Tamatsukuri Onsen has been welcoming visitors for its annual cherry blossom (Sakura) festival, held from 22nd March to 6th April, as part of wider efforts to revitalise the historic hot spring town.
Some 400 cherry trees line the banks of the Tamayu River, creating a breathtaking springtime vista. Food stalls and live performances — including drummers from Matsue’s renowned Dō Taiko — lend a lively and festive atmosphere to the occasion.
On 5th and 6th April, visitors are also invited to sample locally brewed sake from across Shimane Prefecture, which is said to be the birthplace of sake, further enhancing the festive mood with a taste of the region’s brewing heritage.
The festival forms part of a broader initiative to promote Tamatsukuri Onsen as one of Shimane Prefecture’s key tourist destinations.
Recognised as Japan’s oldest documented hot spring, Tamatsukuri Onsen is mentioned in the Izumo Fudoki, a geographical chronicle compiled over 1,300 years ago. Its waters were said to “rejuvenate the skin from the first soak and cure any illness on the second,” earning the nickname “the hot springs of the gods.”
The area flourished in the early 20th century, with traditional ryokan inns established along the riverside. While visitor numbers declined in the early 21st century, the local community made concerted efforts to revive the town, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tamatsukuri Onsen is accessible via a 90-minute flight from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, followed by a 30-minute drive from Izumo Airport. Travellers can also reach the area by bullet train and local rail (approximately eight hours), or by the overnight Sunrise Izumo sleeper train (12 hours).
With its sacred waters, seasonal beauty, and community spirit, Tamatsukuri Onsen remains a treasured destination, and its legacy continues to be passed down through the generations.
(Words by Takashi Saito)
How to Get to Tamatsukuri Onsen from Tokyo and Kyoto
From Tokyo:
By Air:
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- Flight: Take a flight from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Izumo Airport (Shimane), which is about 1.5 hours.
- Airport Shuttle: Take the airport shuttle bus to Tamatsukuri Onsen from Izumo Airport, about 40 minutes.
By Train:
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- Shinkansen: Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Okayama Station, about 4 hours.
- Limited Express Train: Transfer to the JR Yakumo Limited Express train from Okayama Station to Matsue Station takes about 2.5 hours.
- Local Train or Bus: Take the JR Sanin Line to Tamatsukuri Onsen Station from Matsue Station, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take a taxi or local bus directly from Matsue Station to Tamatsukuri Onsen.
From Kyoto:
By Train:
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- Shinkansen: Take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Okayama Station, about 1 hour.
- Limited Express Train: Transfer to the JR Yakumo Limited Express train from Okayama Station to Matsue Station takes about 2.5 hours.
- Local Train or Bus: Take the JR Sanin Line to Tamatsukuri Onsen Station from Matsue Station, which takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, take a taxi or local bus directly from Matsue Station to Tamatsukuri Onsen.
Tips for Travellers:
- JR Pass: The Japan Rail Pass covers the Shinkansen and JR Yakumo Limited Express train, making it a cost-effective option for train travel.
- Luggage: For a hassle-free journey, consider using a luggage forwarding service, which is convenient and widely available in Japan.
- Local Transportation: Tamatsukuri Onsen is a small town, so once you arrive, local taxis and buses are good options for getting around.