Yokawa Onsen is a hot spring destination in Yoshiyasu, Yokawa-cho, Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mineral-rich water rises from approximately 1,500 meters underground and is notable for its exceptionally high concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide, among the highest in Japan. The hot spring complex is also part of Michi-no-Eki Yokawa, a roadside station where visitors can enjoy local products and regional specialties alongside a relaxing soak.
Yokawa Onsen is a relatively modern hot spring destination. The day-use bathing facility Yokawa Onsen Yokatan opened on March 9, 2002. The hot spring gained wider recognition after appearing in the historical television drama Mito Komon on December 4, 2006, in Episode 18 of its 36th season, titled “The Landlady’s Secret Treasure That Saved a Young Lord.” The facility reopened after renovations on December 5, 2007. On August 7, 2024, the site was also registered as Michi-no-Eki Yokawa, further establishing it as a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region.
The spring water is classified as a highly concentrated saline spring containing carbon dioxide, sodium chloride, and sodium bicarbonate. Its source temperature is 32.2°C, with a flow rate of approximately 50.5 liters per minute. The reported evaporation residue is 36.49 mg/kg, while the free carbon dioxide content reaches 2,310 mg/kg, making it particularly distinctive among Japan’s hot springs.
The water is not suitable for drinking. Bathing is traditionally associated with relief from various conditions, including high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, nerve pain, and joint pain. Visitors should consult a medical professional about bathing if they have a health condition or concerns about the effects of hot spring bathing.
Yokawa Onsen has traditionally been used for bathing associated with the following conditions:
High blood pressure and arteriosclerosis; nerve pain, joint pain, and muscle pain; frozen shoulder, stiff joints, and motor paralysis; bruises and sprains; chronic digestive disorders and hemorrhoids; sensitivity to cold; cuts and burns; chronic gynecological conditions; recovery after illness; and relief from fatigue.
Yokawa Onsen Yokatan is a popular facility for visitors seeking a relaxing day trip. At the entrance, a free-standing footbath offers a convenient way to enjoy the hot spring water without taking a full bath. Inside, two main bathing areas, called Sachi-no-Yu and Fuku-no-Yu, feature a variety of baths, including open-air baths, cold-water baths, and baths supplied with water directly from the source.
The men’s and women’s bathing areas switch every week, allowing repeat visitors to experience different bathing environments. Two private family baths are also available, making the facility suitable for families and small groups seeking a more private experience.
Sachi-no-Yu features a large indoor bath designed with natural stone. Facilities include a source-water bath, a cold-water bath, and a dry sauna. Outside, visitors can relax in open-air baths featuring a rock-built waterfall bath and individual ceramic-pot baths. The combination of stonework and outdoor bathing creates a peaceful setting for unwinding.
Fuku-no-Yu is distinguished by its use of fragrant Japanese umbrella pine, known as kōyamaki, in the bathing area. Its facilities include a large indoor bath, a source-water bath, a cold-water bath, and a steam sauna. The outdoor area features large wooden barrel baths, where visitors can soak while enjoying the fresh air.
Two private baths are available for visitors who prefer a more secluded experience. Nagomi features a wooden design made with kōyamaki, while Megumi is constructed in a stone style. These baths offer a comfortable setting for families or friends to enjoy the hot spring together.
Next to Yokawa Onsen Yokatan is Yamada Nishiki no Yakata, a regional products center that opened in 2004. It celebrates Yamada Nishiki, a premium variety of sake-brewing rice for which Hyogo Prefecture is especially well known. Visitors can learn about the rice, browse local agricultural products, and discover foods and other specialties from Miki City and the surrounding area.
The on-site Yamada Nishiki Museum introduces the history and cultivation of this prized rice variety through explanatory panels and miniature models. Often described as the king of sake-brewing rice, Yamada Nishiki is highly valued for producing premium Japanese sake. The museum offers an accessible introduction to its role in Japanese brewing culture and regional agriculture.
The facility sells Japanese sake made with Yamada Nishiki. At the tasting corner, O-tameshi-dokoro Kura, visitors can sample selected varieties for a fee and discover differences in flavor and aroma before choosing a bottle to take home. It is an appealing stop for those interested in Japanese sake and the brewing traditions of Hyogo Prefecture.
The farm shop offers fresh vegetables and seasonal ingredients, primarily sourced from Miki City and nearby areas. Products may include vegetable and flower seedlings, eggs, rice, black soybeans, pickles, and other locally produced foods. The selection provides an opportunity to experience the agricultural character of the region.
Specialty food products made with regional ingredients are also available. Examples include Yamada Nishiki miso, croquettes prepared with local vegetables, freshly made bread, rice cakes, and prepared side dishes. These products make convenient souvenirs and offer a taste of local food culture.
The complex also has a restaurant serving dishes prepared with local ingredients. Visitors can take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a meal that highlights the flavors of the surrounding region.
The Yamada Nishiki Festival is held in the facility’s parking area every March. The event features sales of regional specialties and a variety of activities, attracting visitors who want to experience local food, products, and community culture. Travelers planning a spring visit may wish to check the latest event schedule before setting out.
From Shin-Sanda Station or Sanda Station, take a Shinki Bus bound for the area; the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From Sannomiya Station in central Kobe, the bus journey takes about 60 minutes. Get off at the Yokawa Library-mae bus stop.
Miki City also operates a Mikky Bus service to Yokatan from stations served by the Kobe Electric Railway. According to the stated schedule, this service runs only on Sundays and Thursdays, so check the latest timetable before traveling.
Yokawa Onsen is approximately 15 minutes by car from Kobe-Sanda Interchange on the Chugoku Expressway, or about five minutes east of Yokawa Interchange. Parking is available at the complex, making it convenient for visitors exploring the area by car.
Yokawa Onsen combines distinctive carbon dioxide-rich spring water with comfortable day-use bathing facilities and opportunities to discover local products. After relaxing in the baths at Yokatan, visitors can explore Yamada Nishiki no Yakata to learn about Hyogo’s renowned sake-brewing rice, browse fresh produce, and sample regional foods. With its hot springs, local culture, and convenient roadside-station facilities, Yokawa makes an enjoyable destination for a relaxing day trip in Miki City.