Enjoy Utter Relaxation at Nagasaki’s Obama Onsen and Hot Foot 105

Explore This Quaint Onsen Area in Unzen City and Soak Your Weary Feet After in a Free Public Bath

Located at the foot of the Mount Unzen volcanic group, Obama Onsen in Nagasaki Prefecture is a charming place where locals extend a warm welcome to visitors with broad smiles. It is situated on the western side of the Shimabara Peninsula and faces an endless view of Tachibana Bay. Steam emits from all over the area through vents and pipes as more than 15,000 tons of hot spring water at 100 degrees Celsius flows from roughly 30 different sources. Its medicinal properties are said to alleviate ailments such as neuralgia and rheumatism.

Aside from enjoying the warmth of the various hot spring establishments, there are plenty of things to explore in this charming place. This article explores what to do in this dreamy onsen town.

Explore Obama Onsen

Obama Onsen’s charm lies in discovering its nooks and crannies, surprises uncovered from small hidden spaces. Should you be interested in discovering more of Obama Onsen’s secret spots, the official website lists the Former Obama Railway Line as a sea course you can take by car; it takes you along Tachibana Bay, allowing you to explore the ruins of the Former Obama Railway Terminal and go through the Futtsu Benten Park that’s located on a cape and decorated with large rocks and lush green pine trees.

Another recommended course is the Yumachi Saruku Course, a walking course that takes you through some of Obama Onsen’s historical monuments. The ceiling of the Obama Shrine has a dynamic painting of a dragon on it that is said to have been completed in one night. 

Soak Your Feet at Hot Foot 105

©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

One of Obama Onsen’s main attractions is the Hot Foot 105, a free public foot bath. Said to be the longest foot bath in Japan, the number 105 stands for the length of the foot bath (105 metres) and the temperature of the water at its source (105 degrees Celsius). The foot bath is located right in front of the sea, allowing visitors to soak their weary feet after a long walk while looking out into the vast expanse of the ocean. There is even a small section for pets!

©Nagasaki Prefecture Convention and Tourism Association

Situated near the foot bath are some stone steamers called mushigama, where visitors can cook their own food using steam from the hot springs. Ingredients can be bought from the local supermarket, and a cooking basket can be rented from a hut nearby. 

Stay the Night at Their Accommodations

Obama Onsen features a range of accommodations. Choose among rooms that feature both Japanese and western aesthetics with ocean views such as Juraku, and charming ryokan establishments such as Iseya, which was founded in 1669, comes equipped with a private onsen in each of its 24 rooms. 

Trying the Different Hot Spring Baths in Obama

Visitors can use up to two baths at ryokans, and two at public bathhouses. Recommended options include the open-air bath at Yamadaya, where the baths feature Japanese cypress and command superb sunset views glowing across Tachibana Bay, and Wakihama public bathhouse “Otasshan-yu”, an old-fashioned communal bath established in 1937 and beloved by the locals.

The onsen town’s website also recommends a walking route, the Yumeguri Saruku Course, that takes visitors through different hot spring bath attractions. These include Naminoyu Akane, where you can soak in a private bath.