Aichi > Onsen Kakitsubata (天然温泉かきつばた): Relax in a Hidden Onsen Along Japan’s Highways
※Description:
When traveling through Japan, few people expect to find a high-quality onsen at a highway rest stop. However, Kakitsubata Onsen (天然温泉かきつばた), located at Kariya Highway Oasis (刈谷ハイウェイオアシス) on the E1A expressway, offers a unique opportunity to relax in natural hot springs while on the road. This onsen is one of the most mineral-rich in Aichi Prefecture, with 1,200-meter-deep spring water providing exceptional therapeutic benefits.
Despite being near Nagoya, it remains mostly unknown to foreign tourists, making it an ideal spot to enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen without crowds.
A Variety of Onsen Experiences
Tennen Onsen Kakitsubata offers a wide range of baths to suit every preference:
- Traditional Japanese Open-Air Bath (和風露天風呂): A serene rotenburo built with natural stones, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
- Resort-Style Open-Air Bath (リゾート露天風呂): A tropical-themed bath area that provides a different atmosphere depending on the time of day.
- Indoor Baths (内風呂): Five varieties, including a highly carbonated bath, electric massage bath, and large tower sauna.
- Sauna Options (サウナ): A three-level infrared sauna allowing visitors to choose their ideal temperature for detox and relaxation.
The chloride-rich hot spring is known for its high mineral content, which helps with neuralgia, joint pain, chronic digestive issues, fatigue recovery, and skin conditions. It is also called the “Heat-Retention Bath” (熱の湯) because it keeps the body warm even after leaving the water.
More Than Just an Onsen: Relaxation & Entertainment
Beyond the baths, Kakitsubata provides a variety of relaxation spaces, including a comic & magazine corner (コミック・雑誌コーナー) stocked with over 3,000 manga and magazines, allowing visitors to unwind in a casual setting.
Located next to Iwakike Park (岩ケ池公園), which features a traditional Japanese amusement park with a Ferris wheel and family-friendly attractions, Kakitsubata is an excellent spot for both relaxation and entertainment. With various local Aichi delicacies available at nearby restaurants, such as miso katsu (味噌カツ), visitors can enjoy a complete cultural and culinary experience in one location.
If you’re traveling near Nagoya and want to experience a local, authentic onsen with a variety of amenities, Tennen Onsen Kakitsubata is the perfect stop.
※NTRanking: 7.0 / 10
Kakitsubata Onsen (天然温泉かきつばた) is a popular stop for Japanese travelers, given its location on a major highway and its proximity to Nagoya. While foreign tourists are rare, the onsen can be crowded on weekends and holidays, as it attracts local visitors looking for a quick but high-quality relaxation experience.
※How to Get There:
・From Nagoya (Approximately 30 minutes):
Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Nagoya Station (名古屋駅).
Get off at Kariya Station (刈谷駅), which takes about 20 minutes.
From Kariya Station, take a local bus or taxi to Kariya Highway Oasis (刈谷ハイウェイオアシス), which takes about 10 minutes.
・From Tokyo (Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes):
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station (東京駅).
Get off at Mikawa-Anjo Station (三河安城駅), which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
From Mikawa-Anjo, take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Kariya Station (刈谷駅), which takes about 10 minutes.
Take a local bus or taxi to Kariya Highway Oasis.
・From Shizuoka (Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes):
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shizuoka Station (静岡駅).
Get off at Mikawa-Anjo Station (三河安城駅), which takes about 1 hour.
Transfer to the JR Tokaido Main Line and go to Kariya Station (刈谷駅), a 10-minute ride.
Take a bus or taxi to Kariya Highway Oasis.
※Address:
Yoshino-５５-55 Higashizakaicho, Kariya, Aichi 448-0007
