🗺️ Jōritsu Onsen (Jōritsu Hot Spring)杖立温泉

Tsukitate Onsen is located along the Tsukitate River in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, and is known as the "Hidden Retreat of Kyushu." Its origins can be traced back 1,800 years, with legends stating that it was the first bathing place of Emperor Jimmu after his birth. The spring water is classified as a weak alkaline simple spring and chloride spring. It is well-regarded for its high content of "meta-silica," which enhances the effects of the hot spring, easily penetrating the skin and keeping it moisturized after bathing. In the early Heian period, the monk Kōbō Daishi also visited this place and was deeply impressed by the healing properties of the hot spring, writing, "湯に入りて 病なおれば すがりてし 杖立ておいて 帰る諸人," which means "Even patients who can only walk with the aid of a cane can return healthy without it after soaking in this hot spring." This is how the hot spring came to be named "Tsukitate Onsen." The streets lined with streams are filled with steam rising from numerous hot springs, creating a unique landscape that adds to the charm of the area and making it a popular filming location for movies and music. The streets are dotted with "steam baths" built using hot spring water at around 98 degrees Celsius and abundant water supply, as well as "steaming areas" where visitors can freely steam vegetables and eggs. Since ancient times, it has been loved as a hot spring resort, and it still retains a nostalgic atmosphere. Every April, the "Koi Nobori Festival" is held, where approximately 3,500 koi flags flutter in the spring breeze above the Tsukitate River.

Since 1800 years ago, it has been cherished as a hot spring treatment location. The steam from the hot springs wafting through the streets creates a unique landscape. Public baths and steam areas where one can freely soak are scattered throughout.