Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue, Shimane Pref., Japan

Tamatsukuri Onsen has the longest history in Japan. It was recorded in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki published in 733 and has been loved since ancient times as the “Hot Spring of the Gods.” Along Tamayu River in the hot spring town, approximately 22 traditional Japanese inns stand side by side, ranging from small 10-room inns to massive luxury hotels accommodating 700 guests, making it the largest hot spring town in the Chugoku region.

Located south of Lake Shinji is the picturesque hot spring area of Tamatsukuri, known as the “baths of the gods”. Many traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) can be found here along Tamayu River, where you can also find free natural hot spring foot baths to enjoy. The area is also well known for producing agate and magatama stones, which are closely linked to Shinto mythology.

日本最古の湯として知られる玉造の湯。西暦７３３年編纂の出雲国風土記に『川辺に湯が湧き老若男女が賑わった』と記されています。今から１３００年前にはすでに名湯として賑わっていたようで正式な開湯は定かではない事から、日本最古の湯のひとつに数えられています。