Discover the Best Tourist Spots Around Tsukioka Onsen – Japan’s “Worst-Tasting” Hot Spring!

Tsukioka Onsen, often referred to as the “hidden retreat of Niigata”, is a historic hot spring town dating back to the Taisho era. Located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, it is approximately 30 km from Niigata City, taking about 40 minutes by car.

What makes Tsukioka Onsen special is its hot spring water, which changes color from emerald green to milky white, depending on the season and weather. As a mild alkaline sulfur spring, it has a high sulfur content, offering a unique smooth and moisturizing effect on the skin. With its beauty-enhancing and heat-retaining benefits, it is especially popular among women.

Recently, Tsukioka Onsen has also gained fame for its self-proclaimed title as "Japan's Worst-Tasting Hot Spring", making it a must-visit for those seeking a one-of-a-kind experience.
In this guide, we introduce some of the best tourist spots around Tsukioka Onsen, perfect for a relaxing visit. Whether you’re stopping by for a short break or planning a longer stay, be sure to explore these nearby attractions!

1. Kura Sake Tasting Bar

Niigata Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality rice, making it a paradise for Japanese sake lovers. If you enjoy premium sake, you’ve likely heard of Kubota Manju or Hakkaisan from Uonuma. At Kura in Tsukioka Onsen, you can sample sake from every brewery in Niigata Prefecture!

This unique sake-tasting system lets visitors purchase three tasting coins for just 500 yen, which can be exchanged for small cups (ochoko) of their favorite sake selections.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, a relaxing café area offers non-alcoholic beverages and exclusive sweets. Kura’s sister store, Umami, specializes in Niigata’s finest fermented foods, miso, dried fish, dashi, and pickles, perfect for a taste and shopping experience. Plus, visitors can try their hand at making rice crackers at DEN (田DEN), a local rice snack shop located on the same street. A visit to these locations makes your Tsukioka Onsen trip even more memorable!

2. Tsukihime Plaza

Located in the center of Tsukioka Onsen, Tsukihime Plaza is a well-equipped tourist hub with ample parking. Whether you're here for a short visit, a drive stopover, or a day trip, this spot is perfect for a quick and refreshing break.

One of the highlights is "Yutabi", a charming foot bath featuring a noren curtain with a cute rabbit motif symbolizing the moon. The three hot spring footbaths are arranged in a semi-circle around a performance stage called Tsukimidai. From April to November, visitors can enjoy traditional geisha dance performances every Sunday while soaking their feet in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

For additional travel information, stop by "Flat", an information center adjacent to the footbath, offering brochures and maps of Tsukioka Onsen and nearby attractions. It even provides changing rooms for added convenience.

3. Tsukioka Carillon Park

Located just 1 km from Tsukioka Onsen, Tsukioka Carillon Park is a lush 124,000-square-meter park filled with nature and attractions. It takes just over 10 minutes on foot to reach the park from the onsen town. Visitors can enjoy a variety of attractions, including Shiki no Mori (a seasonal nature garden), a children’s playground with fun equipment, a 70-meter-long jumbo slide, and the Bidoro Glass Workshop, where guests can experience candle-making and glassblowing. For those interested in history, the Amada Shoji Sword Museum showcases traditional Japanese sword craftsmanship.

During spring, the park transforms into a stunning display of pink cherry blossoms and yellow canola flowers, attracting many visitors for hanami (flower viewing). The park’s iconic Carillon Tower is also known as the "Sanctuary for Lovers." It is a popular spot for couples to hold wedding ceremonies at the Carillon Hall Chapel, followed by a reception at Tsukioka Onsen ryokan. Couples visiting Tsukioka Onsen can take part in a romantic tradition by locking a heart-shaped "Love Lock Key" onto the Carillon Tower, symbolizing eternal love.

