The oldest record of Tamatsukuri Onsen dates back to the year 733 and claims that bathing in these hot springs once will make you beautiful while bathing in them twice will cure all diseases.
Today, the springs of Tamatsukuri are so famous for skin-beautifying properties that their water is sometimes called a natural lotion. This reputation and the riverside townscape that houses the hot springs attract visitors from the nearby cities of Izumo and Matsue as well as other regions.
Easily accessible via city buses or local JR trains, Tamatsukuri is a popular getaway for day trips or overnight stays in Shimane Prefecture.
Beautifying Waters
Photo by: PIXTA/タマムシ Get some much needed rest and relaxation in “beautifying” waters.
Head to the main hot spring area on the upper Tamayu River, and the first springs you will see are free foot baths built into the riverbank. Take a seat, soak your feet and when you’re finished, stroll along the riverside walking paths to enjoy the town’s atmosphere. If the weather isn’t ideal during your visit, another foot bath located in Himegami Square provides a roof to shelter guests from the elements.
For a full-body soak, multiple hotels, ryokan (traditional-style inns) and public bathing facilities offer admission to day-trippers or overnight guests.
Rich in sulfate and chloride, Tamatsukuri’s hot spring water is particularly famous for its moisturizing benefits. If you like the water’s effect on your skin, you can take some home from a fountain in Yuyakushi Square. Simply pay a small fee, and collect the fountain’s spring water in a souvenir bottle. Local cosmetics shops also sell a wide range of products made from Tamatsukuri’s water.
Bead Making Traditions
Photo by: PIXTA/aruga A one-of-a-kind souvenir.
The name Tamatsukuri means bead making in Japanese, and the hot spring area bears that name because local artisans practice a centuries-old tradition of hand-crafting beads.
Magatama (comma-shaped beads) are the most famous items produced in Tamatsukuri because these beads carry deep connections to Japan’s history and culture. One of the three imperial regalia—treasures of Japan’s Imperial Family—is a magatama, and historically people have worn magatama as ornaments or talismans.
Nowadays, the powers of a magatama are said to be connected to the type of stone the bead is made of. This is why jewelry stores in Tamatsukuri carry magatama made from a variety of semi-precious stones, so visitors can find one that speaks to their needs. Some stores also offer the opportunity to craft your own magatama, creating a unique talisman.
