At the southern end of the onsen town is Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, which enshrines the deities of hot onsens and magatama. The red Miyabashi Bridge leading to the shrine is also known as the "Koi Kanau Bridge" (Love Fulfillment Bridge). It is said that if the shrine's torii gate appears in the center of a photo taken from the bridge, one will be blessed with a good relationship.
The shrine grounds are part of the Izumo Tamatsukuri Site, a nationally designated historic site, which was a jewel-making workshop from the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century. In the back of the shrine grounds, there is a perfectly round stone called the "Negai-ishi(wish stone)." In this area, which was a production site for magatama and other items made from stones, stones have always held special significance. Stones do not become round unless they are shaped by flowing water or human hands. The Wish Stone, a large round stone that suddenly appeared from the mountain, was enshrined as the sacred body of the stone deity, and people began to pray to it. It is said that if you touch the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and pray, your wishes will come true.
Touching the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and making a wish is effective, but you can also take the stone's power home as a charm. The "Kanai-ishi(come true stone)" is a natural stone that you can receive at the shrine office, and it comes with a charm bag and a wish card. First, purify the Kanai-ishi(come true stone) with the sacred water, then touch it to the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and pray. After that, write your wish on the wish card. One card is left at the shrine, and the other card is placed in the charm bag along with the Kanai-ishi(come true stone). This completes your unique, personalized charm.
Next to the Negai-ishi(wish stone) is the Omamori-ishi(guardian stone), made from raw blue agate, which is the material for magatama. The Omamori-ishi(guardian stone) is said to protect those who touch it.
The Izumo Tamatsukuri Museum opened in 1977 as the only museum in Japan specializing in ancient jewel-making. It hosts permanent and special exhibitions on ancient Izumo jewel-making, Izumo agate work, and Fujina-yaki pottery.
In Kasen Mountain, located in Tamayu Town, agate was abundantly mined, and jewel-making has been active in this area since ancient times. Three areas around the Tamatsukuri Onsen town have numerous ancient jewel-making workshop remains and artifacts, and these have been designated as national historic sites. These regions were major production sites for jewels from the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century, and magatama and tubular beads made here were transported to various parts of Japan.
In the exhibition on ancient Izumo jewel-making, the history and production process of jewel-making are clearly presented based on artifacts excavated from jewel-making sites. Although Izumo jewel-making declined in the late 12th century, it was revived in the 19th century as "Izumo agate work." Izumo agate work is a representative traditional craft of Shimane Prefecture. The exhibition on Izumo agate work provides a detailed introduction to the tools and techniques used from the late Taisho period (1912-1926) to the early Showa period (1926-1945).
Fujina-yaki is a type of pottery characterized by its warm yellow glaze, which began production in the mid-Edo period (1690-1780). Today, each kiln continues to create unique works. The exhibition on Fujina-yaki systematically displays pieces from the Edo period to the present day.
This is a hand bath spot marked by a magatama. You can freely draw the spring water from Tamatsukuri Onsen here. If you purchase an onsen water bottle sold right next to it, you can take the onsen water home as a souvenir.
A scientific study by a pharmaceutical company has shown that the water of Tamatsukuri Onsen has the quality of a high-end lotion. The moisturizing effect is particularly excellent. This naturally occurring lotion can be used for skincare. Be sure to use the natural lotion you take home in the onsen water bottle within five days.
This temple, founded in 1637, features the "Oshiroi Jizo-sama," where you can pray for beautiful skin. About 150 years ago, a monk with a birthmark on his face applied white powder to the Jizo statue and prayed, and the birthmark miraculously disappeared. Grateful, the monk enshrined the Jizo statue at Seiganji Temple. Since then, it has been believed that applying white powder to the Jizo statue and praying can make you beautiful. It is also said that applying white powder to any part of the statue corresponding to a problem area or illness on your body and praying will help heal that condition.
In a square near the center of the onsen town, there is a covered foot bath. Towels for drying your feet after using the foot bath are also available for purchase, so you don't need to bring your own. The covered foot bath allows you to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the weather, even on rainy days.
On the Tamayu River, there is a small island shaped like a magatama and made of raw blue (green) agate stones. It is said that touching this stone will bring happiness.
Kasen Mountain was once the only place in the country where all three colors of agate—blue (green), red, and white—could be found. Among them, the blue agate from Kasen Mountain, known as "Izumo Stone," has been highly prized. Currently, the extraction of "Izumo Stone" from Kasen Mountain is restricted, making it a very rare natural stone.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is one of the oldest onsen in Japan, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. Not only is it a famous onsen area in Shimane Prefecture, but along with Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture, Kaike Onsen, and Misasa Onsen in Tottori Prefecture, it represents the San'in region's prominent onsen areas. Tamatsukuri Onsen offers convenient access to popular tourist spots such as Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha, making it an ideal location for sightseeing around the Izumo-Matsue area.
