Said to be the oldest hot spring in San'in, with over 1,200 years of history and a unique bathing tradition known as 'yukamuri.'
Iwai Onsen, located in Iwami Town, Iwami District, Tottori Prefecture, is said to be the oldest hot spring in the San'in region. With a history spanning more than 1,200 years since it was first established, it has been designated a National Health Resort Hot Spring. The calcium-sodium sulfate spring source wells up at over 47°C, and 100% free-flowing natural hot spring water is kept alive today at the public bathhouse 'Iwai Yukamuri Onsen.'
This hot spring town has preserved a distinctive bathing custom called 'yukamuri.' In this tradition, a towel is placed on the head and hot water is ladled over it while singing the 'Yukamuri Uta' (bathing song) — a practice handed down since the late Edo period as a way to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring for longer.
The onsen is conveniently located near the center of Iwami Town and also serves as a gateway to Uradome Coast. In the quiet hot spring village, lined with traditional inns, visitors can savor waters nurtured by centuries of history amid the surrounding mountain scenery.