Kami-no-yu Public Bath

Admission is free, on a donation basis: at least 12 reviewers (2024-2026) describe it as free and/or mention the offering box ('sunshi'/saisen box) inside the entrance. One reviewer chose to put in 500 yen.

There are two small tubs — the front one hotter, the back one milder — reported by at least 8 reviewers. The water runs HOT: temperature estimates given are 44/42C, 44-45/42C, 43/42.5C, and about 43C; one reviewer could not get in past the knees on two consecutive days, and one compares it favorably to Shima's other free baths, which they found too hot to enter at all. A hose/water tap is available to cool the water. Each tub fits roughly 2-4 people per 4 reviewers.

One reviewer (Apr 2025) records the posted analysis: sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate spring, source 60.9C, 75 L/min natural flow, pH 7.5, colorless and clear with a faint sulfur note. 3 other reviewers describe the water as colorless/clear or gentle-smooth on the skin, and quality praise is widespread (at least 6 reviewers call the spring quality superb or top class). 2 reviewers report unusually long-lasting warmth after bathing.

No amenities at all: one reviewer states this outright, and another lists no shampoo, no body soap, no dryer, and no locking lockers (shelf-only changing room, confirmed by a second reviewer). Soap use is prohibited by posted notice, per 2 reviewers — you rinse with kake-yu and soak only. On washing facilities reviewers conflict slightly: 3 say there is no washing area or shower, only a cold-water tap/hose for cooling the bath, while 1 reviewer (Mar 2026) mentions karan being present. A western-style toilet exists per 2 reviewers.

The bathhouse is unmanned: one reviewer states it plainly, another notes no caretaker is stationed there. It is maintained by local residents — one reviewer says on a village rotation system — and at least 6 reviewers remark on how clean and well-managed it is kept despite being free.

Open roughly 9:00-15:00: 2 reviewers state 9:00-15:00 explicitly, one heard it is locked at 15:00, and one arriving at 9:00 sharp found it not yet open (it was open 15 minutes later). One reviewer notes a posted guideline asking visitors to keep each visit to about 30 minutes.