The opening of Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to date back to the Nara period (710-794). In the "Izumo no Kuni Fudoki" (Chronicles of the Land of Izumo), a local gazetteer of Izumo (Shimane Prefecture) compiled in 733, it is introduced as "Enter once to become beautiful, enter twice to cure all illnesses." Since ancient times, Tamatsukuri Onsen has been cherished as an onsen that creates beautiful skin.
Get to know Tamatsukuri Onsen
Area guide
Along the Tamayu River, which flows into Lake Shinji, there are numerous onsen ryokan, souvenir shops, and restaurants, forming an onsen town. The onsen ryokan lined up along the Tamayu River each offer a unique onsen experience and stay.
Each ryokan features unique baths that attract many visitors, such as Japan's largest mixed-gender open-air bath, a bath with a floor covered in agate used for making magatama, and an open-air bath with a view of Lake Shinji. The ryokans also offer beautiful Japanese gardens, exquisite cuisine, and unique shows, providing guests with a memorable and special time in addition to the beautiful skin benefits of the onsen.
A notable feature is the specialty cuisine incorporating the seven types of seafood known as the Shinjiko Shitchin, which are caught in Lake Shinji. Lake Shinji is a brackish lake where seawater and freshwater mix, and among the diverse seafood harvested from the lake, the most representative are whitebait, icefish, sea bass, carp, shrimp, shijimi clams, and eel, collectively known as the Shinjiko Shitchin.
Tamatsukuri Onsen, known for its beauty benefits, also features various beauty spots in addition to its onsen. At Seiganji Temple, located at the far end of the onsen town, there is the "Oshiroi Jizo-sama," a deity enshrined to help solve skin problems and grant beautiful skin.
At Yuyakushi Hiroba, you can take home the beauty-enhancing water of Tamatsukuri Onsen. A skincare brand based in Tamatsukuri Onsen develops products that create beautiful skin by incorporating the onsen's spring water. Cosmetics and skincare products using Tamatsukuri Onsen water are highly recommended for women. The water you take home from Yuyakushi Hiroba should be used within five days to ensure you can continuously feel its effects.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is known as the town of magatama, as it has been a thriving area for magatama production since ancient times. In the onsen town, you can see magatama objects and symbols everywhere, such as on bridges and manhole covers. It's fun to look for magatama that blend into the town's scenery. The Magatama Bridge, which spans the Tamayu River, is a symbol of Tamatsukuri Onsen. The bridge's railings are adorned with four vibrant green magatama objects, each over one meter in size. The Magatama Bridge is a popular spot for taking photos in Tamatsukuri Onsen.
The traditional craft of Izumo agate work has its origins in the magatama and tubular beads made in this region since ancient times. Izumo agate work makes for a perfect souvenir that reflects the history of Tamatsukuri Onsen. The area around Tamatsukuri Onsen is also known as a production site for Fujina-yaki pottery, which has been made since the Edo period (1603-1868). At the kilns, you can see a variety of practical pottery items.
If you get tired from strolling around, you can relax and relieve your fatigue at one of the three free foot baths in Tamatsukuri Onsen. Some of the foot bath spots have roofs, so you can stay dry even in sudden rain. Warming your feet in the onsen improves blood circulation throughout your body, making you feel warm and helping to reduce stress through relaxation.
*The information provided may not be the most up-to-date. Please refer to official websites for the latest information.
Access
If you are traveling by train, the nearest station is Tamatsukuri Onsen Station. From Tamatsukuri Onsen Station, it takes about 30 minutes on foot or about 10 minutes by bus to reach Tamatsukuri Onsen. If you are traveling by plane, you can use Izumo Airport (Izumo Enmusubi Airport) or Yonago Airport (Yonago Kitaro Airport).
<By Train> Hakata Station → <Shinkansen> → Okayama Station → <Limited Express Yakumo> → Tamatsukuri Onsen Station → <Bus> → Tamatsukuri Onsen (approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes)
Water quality
Tamatsukuri Onsen is known as a beauty-enhancing onsen, as it is mentioned in the "Izumo no Kuni Fudoki," a local gazetteer of Izumo (Shimane Prefecture) compiled in 733, stating that "entering once will make one’s appearance very beautiful."
Tamatsukuri Onsen has long been renowned as a beauty-enhancing onsen, and its effects have been scientifically proven. When the beauty benefits of Tamatsukuri Onsen were scientifically analyzed by a leading pharmaceutical company in Japan, it was confirmed that its three essential effects for beautiful skin are among the top in onsens across Japan. Tamatsukuri Onsen can be considered a natural luxury skincare product due to its expected beauty benefits.
1. Moisture Retention
Tamatsukuri Onsen has a moisturizing effect that increases skin moisture levels by 65%.
2. Skin Refinement
It refines the skin texture and reduces dullness.
