I went to a place that’s truly a hidden hot spring! A remote hot spring!
Mishima Village in Kagoshima Prefecture. As the name suggests, it’s a village consisting of three islands (Takeshima, Iojima, and Kuroshima), and I visited the largest one called Iojima.
(This is a different place from the famous Iwo Jima in Tokyo’s Ogasawara Islands known from war movies)
This Iojima is a volcanic island with many attractions including the majestic Mount Iodake, which continues active volcanic activity and emits smoke, and seas turned red by hot springs bubbling up from the ocean floor. But what you absolutely must experience is Higashi Onsen.
It’s a hot spring in almost completely natural surroundings, surrounded by the vast ocean and sheer cliffs. Soaking in the hot water while gazing at the spectacular scenery spreading before your eyes is the best. I thoroughly enjoyed an experience you can only have here.
Higashi Onsen – A Hidden Gem Among Hidden Hot Springs, Surrounded by Cliffs and Sea
After being shaken in a car through mountain roads, I arrived at a rocky area with jagged rocks. There was barely a narrow path-like trail, and nothing else.
But this scenery is beautiful. At dusk when you can see the moon, cliffs and sea.
This is the location.
Following the narrow path, I found the target Higashi Onsen. It’s not a big puddle – this is seriously a hot spring.
There was a place where rocks were piled up like a changing room, but otherwise there was nothing. This isn’t just free-flowing – it’s on a whole different level.
Looking to the opposite side from the sea, there are steep cliffs. Right in the heart of nature.
The scenery changes as the sun sets.
Of course there are no lights or anything, so lighting is essential when coming during dark hours.
Even though no one should be adjusting the temperature (sorry if someone was), it’s quite the perfect temperature. Just the right comfortable temperature.
The hot spring while watching the horizon and setting sun is the best.
This experience would be quite difficult to have elsewhere…
Access to Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture
That said, most people probably don’t know the location or how to get there, so I’ll explain briefly.
The location is roughly between the Kyushu mainland side of Kagoshima Prefecture and Yakushima.
The regular ferry “Ferry Mishima” operates from Kagoshima Port.
However, since the operating days change every month, it’s better to check on their website or by phone. The fare is 7,200 yen one way for first-class cabin and 3,600 yen for second-class.
- Regular Ferry Mishima | Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture
- Access » Mishima Village, Kagoshima Prefecture | GO!MISHIMA
There are only a few guesthouses locally, and there are almost (completely?) no stores, let alone convenience stores, and no car rental companies.
They apparently arrange cars and accommodations locally, and even have discount coupons, so if you’re interested in visiting, you should contact the Mishima Village office first.
Compared to other famous tourist destinations, the access difficulty is somewhat higher, but that’s what makes it a hidden hot spring.
Conclusion
Among the many hot springs, Higashi Onsen on Iojima is a hidden gem among hidden gems.
It’s quite a remote location, but please visit at least once.
An article by a blogger who is a Mishima Village resident who went on the tour together was also posted. I’m totally in the photos…
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