Onoaida Hot Spring — Local services in Yakushima

Must try onsen! You will get addicted!

We we're recommended to go here by our host at yakushima youth hostel. He said that this was the most popular onsen in the country, and as part of it's character, very hot, even compared to the average onsen. Apparently, some people can't go in for the first time. However he did also say that even after climbing some of the highest mountains or taking on the most difficult routes, after taking a trip, here you fill like you can go for another round. Of course we were doubtful he was just selling the island to us, but we were not disappointed at all! It was very, very hot, much more than an average onsen, making it hard to go inside. And while you can stay in at most onsens for 5 minutes or so, people would stay go in here for only 2 minutes or so. Although it was too hot at first, truly feeling like our skin was burning, we we're patient and pushed through, and finally it was relaxing. We went out quite quick, rinsed ourselves with cold water and went back in for a second time. The second time felt better but still, we couldn't stay too long. Afterwards our soreness from hiking the days before were gone and we felt so relaxed.

There were children there as well, as young as 7 or 8 bathing himself alone without even flinching; amazing! We saw many locals at this place, many were weekly or even daily customers. They were addicted! And if we were locals of this island without a doubt, we'd be too haha

Definitely recommend going here if you visit yakushima. And although it's quite hot I urge you to push through and go in. But make sure to wash yourself with the water in the onsen, and warm up well...

(It reads as Onoaida Hotspring, not Onoma. I am suggesting Google for an edit.)

Ah... Such a cozy ane well maintained Onsen with friendly locals ♨ I love going there early so I can meet and chat with em. Even the cat that just chill there is cute & friendly.

Their healing effect is so good that other large spa(s) on the island actually use their spa water, carrying it by trucks and reheat it.

If the water feels too hot to soak🔥 (it was for me, and I am a certified Onsen lover), do like some locals do... They just sit by the side and pour hot water onto your body using a bucket. If you have tired feet, just sit on the edge and enjoy foot bathing!!

I'd share a bit more local insight below as I love this cozy Onsen so much, and I needed to visit there twice to appreciate it fully:

I learned that the owners doesn't work there for the money, they almost do it as charity...(I don't exactly know how it works.) So let not yourself down if this place didn't provide a 5 star service, shampoo, or a towel. It's so well maintained for a public bath and the owners take pride in keeping it a clean & comfortable place for all.

Tatoo friendly. (As long as you follow standard courtesy/ bathing manners..I heard. And I think everyone travelling as far as Yakushima...

I really love this little sento. I came here for the first time in 2009, and in 2025 it’s still exactly the same 😊 The water is still crazy hot, probably close to 50°C. It’s super hard to get in, especially for your legs… but if you stop thinking and just dip your whole body in, suddenly it feels okay. Just try not to move too much or the heat will hit you again 😅 I could only stay in for about five minutes, but it felt so refreshing after. Such a unique and local experience. I’m really glad it...