Healing Waters
Located in the tranquil hills of Tsu, Sakakibara Onsen is celebrated for its silky, alkaline waters, historically praised by Sei Shōnagon in The Pillow Book as one of Japan’s finest hot springs. The onsen's centerpiece, Yumoto Sakakibara-kan, is the only inn in the area with its own natural hot spring source, offering open-air baths and seasonal cuisine that incorporates steamed local vegetables. This serene retreat has long served as a purification stop for pilgrims en route to Ise Grand Shrine. Easily accessible via shuttle from Kintetsu Sakakibara-Onsenguchi Station, it provides a peaceful escape into nature and tradition.