Heal Your Body and Soul in the Shionoe Onsen Area

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Seven things to do in Takamatsu
Heal Your Body and Soul in the Shionoe Onsen Area

Heal Your
Body and Soul
in the Shionoe
Onsen Area

Located at the southern end of the city of Takamatsu, Shionoe is a hot spring area known as Takamatsu's Onsen Retreat, which is nestled in the mountains on the border of Tokushima prefecture.

Legend has it that it was discovered by the distinguished monk Gyoki a long time ago. Kobo Daishi, also known as Kukai, then introduced it as a place of hot spring treatment. It's one of only two People's Recreation Spas designated by the national government in Shikoku and popular with Onsen aficionados, families, and those who want to recover their health. It's about a 40-minute drive from the city center and only a 15-minute drive from Takamatsu Airport, so you can enjoy not just Onsen but also the mountains rich in nature. Regardless of age or sex, it makes a perfect place to visit for your body and soul.

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Relax and
Unwind
in Onsen

#01

The Shioe Onsen area is dotted with hot spring facilities that can be enjoyed not only for accommodation but also for day trips. Gyoki-no-Yu is adjacent to Michi-no-Eki Shionoe Roadside Station, and it's a hot spring facility where you can feel free to drop in. The Koto River flows right next to it, and the open-air bath where you can enter while listening to the murmuring of the stream. It's the best thing in the world! There is also a rest area, footbath, and soba noodle shop on the site, so you can enjoy the hot springs leisurely. It is also fun to check the local produce and souvenirs at the roadside station.
You can spend even more relaxing time at the hotels and inns scattered throughout the Shionoe Onsen area. Unwind yourself in the spacious indoor and outdoor baths without worrying about time. All accommodations come with Onsen there, and some hotels allow you to take a bath in a hot spring in your own room. Forget everyday life and rejuvenate your body and soul in Shionoe!

7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Refreshing
Nature Walk

#02

A rental bicycle is a convenient way to explore the sights of the Shionoe Onsen Area. Rent an electric bicycle at the Shionoe Town Information Center and take a ride in nature. The first place to visit is Fudo Falls, located about 15 minutes northeast of the Michi-no-Eki Shionoe Roadside Station. An impressive 40-meter high waterfall flows down between the massive stones. In fall, the tree leaves turn to brilliant autumn colors on the path to the waterfall.
The next place to visit is Iwabu Hachiman Shrine. A pair of large ginkgo trees – male and female - rise on both sides of the torii gate. They are distinctive and approx. 600 years old and 400 years old, respectively. In early November, the shrine grounds are covered with yellow ginkgo leaves that look otherworldly. When fall foliage is at its peak, the Autumn Leaves Festival is held in the open space in front of the Gyoki-no-Yu Onsen. Many people turn out to enjoy the festival.
With cherry blossoms, hydrangea, and more, the beautiful scenery of the four seasons is part of the charm of the Shionoe Onsen area. There are seasonal events, such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, Firefly Festival, and Onsen Festival, so feel free to come visit us any time!

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7 things you can do in Takamatsu

Excellent Food
Unique to
Shioe

#03

If you’d like to enjoy a relaxing meal and a calm atmosphere in nature, then the Shionoe Onsen area is a perfect place for you. The Shionoe Onsen area is surrounded by mountains, so nature has provided a bounty of food.
There is a wide variety of Shionoe specialty dishes, such as fresh water fish like trout, sweetfish, and char. You can also try special homemade buckwheat noodles, nostalgic Chuka Soba ramen noodles, old-fashioned barazushi decorated with seasonal ingredients, and pressed sushi. The local restaurants have been loved by the residents for many years, and it’s now popular among tourists, too.
In addition, there are also eateries where you can eat wild game cuisine unique to the mountain area. Fresh wild boar and deer meat has a fair amount of fat and is delicious.
If you’d like to eat something sweet, try soft serve ice cream made with fresh milk from a nearby ranch. It's popular because of its rich yet refreshing aftertaste. It's available at the Michi-no-Eki Shionoe Roadside Station.