What other travelers are saying about Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen
Very cool place. Highly recommend. The low tide that day was around 2pm; we went around 4:30pm and it was still very good. Almost everyone was local. No one was wearing swim suits, but all the men and women were using towels to cover their bodies. I unfortunately didn’t bring a towel, so I went in fully naked… The people were respectful, but I was worried that I offended them… oh well.
Before you go in, grab a little basin and wash yourself with the water from the two smaller pools.
Beautiful rotenburo (outdoor onsen)! Views are great, the temperature of the different pools vary, so you should find one that's just right. Make sure you check the times for low tide and remember this one's a mixed bath and no swimsuits allowed. Women can wear a bathing towel (like a cloth dress), see photo. Honestly, it's a little intimidating being so exposed as the path to the onsen is elevated so people can see you from 50m away and there are a few occupied houses in very close proximity, but if you can get past that, it's great!
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.
Magical!
I was a bit nervous to go to a mixed gender onsen, but it was fine. Lots of people had an onsen towel to cover themselves.
A huge variety of pool options, from very hot to pleasantly cool.
Incredible view of the stars
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.
