What other travelers are saying about Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen
Very nice natural hot spring. Easily accessible by car. It says everywhere that swimwear is prohibited, but almost all women where wearing it together with a towel. All men bathed naked, but to bring a small towel seems to be the thing to do, to slightly cover yourself when sitting on the side to cool down, or walking around.
This is a must. It is so beautiful sitting in an onsen and having very small waves come over the top to cool you down.
This is a mixed onsen but we were lucky enough to have it on our own.
excellent experience - Soak in warm water while looking at the crashing waves. Can’t wear swimming costume but women can wear towel dress or even just a light cotton regular dress. Men take a towel to go round your waist. Notice says best experienced 3hrs before low tide to 3hrs after low tide. Google to find low tide. Actually liked it 4 hrs after low tide - waves start coming into the hot pools - you get the mix if hot volcanic water with warm seawater.
Amazing experience. Parking close and donations expected. With the times of low/ high tide in the summer and not wanting to be there at 3pm my friend and I opted to go at night. Once in a life experience. Yes, the water is hot.
If you're on Yakushima this is a wonderful experience. Natural warm spring that comes out in pools adjacent to the sea. The spring has that slightly volcanic sulfur smell but it's not overwhelming. Nice mix of sea and volcanic water.
Lovely bamboo sun protection so you can sit there comfortably.
Mixed gender, and fully nude is the local expectation, so please respect that. Bring own towel and note no enclosed place to change, so need to be comfortable. I was there with local women and they were very helpful explaining where they could in English.
The comments about visiting +/- 2 hours from low tide is right. The sea rise means the pools end up under the water level, so you don't get the same experience if you're there at the wrong time.
Walk is about 5-10 minutes from the main road and bus stop (uphill from onsen), or there is parking 100m away if driving.
