Nibukawa Onsen

Nibukawa Gorge is located in the mountains of Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, and its fantastic scenery was selected as one of the top 100 Ehime natural attractions. Nibukawa Onsen, a historic hot spring that flourished as a hot spring spa when the area was a feudal domain called Imabari Han, lies in part of this gorge. Its waters are pleasant to the touch and highly effective for beautifying the skin, making it silky smooth, so it is known as a spring for beauties. Collectively, Nibukawa Onsen, Dogo Onsen, and Hondani Onsen are known as the “Three Springs of Iyo(Ehime Prefecture).” There is a hot spring vending machine in the entrance to the hot spring area, so you can even take this water of beauties home with you.
The waters of Nibukawa Gorge run so clear that masu salmon and trout swim in them. Experience the beauty of the four seasons here: cherry blossoms in the spring, the call of the stream frog echoing around the lush green gorge in the summer, and the colorful foliage in the fall. In the day-trip bathing facilities and hotels dotted around Nibukawa Gorge, you can take your time enjoying the hot springs of beauties as you listen to the murmuring of the river, the rustling of trees, and the twitter of small birds. Why not soothe your mind and body with a leisurely soak in the springs after some forest bathing in the stunning gorge filled with minus ions?
Food is another way of making the most of Nibukawa Onsen. You can enjoy the mountain plants in the spring, and one winter highlight is the inobuta wild boar/pig cuisine and mountain ingredients. Nibukawa’s specialty inobuta hot-pot is a must-try delight.