Shikishima Onsen
Sakurai, Nara, Japan
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- Location
- Sakurai, Nara, Japan
- Water type
- sodium chloride, thermal
- Temperature
- 40 °C
- pH
- 7.3
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Effortless float
LowHigh
Dense, salty water — you float without effort.
SodiumChloruresBrome
In Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Shikishima Onsen distributes sodium-chloride thermal water at 40°C (104°F). An indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna make up this traditional bathhouse.
Insider tip — 'Shikishima' (敷島) is one of the most ancient poetic names for Japan — used in the Man'yoshu (Japan's oldest poetry anthology, 8th century) and later the 31-syllable waka poetry tradition. The coordinates place this onsen near Sakurai city and the Miwa area — heartland of Japan's oldest Shinto traditions, where Mt. Miwa (the mountain itself is the deity, without a shrine building) and the Omiwa Shrine (Japan's oldest shrine) stand as foundations of Japanese spirituality. A profound cultural landscape for a soak.
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 sodium chloride & thermal water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.