Amanogawa Onsen; Amanogawa Onsen Center
Tenkawa, Nara, Japan
- Location
- Tenkawa, Nara, Japan
- Water type
- bicarbonate, thermal
- 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
Amanogawa Onsen, run by the Amanogawa Onsen Center, is located in the village of Tenkawa, Nara Prefecture, deep in the Okuyoshino mountains. Its alkaline bicarbonate thermal water (pH 8) is kept around 40°C, with an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo and a sauna.
Insider tip — Tenkawa-mura (Heaven River Village) is one of Japan's most spiritually sacred mountain communities — home to the Tenkawa Daibenzaiten shrine, one of Japan's three great Benzaiten shrines dedicated to the goddess of music, water, and the arts. Many of Japan's most celebrated musicians come here for blessings. 'Amanogawa' (Milky Way) refers to the river's celestial clarity and the extraordinary star canopy above these Yoshino mountains, far from light pollution. Bathing in these pure bicarbonate waters in a village watched over by the goddess of music is an experience of transcendent quietude.
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 & thermal water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.