SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

　The Umegashima district in Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, lies in the upper reaches of the clear Abe River, which flows through Shizuoka City. Umegashima Onsen is located at the very headwaters of the Abe River, near its source, at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters. The surrounding area is home to Japanese serows, and features groves of massive Japanese white pine trees, as well as blooming white azaleas and rock azaleas.

　This supreme sulfur spring, said to have a history dating back 1,700 years, continues to flow unceasingly in this secluded haven, captivating visitors from across the country. The spring water is a colorless, transparent simple sulfur spring. With a pH of 9.6, it is alkaline and has a smooth texture; the pleasant scent of sulfur deeply soothes both body and mind.

Umejima Onsen is a secluded hot spring town located deep in the mountains, reached by driving straight along the prefectural road that runs alongside the Abe River.

"Oyu no Furusato Park" is located just across the Yubashi Bridge from the hot spring town. Climb the stairs to reach Yuno Shrine, with the cave containing the hot spring source located behind it. Further to the right and in the back is Yutaki Falls.

In the source cave, sulfur springs drip down from every surface of the rock walls. The spring water is distributed from here to the various facilities in the hot spring town. (Normally viewed through glass.)

With a history said to date back 1,700 years, the water quality here is simply superb. While it consistently receives top marks from hot spring connoisseurs, even those who aren’t experts can tell it’s the best.

The high alkalinity gives the water a smooth texture, and the subtle scent of sulfur soothes both body and mind.

Located about an hour's walk from the hot spring town, "Abe no Otaki" is a famous waterfall that has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls.

This is "Koi-ga-taki," located along the road leading up from the hot spring town via a forest road. There is a tragic legend that a pair of lovers who lost their lives at this waterfall were reborn as carp and reunited.

"Akamizu Falls" is located 5 km south of Umegashima Onsen. The water flow here is quite strong, so it’s best viewed from a short distance away.

At the very top of the forest road leading up from Umegashima Onsen lies "Abe Pass," located on the border with Yamanashi Prefecture. It is also known as a habitat for clusters of Oita-meigetsu.

The white rhododendrons at Abe Pass and the surrounding area reach their peak bloom around late May, when the foliage is fresh and green.

Mount Fuji as seen from Abe Pass. There are also popular hiking trails leading to places like Hachiro-dake.

It becomes difficult to book lodging during the fall foliage season. The peak is usually in mid-November, though some years it falls in early or late November.

・Shizuoka Hot Springs, Rich Hot Springs. Umegashima Onsen Official Website

・Do-Yu-Nou Umegashima

・Okushizu: Shizuoka City’s Mountainous Region, Deep Shizuoka

・Umegashima Konya Hot Spring Tourism Association

・Kogane no Yu (Umegashima Shinden Hot Spring)

・Umegashima Kanayama Onsen

・Minami-Alps Akaishi Onsen “Shirakaba-so”

・Shizuoka City Shimizu Forest Park “Yasuragi no Mori” (Nishisato Onsen)

・Kuchisakamoto Onsen Bathhouse

・Yunoshima Onsen