs.
Spending time actively outdoors before relaxing in the hot spring is a wonderful way to make the most of a stay at the resort.
After sunset, the resort becomes a peaceful place for stargazing. Away from the bright lights of large cities, the night sky offers an atmospheric setting for observing constellations and enjoying the quiet of the countryside.
Items designed to make stargazing easier are also available, allowing visitors to take their time identifying stars and constellations.
Another popular experience is gathering around a campfire and roasting marshmallows. Watching the flames flicker in the darkness while enjoying a sweet treat creates a simple but memorable evening experience.
At Kaze no Kobo, visitors can experience making Sekishu Washi, the traditional Japanese paper of the Iwami region. The experience focuses on Katsuchi Hanshi, a traditional style of handmade paper.
Participants can learn about the techniques used by local craftsmen and create their own original piece of paper. It is an opportunity to experience Japanese traditional culture firsthand rather than simply viewing it in a museum.
Katsuchi Hanshi is also regarded as part of the cultural heritage associated with Japan Heritage initiatives, making the experience a valuable way to learn about the history and traditions of the Iwami region.
The restaurant available to overnight guests serves dishes made with a selection of local ingredients. These include fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, nodoguro blackthroat seaperch, Shimane Wagyu beef, and Maruhime pork.
Seasonal ingredients are incorporated into the cuisine, giving guests the opportunity to discover different flavors depending on the time of year.
Large windows provide views of the surrounding natural landscape, adding to the atmosphere while dining. The restaurant can also be an appealing setting for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen is also well positioned for exploring attractions in the surrounding region. It can serve as a base for visiting Shimane Aquarium AQUAS, a popular aquarium showcasing marine life, as well as the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For travelers interested in combining nature, traditional culture, hot springs, and sightseeing, the resort offers a convenient place to relax between destinations.
Kaze-no-Kuni Onsen is much more than a hot spring facility. It is an integrated resort where visitors can stay, play, relax, and learn while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Iwami countryside.
From bathing in the gentle hot spring and exploring the forest to making traditional Japanese paper, enjoying local cuisine, watching the stars, and gathering around a campfire, there are many ways to create a memorable stay.
For travelers looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, Kaze-no-Kuni offers a peaceful alternative to a busy sightseeing itinerary. Feel the breeze, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the gentle rhythm of life surrounded by the landscapes of Shimane.