Lamune Onsen ラムネ温泉
Named after Japan’s traditional fizzy drink Lamune or Ramune, this quirky soda pop spa is a hot spring that attracts onsen officianados and admirers of architecture from all over Japan.
Why visit?
Firstly, the onsen water itself is naturally carbonated, tiny bubbles fizzing and collecting around you as you bathe, the carbonation is known to have many health benefits and a relaxing and revitalising effect on the body. Lamune Onsen is situated in the village of Nagayu 長湯 the whole village is blessed with naturally sparkling hot spring waters though the Lamune Onsen is reputed to have the fizziest.
Because the carbonation is temperature sensitive you will find these soda springs are warm (32C) rather than hot. This means this is an onsen you can enjoy even in the summertime. In the winter you can alternate between the fizzy pool and a hotter non carbonated bath (42C) so as not to catch a chill.
Secondly the onsen buildings themselves are a treat, designed in 2005 by the well-known Japanese architect Terunobu Fujimori, known for his use of traditional architectural techniques and uniquely quirky style. (If you are interested in seeing other examples of his work click here.)
The onsen has a medieval fairytale circus like appearance with pine trees growing from the many steaming turrets and a striking black and white striped façade. Look closely and you see the walls are actually composed of alternate vertical bands of charred cedar and white mortar. The towers act as exhausts for letting out steam and are roofed with hand-rolled copper sheets.
A lone and very charming statue of a besuited dog surveys the onsen from the dwarf bamboo gardens.
The charring of the cedar boards is actually a very practical traditional Japanese technique that seals wood against rain and rot for up to 80 years. It is seldom used by contemporary architects because it’s so labor-intensive, click here to see the architect demonstrating the charring process.
Opening times
Daily 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Closed
First Wednesday of every month
(January and May the second Wednesday of the month)
Hot Spring Health Benefits
The Carbon dioxide gas contained in the waters is said to be beneficial for heart disease, gastrointestinal disease , and arthritis. While bathing the Carbon dioxide is absorbed into the body, this smooths the blood flow by expanding the blood vessels throughout the body. This can lower blood pressure and improve heart function.
The carbonate ions , also have an anti-inflammatory effect, therefore its very beneficial against diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis , or pain and movement disorders such as sciatica . The Nagayu hot springs also contain calcium and bicarbonate ions , including large amounts of magnesium and iron which is good for allergic diseases and chronic dermatitis.
Entrance fee
Adults 500 Yen
Children (from 3 to 12 years old) 200 yen
Under 3’s are free
Private baths can be booked for 2,000 yen for an hour, ask for the Kazokuburo 家族風呂 (Family Bath) at reception.
Towels can be rented for a couple of hundred yen
Soap and Shampoo are not provided, the waters themselves have a cleansing action therefore simply a good rinsing outside the bath before you get in is sufficient.
Travel Tips
The onsen is popular so if you can pick a week day to visit.
Don’t forget to try tasting the waters from the small drinking fountain in front of the onsen.
You can also buy bottles of onsen water to take home and even try a cup of coffee made with the hot spring water.
There is a small gallery in the entrance room of the onsen, which occasionally holds special exhibitions.
A short stroll along the river will bring you to Ganiyu a very exposed hot spring pool in the middle of the river, which is free to enter.
Why not visit Lamune Onsen as part of your Aso and Kuju sights tour, contact us now for details.
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