Refresh your mind and rejoice your body. The first hot spring workcation at Nagato Yumoto Onsen, the oldest hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Our guide for the trip will be hot spring sommelier master Ando Miki. We asked her to introduce us to some recommended ways to spend your time on a hot spring workation and places to stop by, set in Nagato Yumoto Onsen, the oldest hot spring resort in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which underwent a complete renovation of its hot spring town in the spring of 2020.

Focus on "Touji" to refresh the body and mind

"Toji" is known as staying at a hot spring for an extended period of time, bathing in the hot springs, and treating illnesses and restoring health. It is said that feudal lords all over the country have been practicing toji at hot springs since the Edo period, and it is a part of the hot spring culture that has been deeply rooted in Japan since ancient times.

Recently, so-called "modern toji" has been gaining attention, which aims not only to recuperate the body but also to refresh the mind. By adding a tourism element to toji, such as experiencing the various attractions of hot spring resorts, such as nature, history, culture, and food, the goal is to refresh both the body and mind. This is perfect for modern people living in stressful environments.

However, many people want to experience modern touji, but find it difficult to take long vacations due to the possibility of work coming up during their vacation. That's why we would like to propose "touji workcation," which combines it with workcation. By taking a long vacation and enjoying touji at a hot spring resort, but also teleworking during work hours, it will be easier to experience touji.

In this article, we will introduce Nagato Yumoto Onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture as a hot spring resort perfect for your first toji workcation. Not only is it full of charm as a toji hot spring resort, but it also has a surprisingly good work environment, so let us introduce it to you right away!

Nagato Yumoto Onsen: A place where you can relax and enjoy a quiet time away from the crowds

Nagato Yumoto Onsen can be accessed by car in about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Yamaguchi Ube Airport, or in about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Kitakyushu Airport in Fukuoka Prefecture.

When you think of Yamaguchi Prefecture, not many people may immediately think of "hot springs." However, Yamaguchi Prefecture is actually home to many hidden hot springs. Yamaguchi Prefecture is also home to Tawarayama Onsen, which was named the "Western Yokozuna" in the hot spring quality rankings. Nagato Yumoto Onsen is located just a 10-minute drive from Tawarayama Onsen. This famous hot spring is known only to those in the know, for its excellent spring quality and the fun of strolling around.

Nagato Yumoto Onsen was first discovered about 600 years ago. The legend of its discovery, "Divinely-gifted Hot Spring," is still passed down today, and was discovered by the third head priest of the Soto Zen temple "Tainei-ji," Zen Master Joan, through the "Otsuge" of Sumiyoshi Daimyojin.

From the Muromachi period through to the Edo period, it provided healing for people as the temple bath of Daineiji Temple. At the time, monks from all over the country would repeat the cycle of training at Daineiji Temple and then purifying their bodies in the hot springs, a kind of "touji workcation."

"Daineiji Temple" is located in an area rich in nature, making it a relaxing spot where you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. While enjoying the hot spring town, you can also enjoy walking along the old approach to the temple, which was used by monks in training.

The old approach to the temple is a roughly 1km road that leads from the hot spring town to Daineiji Temple. Walking in the fresh air, experiencing nature and history, is sure to be a special experience that will enrich your mind and body.

Nagato Yumoto Onsen

Taineiji Temple