3. Beautiful Skin Tone
It improves blood circulation, restoring a healthy blush to the skin. Additionally, it helps remove old keratin and melanin, improving dark spots and bringing the skin closer to an ideal and beautiful tone.
The water quality of Tamatsukuri Onsen is classified as a sodium/calcium sulfate/chloride spring. The water is colorless, transparent, and mildly alkaline, containing a high concentration of metasilicic acid, which is known as a natural moisturizing ingredient. Metasilicic acid is one of the moisturizing components found in onsen water and is also used in skincare products such as moisturizing lotions and hydrating bath additives. Chloride springs form a salt film on the skin's surface, helping to retain the beauty-enhancing components and moisture absorbed from the onsen. This results in high moisturizing and warming effects, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated. Sulfate springs soften hardened skin, provide ample moisture, and improve skin firmness. The mildly alkaline nature of the onsen helps remove dead skin cells and impurities, making the skin cleaner.
Tamatsukuri Onsen, known for its high beauty benefits, also has a water quality that is effective for cuts, peripheral circulatory disorders, cold sensitivity, depression, and dry skin.
History
Tamatsukuri Onsen is known as the town of magatama. Why is the magatama a symbol of Tamatsukuri Onsen? The name "Tamatsukuri" means "making jewels." From the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century, the entire Tamatsukuri Onsen area was a major production site for decorative beads such as magatama and tubular beads. High-quality agate from Kasen Mountain was crafted into magatama by skilled artisans and transported throughout the country.
The ancestor of the ancient jewel-making artisans is said to be Kushiakaru-tama no Mikoto, the deity who created the magatama, one of the three imperial regalia. Kushiakaru-tama no Mikoto is enshrined at Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, located at the southern end of the onsen town.
The Three Imperial Regalia of Japan, or "Sanshu no Jingi," are three items passed down through generations to the Emperor as symbols of imperial authority: a mirror, a sword, and a magatama. The mirror symbolizes the right to worship the heavens, the sword represents military power, and the magatama signifies the right to govern the people. By inheriting these three treasures, the Emperor becomes the leader and ruler in religious, military, and political matters. The origins of the Three Sacred Treasures are recorded in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki," compiled in the Nara period (710-794).
The Kojiki is the oldest historical record in Japan, compiled to deify the Emperor and establish a ritsuryō state centered around the Emperor. The Kojiki summarizes the history from the era of Japanese mythology, when gods ruled the country, to the reign of the 33rd Emperor, Empress Suiko. It demonstrates that the Emperor is a direct descendant of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu-Ōmikami. In contrast to the Kojiki, which has a strong mythological focus, the Nihon Shoki was compiled as the official history of Japan.
Magatama are ancient ornaments that were worn as amulets to ward off evil and bring good fortune. During the Asuka period (592-710), magatama began to be used in religious ceremonies to worship gods. In the Nara period (710-794), the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki recorded stories involving magatama, and over time, they became treasures symbolizing imperial authority.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to have opened during the Nara period (710-794). In the "Izumo no Kuni Fudoki," a local gazetteer of Izumo compiled during this era, Tamatsukuri Onsen is described as follows: "Enter once to become beautiful, enter twice to cure illnesses. No one has ever failed to experience its benefits. Everyone calls it the divine onsen." This indicates that the onsen's healing properties were already known and utilized by people at that time.
By the Heian period (794-1185), the reputation of Tamatsukuri Onsen had reached the capital in Kyoto. Sei Shonagon, a prominent female writer of this era, praised Tamatsukuri Onsen among three onsens in her essay "The Pillow Book."
Tamatsukuri Onsen fell into ruin during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) due to river flooding. However, in the Edo period (1603-1868), the Matsue Domain established a villa there, leading to its revival and continued development as an onsen resort. The Matsue Domain was the territory and governing organization ruled by the daimyo based in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), successive lords of the Matsue Domain visited their villa in Tamatsukuri Onsen for rest and recuperation. At this time, an onsen manager known as "Yunosuke" was appointed by the Matsue Domain. Yunosuke was responsible for managing the source springs and public baths, collecting bath fees, and overseeing all matters related to Tamatsukuri Onsen. He played a significant role in its revival. The governance system under Yunosuke continued until the Matsue Domain was dissolved in 1871.
When the Yunosuke system was abolished, the extraction of onsen water was entrusted to private entities, and each ryokan began to dig their own onsens. In 1912, the San'in Line of West Japan Railway Company (JR West) was opened, becoming a significant milestone for the development of the San'in region. During the Showa period (1926-1989), Tamatsukuri Onsen was visited by several members of the Imperial Family, including Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun.
The cherry trees planted in 1912, when the San'in Line was opened, still welcome visitors from various places today. In spring, these cherry blossoms line the Tamayu River that flows through the onsen town, filling the area with their full bloom.
