Moriyama Onsen Shiga
Moriyama, Shiga, Japan
- Location
- Moriyama, Shiga, Japan
- Water type
- bicarbonate
- Temperature
- 40 °C
- pH
- 8
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
BicarbonatesSodiumCalcium
Moriyama Onsen is a refreshing hot spring facility in Moriyama city, situated in the southern basin of Shiga Prefecture on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa — one of Japan's largest urban areas in ancient times. The bicarbonate-rich thermal waters are appreciated for their soothing and skin-beautifying properties, offering a calming retreat amid the flat, fertile plains of the Biwa basin. As one of the oldest settled regions in Japan, the Moriyama area carries deep historical significance as part of the ancient Omi Province, adding cultural resonance to what might otherwise appear a modest suburban onsen.
Insider tip — Moriyama Onsen draws from deep bicarbonate springs beneath the flat agricultural plain south of Lake Biwa. The waters are gentle and slightly alkaline, popular with local families and day-trippers from Kyoto and Osaka. Surrounded by rice fields and old post-town architecture, the setting evokes rural Kansai at its most unhurried. Bathing here is a local ritual rather than a tourist destination, making it authentic and uncrowded.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 40 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features bicarbonate water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année (idéal automne-hiver).