6 Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Sakakibara Onsen ~ Hot Springs, Nature, Art, and Sports in the Countryside

Sakakibara Onsen is located in Sakakibara Town, Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. This popular hot spring area was once praised even by the famous Heian-era writer Sei Shonagon. Surrounded by peaceful countryside hills, it is highly recommended for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind from daily fatigue.

Of course, it’s lovely to relax in the hot springs, but the surrounding area also offers attractions such as art museums and golf courses. Whether you want to take it easy or spend your holiday more actively, here are some highlights of Sakakibara Onsen and its surrounding spots that you can enjoy at your own pace.

1. Louvre Sculpture Museum

When it comes to the Louvre Museum, most people think of the world-renowned art museum in France. If you’re traveling to France, it’s definitely a must-visit spot. However, for those who find it hard to make the trip there, we recommend the Louvre Sculpture Museum located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. At this museum, you can view approximately 1,300 reproductions of sculptures molded directly from the originals at the Louvre. In other words, you can experience art that looks just like the real thing—without leaving Japan.

The lineup includes world-famous pieces like “Venus de Milo,” “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” “Moses,” “The Thinker,” and “Napoleon’s Death Mask.” For anyone interested in art, these are iconic works. With around 1,300 such pieces, you’ll never tire of viewing them. Conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Sakakibara-Onsen-guchi Station, it’s definitely worth a visit.

2. Sakakibara Onsen Golf Club

Located near Sakakibara Onsen, the Sakakibara Onsen Golf Club is a pleasant golf course set in gentle hills overlooking Ise Bay. Even those new to golf can enjoy the sport here, thanks to a dedicated practice area. It's also great for those who want to brush up on the basics before tackling a full course. In addition to the golf course, there are accommodations, a swimming pool, and a restaurant, making it a great base from which to explore the area's other attractions.

3. Sakakibara Onsen

Sakakibara Onsen is recorded in the classical Japanese work The Pillow Book, which begins with “In spring, it is the dawn…” In the work, it is referred to as “Nanakuri no Yu.”

Surrounded by peaceful countryside hills, it's the perfect setting for relaxation. Many tourists return again and again. The waters of Sakakibara Onsen are said to make the skin silky smooth. This effect is thought to result from the various components in the hot spring interacting in a unique chemical reaction.

Another great feature is the presence of “onsen masters” who are highly knowledgeable about hot springs and can teach visitors effective ways to enjoy them. This makes your onsen experience even more rewarding.

4. Sand Therapy Sawa

Sand Therapy Sawa offers a sand bath experience. It’s highly recommended for those who feel “just not quite right lately…”

When fatigue won’t go away, it’s said that the body’s “natural healing power” may be weakened. Using the power of white sand in a sand bath allows your body to recharge without strain. This healing effect is one of the reasons why this facility is so popular.

Located in the nationally renowned Sakakibara Onsen area, the facility offers a selection of bath types, including sand-salt baths and gravel baths. Trained staff gently cover your body with sand, allowing you to relax deeply. After spending some time in the sand, you’ll begin to sweat profusely—this sweat helps eliminate toxins from your body.

5. Sakakibara Nature Trail Hiking Course

The Sakakibara Nature Trail is composed of two main routes. One is the Tokai Nature Trail that runs along the foothills of the Aoyama Highlands, and the other is an approximately 8.8 km-long promenade. Both trails offer different experiences depending on the season, so you can enjoy visiting two or three times.

The course starts from Sakakibara Onsen, and after walking for a while, you’ll come across the upper reaches of the Sakakibara River. As you walk along the river, listening to the chirping of birds like bush warblers and cuckoos adds to the enjoyment. In addition, the sound of waterfalls, including large and small ones, can also be appreciated along this hiking route. It’s a luxurious experience that can hardly be found in urban life. Take a break from your busy daily routine and spend time harmonizing with nature along the Sakakibara Nature Trail Hiking Course.

6. Kazahaya no Sato

Kazahaya no Sato is a place where you can enjoy a world beautifully adorned with flowers, as if stepping into a fairytale. It’s a sight not often encountered in daily life. You can enjoy about 500 plum trees, 1,800 wisteria vines, and around 70,000 hydrangeas throughout their respective seasons. If you’re lucky, you might also hear the calls of pheasants and bush warblers.

Kazahaya no Sato is maintained with the cooperation of facility users and staff from a social welfare corporation. Their heartfelt desire is for many people to discover the beauty of flowers—and this is the sentiment that breathes life into the garden.

When visiting the Sakakibara Onsen area, you’ll definitely want to be fully soothed by the vibrant scenery. Step into this unforgettable flower garden and be enchanted.

◎Summary

This time, we introduced Sakakibara Onsen and its surrounding sightseeing spots. Of course, the hot spring itself is a highlight, but every spot introduced here is genuinely attractive. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget to set aside time for relaxation. That’s exactly why it’s important to occasionally take a trip to a nature-rich area and unwind without worrying about time. Doing so may refresh both your body and mind, and bring back your energy.

Be sure to visit the Sakakibara area in Mie Prefecture.