Tsubo-yu — Attraction in Tanabe

Some of the rudest customer service we have come across in Japan. The guy at the ticket counter is an absolute pain to speak with, very rude, does not use honorifics and is dishonest.

We wanted to figure out how many groups there were ahead of us. Which shouldn't be that difficult considering everyone has a 30 minute slot. All we got out of him was 'busy', 'busy' and 'busy'. Went next door and had a beer, stayed maybe 20 minutes. On our way out it turns out there was nobody else queuing. So he was lying. 😅

We decided to cut our losses short and move on with our day. Cannot speak of the Onsen itself, but the town itself is very pretty and picturesque.

If you do want to use the Tsubo-yu though, don't waste your energy on the staff member and just buy a ticket from the ticket machine then check what...

It was such an amazing experience to have an spa in an 1800 year old onsen on the Yunotani River in Yunomine which fits only 2 people. Purchase your ticket in advance at the vending machine, around the corner, in front of a shrine. Number of tix holder is displayed on door of onsen - each party has 30 minutes. When your number is next, take your place at the waiting area on upper level of onsen. Clean yourself properly before slipping in. Water is naturally and constantly replenished and discarded. You dip into very very hot water in a rock pool the size of a small spa and depth up to your waist when you sit. The bottom is strew with pebbles....

Great experience! Tsuboyu was quite an experience.

1. buy the tickets at the automated machine close to the normal onsen (800yen); the person there will give you a number
2. buy towels there or bring your own
3. line up (if necessary) according to the number you received
4. remember: shower before coming here, there are no showers
5. enter the barrack after taking off your shoes
6. check the water temperature: if it is too hot, you can use the massive water outlet to cool it down (recommended)
7. mix the water with the wooden stick
8. enjoy!
9. use the small warm water tap to fill the buckets and...