Takaragawa Onsen is one of the highest recommended hot springs in Gunma Prefecture. Enveloped by nature, the onsen makes a picturesque and relaxing scene. They also offer a unique mixed gender bath experience to enjoy onsen with family and friends. Don’t worry about nudity as bathing suits are mandatory.
Table of Contents
- Legend & History of Takaragawa Onsen
- Introducing the Onsen Today
- Bathing Manners Here
- Access and Other Useful Information
- Summary
Legend & History of Takaragawa Onsen
Takaragawa Onsen used to be called Hakutaka no Yu (白鷹の湯), meaning white hawk bath. The reason? A legend that Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, on his journey to conquer the area fell terribly ill. At the peak of his suffering, he encountered a white hawk where the onsen was. He decided to have a soak and was miraculously healed by the waters of the onsen.
Legends aside, discoveries of Jomon remains near the onsen strongly indicate that Takaragawa Onsen had been used as far back as prehistoric times.
Another fun fact about Takaragawa Onsen (宝川温泉) is the etymology of its name. Takaragawa means treasure river, aptly named considering the nearby river used to be a copper mining site. It was only around the end of the Showa period that the establishment of Takaragawa Onsen came to be and with it the inflow of tourists.
※ Takaragawa Onsen, "History"
One with Nature
The main highlight of Takaragawa Onsen is its seamless blending with nature. Each season features different phenomenal beauty, like autumn foliage in fall and glistening white snow in winter. During the greener months, the harmony of greens and grey rocks against the steamy water just blows your stress and tiredness away.
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Introducing The Onsen Today
Takaragawa Onsen offers a wide variety of baths to its guests. Each bath features a different experience, and more importantly a different scenery, so don’t miss out on any.
Konyoku
Konyoku (混浴) literally means mixed bath, i.e. a mixed gender onsen. Back in the day, having a mixed-gender public bath or konyoku was relatively common with over 1200 Konyoku registered in 1900. Nowadays, there are more or less 700 Konyoku left in Japan.
Maka Bath
The icon of Takaragawa Onsen, Maka Bath has gained much popularity from the media including TV, magazines, and the like. Established in the mid-1900s, this bath is the most frequented by guests. Beautiful in every season but especially in autumn when red maple leaves form a curtain around the onsen, Maka Bath is just waiting for your visit.
Kodakara Bath
The largest bath of the bathing facilities at a whopping 200 tatami mat area, that’s approximately 330 square meters. The bath’s name, Kodakara, means treasure children. The bath receives many thanks from guests that are blessed with children after soaking in its waters. Some grateful guests even go as far as to name their child after it.
Hannya Bath
Located not too far from Maka Bath is child-friendly Hannya Bath. One half of the bath is shallow so children can enjoy it safely. The area around the bath has anti-slip measures so you can also enjoy a stroll.
Women Only Bath
Maya Bath is a women-only bath. For shy guests who wish to bathe away from men, this is the bath to go. Built at the foot of Takaragawa Onsen around the 1970s, Maya Bath offers privacy and solace to its female bathers.
Indoor Baths
Aside from the Konnyaku and Female Baths which are all outdoor baths, there are also separate gender indoor baths. The symbol of the indoor baths are the large rocks that have remained in their original positions since the start of the facilities- a sign of preserving the original state of nature.
※ Takaragawa Onsen, "Hot Spa"
Bathing Manners Here
To accommodate their many foreign guests that may feel uncomfortable with Japanese traditional bathing standards, Takaragawa Onsen does not conform to the usual onsen manners.
Nude Bathing is Prohibited
Nude bathing is the norm of onsen bathing but not in Takaragawa Onsen where the comfort and enjoyment of every guest is the foremost objective. Starting in 2019, both men and women must wear the provided bathing dress when entering the Konyoku baths.
Bathing Dress is Provided
Bathing dress is included in the cost of entry and must be worn at all times when using any of the Konyoku. You are not allowed to use your own for hygienic purposes.
Visible Tattoos Should be Covered
It is appreciated that guests with tattoos cover them up. While more people are accepting of tattooed guests, there are some who still find it uncomfortable due to the connotations of having a tattoo.
※ The Japan Times, "Japan Tourism Agency asks spa operators to accept tattooed foreign tourists"
Access and Other Useful Information
Takaragawa Onsen has convenient access via public transportation even all the way from Tokyo.
From Tokyo Station
Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Joumou Kougen Station. The ride will take a little over an hour. At Joumou Kougen Station, you have 3 options:
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Direct Shuttle Bus to Takaragawa Onsen*
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Take a bus to Minakami Bus Station (25-mins)
- From Minakami Bus Station, Direct Shuttle Bus to Takaragawa Onsen* -
Take a bus to Minakami Bus Station (25-mins)
- From Minakami Bus Station, take another bus to Takaragawa Iriguchi (35-mins)
- Courtesy transport provided from Takaragawa Iriguchi to Onsen
(*) NOTE: Reservations by telephone only. Limited seating.
※ Takaragawa Onsen, "Access"
Day Trip
Baths are open 24/7 to overnight guests, but for day trip guests the following applies:
Opening Hours: 9:00 ~ 17:00
Entrance Fees: 2,000 yen (Adult) inclusive of bathing dress
Note that towels are not freely provided, bring your own or rent a bath towel for 100 yen. Face towels are sold for 200 yen, no rentals available.
※ Takaragawa Onsen, "Day Trip"
Summary
Want to enjoy onsen with your family and friends, men included? Here is your chance to do with Japan’s only bathing suit mixed gender onsen. Whilst you’re here, why not take the chance to discover the other areas of Gunma Prefecture. #Gunma Prefecture
