Today, May 26th, is “Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen Day” — a day celebrating natural hot springs that flow directly from their source.♨✨ Introducing the hot springs of Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture (including facilities that are not gensen kakenagashi), in two parts: front and back. 1. Refresh House Tojo (Photos 1–4) This facility features a heated pool, a training gym, and a cafeteria. The onsen is a silky alkaline simple spring said to help with neuralgia, muscle pain, and recovery from fatigue. The cafeteria serves dishes such as chicken nanban set meals, offal set meals, katsu curry, udon, soba, and ramen. Address: 2538-1 Awata, Tojo-cho, Shobara City Phone: 08477-2-1288 Day-use soaking hours: 10:00–21:00 ※ Pool and gym are open 13:00–20:00 Day-use fees: Adults 570 yen, Children 310 yen ※ Full facility use: Adults 990 yen, Children 520 yen 2. Hibagon-go Onsen Suzuran no Yu (Photos 5–7) This onsen offers a bubble bath, jet bath, sauna, and cold bath, and happily provides gensen kakenagashi. The surrounding area is great for mountain walks and outdoor activities, so you can enjoy nature and then soak here. On Wednesdays, day-use fees are about half price. Address: 152-10 Misaka, Saijo-cho, Shobara City Phone: 0824-84-7070 Day-use soaking hours: 10:30–21:00 ※ In winter from 12:00 Day-use fees: Adults 620 yen, Children 310 yen ※ Wednesdays: Adults 360 yen, Children 150 yen 3. Takamo Onsen Unoko-so (Photos 8–9) Founded in Taisho 15 (1926), this long-established ryokan is also popular as a summer retreat. It does not offer onsen-only day-use, but you can enjoy the hot spring together with a meal. The location, with the Saijo River flowing before the ryokan and majestic mountains beyond, is breathtaking. The baths are slightly larger than typical home tubs. Enjoy the retro atmosphere and relax at a leisurely pace. Address: 369 Takamo-cho, Shobara City Phone: 0824-74-0753 Day-use soaking hours: 10:00–15:00 Day-use fees: Meal and bathing set 4,000–6,000 yen ※ Reservation required 4. Shinohara Ryokan Takao no Yu (Photos 10–12) This hidden gem has long been visited by locals to relieve fatigue from farm work or to aid in treating illnesses. The strongly alkaline spring is notable for its high cleansing effect, removing old skin keratin. Both the men’s and women’s baths are sized for about two to three people and are often reserved for private use, so why not unwind freely and relax? Address: 52 Takao, Saijo-cho, Shobara City Phone: 090-5265-7930 Day-use soaking hours: 9:00–17:00 Day-use fees: Adults 500 yen, Children 300 yen ※ Half-day ticket (1,000 yen) and full-day ticket (1,200 yen) include access to the rest area.