Tsuetate Onsen; Kannon Iwa Onsen
Oguni, Kumamoto, Japan
Illustration photo — not a verified picture of this exact spot.
- Location
- Oguni, Kumamoto, Japan
- Water type
- thermal, sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 42 °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
Tsuetate Onsen, also known as Kannon Iwa Onsen, is located in Oguni, Kumamoto Prefecture. Its sodium-chloride water reaches around 42°C, with an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo bath and a sauna.
Insider tip — 'Kannon Iwa Onsen' at Tsuetate Onsen in Oguni-machi — one of Kyushu's most beloved historic hot spring towns, set in a deep gorge where the Tsuetate River has carved vertical tuff walls lined with ryokan. Tsuetate is famous for its spectacular Tanabata festival: streamers of thousands of paper strips dangle from the gorge walls, filling the air with colour. 'Kannon Iwa' (観音岩 — Kannon Bodhisattva Rock) is a cliff face in the gorge that resembles the merciful Kannon, from whose face the spring waters seem to emerge.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 42 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features thermal & sodium chloride water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.