4. Tsukioka Wakuwaku Farm

Just a 5-minute drive from Tsukioka Onsen, Tsukioka Wakuwaku Farm is a must-visit destination for those interested in farm-to-table dining and local Niigata products. The large facility features a direct farmer’s market, Wakuwaku Farm, where fresh local produce is available. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal farm-to-table cuisine at the Budou Batake (Grape Vineyard) restaurant or try handmade soba at Tentekomai.

The farm is also a great spot for families, featuring Japan’s longest swing and a treehouse adventure, where children can climb up a 3-meter-tall wooden treehouse via an athletic-style staircase, feeling like Tom Sawyer. Tsukioka Wakuwaku Farm is an ideal place to experience local Niigata vegetables, regional dishes, and unique souvenirs, making it a fun attraction for visitors of all ages.

◆ Farmhouse Restaurant "Budou Batake"

At Farmhouse Restaurant "Budou Batake", guests can enjoy a buffet-style dining experience featuring locally sourced Niigata Koshihikari rice, along with seasonal vegetables and fruits. The restaurant specializes in traditional home-style dishes, including tempura, ohitashi (blanched vegetables), and pickles, offering an authentic taste of Niigata’s countryside cuisine. The interior exudes warmth with wooden furnishings, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. Large windows provide a scenic view of the serene rural landscape, enhancing the overall dining experience. Pricing is 1,500 yen for adults, 800 yen for elementary school children, and free for children under school age (as of December 2018).

Located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Farmhouse Restaurant "Budou Batake" is an ideal stop for those looking to savor fresh, local ingredients in a relaxing environment.

5. Arakawa Kenryu Gorge

Nestled in the northern part of Gozu Prefectural Natural Park, Arakawa Kenryu Gorge has been a scenic retreat since the Edo period. The area is accessible by car, with a designated parking area nearby. From there, visitors can walk down to the waterfall using handrails for support, allowing for an up-close experience of this stunning natural wonder. Among the most famous sights is the Misogi Waterfall, which has a wide upper section and a narrow base, as well as Ryu no Kenbori (Dragon's Sword Cave), a naturally-formed rock hole, and Kameiwa (Turtle Rock), a rock formation resembling a turtle.

The area is filled with negative ions from the clear mountain streams, making it a popular summer destination for those seeking a cool and refreshing retreat. The rounded rock formations and pristine waters add to its picturesque charm. During autumn, the gorge transforms into a stunning display of autumn foliage, attracting visitors for leaf-peeping and photography. Just 5 kilometers from Tsukioka Onsen, Arakawa Kenryu Gorge is only a 7-minute drive, making it an ideal side trip for those exploring the area.

With its secluded and mystical atmosphere, Arakawa Kenryu Gorge is a must-visit hidden gem near Tsukioka Onsen for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

6. Teyu no Mori

Located in the Tsukioka Onsen district, Teyu no Mori is a unique attraction famous for offering what is claimed to be “Japan’s worst-tasting hot spring water.” Featured in various media, this onsen’s high sulfur content gives it an intense and unforgettable taste. Though its flavor may not be pleasant, capturing your reaction in a photo can become a fun and memorable experience in Tsukioka Onsen.

Despite its unpleasant taste, the spring water is known for its health benefits, including potential therapeutic effects for diabetes and chronic gynecological disorders. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a sip—you might just experience its healing properties!

◎ Summary

With the fragrant aroma of sulfur, Tsukioka Onsen is perfect for a leisurely stroll while sampling local specialties or relaxing in a foot bath. The surrounding area also features scenic spots ideal for a refreshing getaway.

In recent years, Tsukioka Onsen has become a vibrant event hub, hosting outdoor festivals, jazz festivals, and events organized by the tourism association. Whether you're young or old, there's something for everyone. You can even experience traditional geisha entertainment for a taste of Japan’s elegant past.

From history and nature to unique cultural experiences, Tsukioka Onsen in Niigata offers countless ways to enjoy your visit—no matter how many times you come!