HOSENJI ONSEN VILLAGE / Kokonoe Town

Hosenji Onsen Village in Kokonoe town is a quiet onsen (hot spring) resort in the mountains, home to fireflies and Japanese fluvial sculpin (a type of freshwater fish). Legend says that the hot spring gained its name because it is made up of hot spring water which gushes out from the base of a large cedar tree which is associated with the Buddhist monk Kuya Shonin from the mid–Heian period. It is said that Kuya then erected a temple called ‘Hirabaru–san Hosen–ji’ in gratitude for receiving such a valuable hot spring.

Although this temple no longer exists, the area is now filled with hot spring footbaths and riverside bathhouses, creating a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere. The nature of the spring is slightly alkaline, clear and gentle on the skin. It is known as a “beautifying bath”, and is a kakenagashi style onsen, where hot spring water is sourced directly from the ground and continuously flows into the bath.

Hosenji Onsen Village is a great escape for those seeking to unwind from the chaos of daily life and rest their minds. Although the area was severely damaged by the torrential rain disaster in July 2020, in which roads sunk and pipes for the hot spring water were damaged, a reconstruction project led by the younger generation of local people is underway to bring back the area’s vitality.