"alo" is an abbreviation for "Act Local in Okayama"—
2026.01.18
Soak, Stay, and Just Be.
Soak in the hot water.
Wrapped in steam, your breathing slowly aligns.
Let your mind and body unwind.
That warmth dwells in the scent of tatami mats and the touch of the futon.
Okayama's ryokans are places to spend time that exist in harmony with the hot springs.
Staying here is the purpose itself, not just a side note to sightseeing.
In the quietly flowing time, embark on a journey to reclaim yourself.
Find a place that can truly restore you in Okayama.
-
Table of Contents
- The Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) Springs (Okutsu Onsen, Yunogo Onsen, and Yubara Onsen )
- Okutsu Onsen(Kagamino Town )
- Yunogo Onsen(Mimasaka City )
- Yubara Onsen(Maniwa City )
- Click here for videos and related articles on other themes
The Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) Springs (Okutsu Onsen, Yunogo Onsen, and Yubara Onsen )
The Mimasaka Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) , scattered throughout the Mimasaka region in northern Okayama Prefecture , refer to the three hot spring resorts of Okutsu Onsen, Yunogo Onsen, and Yubara Onsen. All are surrounded by nature and have long been popular as therapeutic Toji (Hot-spring therapy stay) resorts and resting places for travelers.
Okutsu Onsen(Kagamino Town )
Okutsu Onsen , located in Kagamino Town in northern Okayama Prefecture , is a quiet hot spring resort surrounded by mountains near the source of the Yoshii River . During the Edo period, it was used as a Toji (Hot-spring therapy stay) resort by the lord of Tsuyama Domain, and has long been beloved as one of the " Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka)."
The alkaline simple hot spring water is gentle on the skin and is also known as "Beauty Bath" because it leaves a moist feeling after bathing. At the inns and public baths, you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a calm space while retaining the atmosphere of a traditional Toji (Hot-spring therapy stay) resort.
The surrounding area is dotted with spots where you can enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons, such as Okutsukei Valley and nature trails. The charm of this hot spring is the quiet time you spend there, surrounded by the mountain village scenery that changes with the seasons, from fresh greenery to autumn leaves and snowy landscapes.
Okutsu Onsen is still chosen by many people as a hot spring resort suitable for those who seek calmness and relaxation over hustle and bustle.
Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso
Located in the heart of Okutsu Onsen, Meisen Kagiyu Okutsuso is a long-established inn that continues to carry on the Toji (Hot-spring therapy stay) culture that has continued since the Edo period. Kagiyu ("Key Bath") , the signature hot spring of Okutsu Onsen , was once known as a special hot spring that only feudal lords and limited people were allowed to bathe in, and it is still carefully preserved today as a prestigious hot spring that still evokes this memory.
The hotel features relaxing guest rooms that make the most of the warmth of wood, and a restaurant that values Japanese aesthetics, allowing you to spend a quiet and quality time. The hot spring is a simple alkaline hot spring, characterized by its soft texture and the moist feeling it leaves on your skin after bathing. You can enjoy the Free-flowing hot spring (100% from the source) water along with the seasonal scenery.
The cuisine is centered around kaiseki cuisine, which makes use of the bounty of the sea and mountains of Kagamino Town and northern Okayama Prefecture. Each dish is carefully prepared using seasonal ingredients, further enhancing the enjoyment of your hot spring stay.
Okutsuso is still chosen by many people as an inn where you can experience the luxury of "soaking in the hot springs and doing nothing" through its historic hot springs, quiet mountain village scenery, and heartfelt hospitality.
Yunogo Onsen(Mimasaka City )
Yunogo Onsen , which spreads across Mimasaka City , is a historic hot spring resort known as one of the " Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) Springs" along with Okutsu Onsen and Yubara Onsen . It is said to have originated in the Heian period, and has been popular with warlords and literary figures of the Sengoku period. Today, it is loved by many as a friendly hot spring resort where the bustle of the hot spring town blends with the laid-back scenery of rural mountains.
The hot spring is a simple alkaline hot spring, characterized by its soft texture that is gentle on the skin. It is said that the skin feels moisturized after bathing, and is also known as a " Beauty Bath." There are also foot baths and day-trip bathing facilities scattered around, making it an attractive hot spring resort that can be easily visited without having to stay overnight.
The hot spring town is dotted with inns and hotels, as well as cafes, souvenir shops, art and sports facilities, making it a great place to enjoy a stroll. There are also many natural and cultural facilities in the surrounding area, and the appeal of Yunogo Onsen is that it offers a variety of ways to spend your time, including in the hot springs.
Yunogo Onsen is a representative hot spring resort in Mimasaka where you can relax your mind and body while enjoying the historic hot springs, the calm atmosphere of the town, and the warmth of the people.
