🗺️ Funakoya Onsen (船小屋温泉)船小屋温泉（ふなごやおんせん）

The Funakoya Onsen was formerly known as "Sparrow Hell," as it was said that sparrows would suddenly fall and die when flying over the hot spring, causing people to avoid the area, hence the name. After the Meiji era, the therapeutic effects of the spring were confirmed, leading to a surge of visitors. It is a famous hot spring that has been visited by literary giant Natsume Sōseki and Emperor Shōwa. The 19°C cold mineral spring is one of Japan's few high-concentration carbonated springs containing iron. After emerging from underground, it retains its carbonation, and it is said that drinking it is particularly effective for gastrointestinal diseases, anemia, diabetes, and chronic constipation. The traditional building in the center of the hot spring area, "Funakoya Kōnsen-jo," offers free tastings. Soaking in the Funakoya Onsen is said to relieve neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and cold extremities, and it also has therapeutic effects for cuts, burns, and skin diseases. There are also facilities for single-use bathing, such as the "Kawa no Eki Funakoya Koi Hot Spring Hall," which features outdoor baths and foot baths, and the long-established "Onsen Ryokan Higuchiken," which opened during the Meiji era. They provide amenities, towel rentals, and sales, so you can enjoy the hot spring even if you come empty-handed.

It is one of the few high-concentration iron carbonated hot springs in Japan. Drinking the hot spring water here is said to be effective for gastrointestinal diseases, anemia, diabetes, chronic constipation, and more. Soaking in the Funakoya Onsen is said to improve nerve pain, muscle pain, joint pain, cold hands and feet, cuts, burns, and skin diseases. Some facilities offer single-use soaking options, making it easy to visit.