Konda Yakushi Onsen is a public hot spring bathing facility located in Konda-cho, Tamba-Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture. Established to support regional development, it has become a popular destination for both local residents and visitors seeking relaxation amid the peaceful rural landscapes of the Tamba-Sasayama area. The facility and its restaurant are operated by a local public-private partnership, helping connect tourism with the needs of the surrounding community.
Konda Yakushi Onsen is known for its abundant supply of natural hot spring water and its inviting day-use bathing facilities. One of its main attractions is the opportunity to enjoy two different bathing environments: the Tamba-Yaki Ceramic Tile Bath, decorated with tiles made using traditional Tamba ware pottery, and the Tamba Stone Bath, which features stone sourced from the local region.
The men’s and women’s bathing areas alternate weekly, allowing visitors to experience both styles on different visits. The facility also uses a flow-through bathing system, in which fresh hot spring water is supplied to the baths rather than simply being continuously recirculated. This adds to the appeal of the bathing experience.
The spring water is classified as a weakly radioactive sodium-calcium chloride spring. With a reported natural discharge of approximately 615 liters per minute, it provides a plentiful supply of mineral-rich water.
Chloride springs are known for helping the body retain warmth after bathing, making them especially pleasant in cooler weather. Visitors come to soak, unwind, and recover from the fatigue of sightseeing. The warm water and tranquil surroundings make the facility a welcome retreat after exploring the countryside and cultural attractions of Tamba-Sasayama.
The story of Konda Yakushi Onsen began in 1995, when the former town of Konda in Taki District developed plans to drill for hot spring water as part of a regional revitalization initiative. In 1999, drilling reached a depth of approximately 1,300 meters, successfully bringing the hot spring to the surface.
The name Yakushi Onsen comes from Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, whose statue has long been worshipped on top of a nearby low hill. The deity has been cherished by local residents for generations, and the name reflects the area’s longstanding spiritual traditions as well as the community’s connection to its natural surroundings.
Inside the facility, a spacious bathing lobby provides a comfortable place to relax before or after soaking in the hot springs. The Nukumori-no-Sato Garden offers a peaceful outdoor setting where visitors can enjoy the surrounding greenery and rural scenery.
A hot spring water vending station once operated on the premises, allowing visitors to obtain spring water separately, but it was discontinued in March 2017. The main attraction remains the bathing facilities and the opportunity to spend a relaxing break in the countryside.
Konda Yakushi Onsen is conveniently located for exploring the area’s traditional crafts and cultural attractions. Nearby destinations include Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Ceramic Art, the Tamba Traditional Crafts Park, and Tachikui Sue-no-Sato, where visitors can discover the history and techniques of Tamba ware, one of Japan’s historic pottery traditions.
The surrounding area also offers opportunities to visit Konnomura, a facility for experiencing local rural culture, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple in neighboring Kato City. Combining a visit to the hot springs with pottery museums and craft attractions makes for a rewarding day trip.
By train, the nearest station is Furuichi Station on the JR Fukuchiyama Line, from which the facility can be reached by taxi in approximately 10 minutes. Buses operated by Wing Shinki, formerly Shinki Green Bus, also run from Aino Station, with a reported three round trips per day. Get off at the Konda Yakushi Onsen bus stop, located at the facility.
By car, the hot spring is approximately 20 minutes from either Sanda-Nishi Interchange or Tannan-Sasayamaguchi Interchange on the Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway. Parking is available, making the facility convenient for visitors traveling by car.
With its generous supply of hot spring water, distinctive pottery-inspired baths, and tranquil garden, Konda Yakushi Onsen offers a relaxing way to experience the countryside of Hyogo Prefecture. Its location near traditional pottery centers, museums, and historic sites also makes it an excellent addition to a day of sightseeing in Tamba-Sasayama.