Hana-no-Yado Nishikien
Hana-no-Yado Nishikien, located on a hill in Go Onsen, is a relaxing hot spring inn surrounded by nature throughout the seasons. Seasonal flowers are displayed throughout the hotel and gardens, allowing you to enjoy a different atmosphere each time you visit. This inn is perfect for those who want to spend some relaxing time in a quiet environment.
The hot spring water is characterized by the soft texture that is unique to Yunogo Onsen, and is a simple alkaline hot spring that is gentle on the skin. From the large public bath or Open-air Bath, you can spend a relaxing time both physically and mentally while gazing at the greenery of the garden and the changing sky. The time spent in the tranquil hot springs is perfect for soothing away the fatigue of everyday life.
The guest rooms are designed with a Japanese aesthetic in mind, allowing you to relax in a calm space. One of the charms of the hotel is that you can enjoy the garden and natural scenery outside the window, allowing you to feel the change of seasons even while indoors.
Meals are served using local Mimasaka ingredients and seasonal ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the land. Surrounded by hot springs, food, flowers, and greenery, Hana-no-Yado Nishikien that serves as a base for a quiet trip to Yunogo Onsen, and is loved by many.
Gendai Gangu Museum & Orgel Yumekan
Located in Yunogo Onsen Onsen, the Gendai Gangu Museum & Orgel Yumekan is a facility where you can experience the history and culture of craftsmanship through toys and music boxes from around the world. Inside the museum, you'll find a diverse collection of toys spanning time and countries, including tin toys, wooden toys, and mechanical toys.
The adjacent Music Box Dream Museum has a wide variety of music boxes, from antique to modern, and you can actually enjoy their sounds. The gentle, clear sounds echo throughout the museum, soothing the souls of all who visit. The music box performances that are held regularly are also a highlight.
The exhibits are designed to be interactive and not just something to look at, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from children to adults. By stopping by while strolling around Yunogo Onsen, you can spend a time of relaxation and discovery that is different from the hot springs.
The Gendai Gangu Museum & Orgel Yumekan is a cultural spot representing the Yunogo Onsen area, where you can experience the charm of play, music, and craftsmanship up close.
Yubara Onsen(Maniwa City )
Yubara Onsen , located in the northern part of Maniwa City along the clear waters of the Asahikawa , is known as one of the " Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) Springs," along with Okutsu Onsen and Yunogo Onsen . Surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains, its greatest appeal is being able to quietly enjoy the hot springs while listening to the murmuring of the river and taking in the scenery of the four seasons.
The symbol of Yubara Onsen is the natural Open-air Bath"Sunayu (Riverside Open-Air Bath) ," which springs from the bottom of the Asahikawa . Located downstream from the dam, the bath offers an open-air experience that makes you feel one with nature. The baths are separated by gender depending on the time of day, making them popular with tourists.
In the hot spring town, inns and accommodations line the river, and there are also foot baths, walking paths, local restaurants and souvenir shops scattered around. You can enjoy the mountain and river views during the day, and the atmosphere of the hot spring town enveloped in quiet lights at night.
Yubara Onsen is a hot spring resort where nature, hot springs, and townscapes come together in harmony, allowing you to relax and heal your mind and body. Among the Mimasaka Santo (Three Hot Springs of Mimasaka) hot springs, it is particularly popular with many people as a place where you can experience "soaking in hot water together with nature."
Yumeguri-no-Yado Matsu-no-ya Kasen
Located in the Yubara Onsen area , Yumeguri-no-Yado Matsu-no-ya Kasen is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy a variety of baths in a quiet environment surrounded by abundant nature.With multiple baths with different atmospheres both inside and outside the building, including Open-air Bath, rock baths, and private baths, one of the inns' great attractions is the ability to enjoy "bath hopping" during your stay.
In the Open-air Bath, you can relax in the water in an open atmosphere while enjoying the greenery of the trees and the changing of the seasons. There is also a covered bath, so you can use it without worrying about the weather. The baths are designed so that you can enjoy the soft feel of Yubara's water in a variety of spaces.
Located in the Yubara Onsen area , Yumeguri-no-Yado Matsu-no-ya Kasen is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy a variety of baths in a quiet environment surrounded by abundant nature.With multiple baths with different atmospheres both inside and outside the building, including Open-air Bath, rock baths, and private baths, one of the inns' great attractions is the ability to enjoy "bath hopping" during your stay.
In the Open-air Bath, you can relax in the water in an open atmosphere while enjoying the greenery of the trees and the changing of the seasons. There is also a covered bath, so you can use it without worrying about the weather. The baths are designed so that you can enjoy the soft feel of Yubara's water in a variety of spaces.
Click here for videos and related articles on other themes
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.