Attractions
Tamatsukuriyu Shrine
At the southern end of the onsen town is Tamatsukuriyu Shrine, which enshrines the deities of hot onsens and magatama. The red Miyabashi Bridge leading to the shrine is also known as the "Koi Kanau Bridge" (Love Fulfillment Bridge). It is said that if the shrine's torii gate appears in the center of a photo taken from the bridge, one will be blessed with a good relationship.
The shrine grounds are part of the Izumo Tamatsukuri Site, a nationally designated historic site, which was a jewel-making workshop from the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century. In the back of the shrine grounds, there is a perfectly round stone called the "Negai-ishi(wish stone)." In this area, which was a production site for magatama and other items made from stones, stones have always held special significance. Stones do not become round unless they are shaped by flowing water or human hands. The Wish Stone, a large round stone that suddenly appeared from the mountain, was enshrined as the sacred body of the stone deity, and people began to pray to it. It is said that if you touch the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and pray, your wishes will come true.
Touching the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and making a wish is effective, but you can also take the stone's power home as a charm. The "Kanai-ishi(come true stone)" is a natural stone that you can receive at the shrine office, and it comes with a charm bag and a wish card. First, purify the Kanai-ishi(come true stone) with the sacred water, then touch it to the Negai-ishi(wish stone) and pray. After that, write your wish on the wish card. One card is left at the shrine, and the other card is placed in the charm bag along with the Kanai-ishi(come true stone). This completes your unique, personalized charm.
Next to the Negai-ishi(wish stone) is the Omamori-ishi(guardian stone), made from raw blue agate, which is the material for magatama. The Omamori-ishi(guardian stone) is said to protect those who touch it.
Izumo Tamasaku Museum
The Izumo Tamatsukuri Museum opened in 1977 as the only museum in Japan specializing in ancient jewel-making. It hosts permanent and special exhibitions on ancient Izumo jewel-making, Izumo agate work, and Fujina-yaki pottery.
In Kasen Mountain, located in Tamayu Town, agate was abundantly mined, and jewel-making has been active in this area since ancient times. Three areas around the Tamatsukuri Onsen town have numerous ancient jewel-making workshop remains and artifacts, and these have been designated as national historic sites. These regions were major production sites for jewels from the mid-3rd century to the late 12th century, and magatama and tubular beads made here were transported to various parts of Japan.
In the exhibition on ancient Izumo jewel-making, the history and production process of jewel-making are clearly presented based on artifacts excavated from jewel-making sites. Although Izumo jewel-making declined in the late 12th century, it was revived in the 19th century as "Izumo agate work." Izumo agate work is a representative traditional craft of Shimane Prefecture. The exhibition on Izumo agate work provides a detailed introduction to the tools and techniques used from the late Taisho period (1912-1926) to the early Showa period (1926-1945).
Fujina-yaki is a type of pottery characterized by its warm yellow glaze, which began production in the mid-Edo period (1690-1780). Today, each kiln continues to create unique works. The exhibition on Fujina-yaki systematically displays pieces from the Edo period to the present day.
Yuyakushi Hiroba Taraiyu (Tub Bath)
This is a hand bath spot marked by a magatama. You can freely draw the spring water from Tamatsukuri Onsen here. If you purchase an onsen water bottle sold right next to it, you can take the onsen water home as a souvenir.
A scientific study by a pharmaceutical company has shown that the water of Tamatsukuri Onsen has the quality of a high-end lotion. The moisturizing effect is particularly excellent. This naturally occurring lotion can be used for skincare. Be sure to use the natural lotion you take home in the onsen water bottle within five days.
Seiganji Temple
This temple, founded in 1637, features the "Oshiroi Jizo-sama," where you can pray for beautiful skin. About 150 years ago, a monk with a birthmark on his face applied white powder to the Jizo statue and prayed, and the birthmark miraculously disappeared. Grateful, the monk enshrined the Jizo statue at Seiganji Temple. Since then, it has been believed that applying white powder to the Jizo statue and praying can make you beautiful. It is also said that applying white powder to any part of the statue corresponding to a problem area or illness on your body and praying will help heal that condition.
Himegami Square
In a square near the center of the onsen town, there is a covered foot bath. Towels for drying your feet after using the foot bath are also available for purchase, so you don't need to bring your own. The covered foot bath allows you to relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about the weather, even on rainy days.
Blue Agate of Happiness
On the Tamayu River, there is a small island shaped like a magatama and made of raw blue (green) agate stones. It is said that touching this stone will bring happiness.
Kasen Mountain was once the only place in the country where all three colors of agate—blue (green), red, and white—could be found. Among them, the blue agate from Kasen Mountain, known as "Izumo Stone," has been highly prized. Currently, the extraction of "Izumo Stone" from Kasen Mountain is restricted, making it a very rare natural stone.
