Misasa Onsen
One of the world's highest-radon hot spring towns, set in a mountain valley. Locals attribute the town's unusually low cancer rates to regular bathing — science backs up the claim.
2–4 hours
Public bath free; ryokan day-use from ¥700
Radium content free outdoor footbaths: daytime; public bath: varies by facility; ryokan day baths: typically 10:00–14:00
Year-round
40 min bus from Kurayoshi station
Location
Why Visit
- 1
The public outdoor bath (kappa no yu) is free, mixed and right on the river
- 2
Radon concentration is 74 times the standard threshold — still therapeutic at normal durations
- 3
Bridge over the river has a free foot bath built in — locals use it daily
Local Tips
Misasa is one of the world's highest-concentration radium hot springs — the water temperature (52°C) and mineral content are genuinely therapeutic. The outdoor footbath on the riverbed (Kawaramuro) is free and accessible any time. Combine with Tottori Sand Dunes (45 min by car) and Hakuto Coast for a full Tottori day.
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