Aichi Prefecture’s Nishiura Onsen: Stunning Ocean Views Beloved by Ancient Manyo Poets

Discover the charm of Nishiura Onsen, one of the top hot spring destinations in Gamagōri City, Aichi Prefecture. Located on a scenic peninsula, this popular tourist area offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea from three sides. Nishiura Onsen is home to numerous traditional hot spring inns and hotels, many of which can be conveniently booked through skyticket.
Beyond relaxing in the rejuvenating hot springs, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, including exciting marine sports and other leisure experiences—making it the perfect destination for a full day of fun and adventure.
Explore this skyticket travel guide and make the most of your visit to Nishiura Onsen and its beautiful surrounding attractions!

What is Nishiura Onsen?

Nishiura Onsen, surrounded on three sides by the sea, is a coastal hot spring destination loved even by Manyo-era poets. Beyond its relaxing hot springs, the area offers exciting marine leisure facilities, a temple believed to bring blessings for protection against illness, and even a racing circuit.
Most attractions are located within a 2 km radius south of Meitetsu Nishiura Station, making it easy to explore on foot or with a rental car.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ①: West Cove Nishiura Marina & LOVEARTH

West Cove Nishiura Marina is a must-visit for enjoying activities unique to the sea-rich surroundings of Nishiura Onsen. The adjacent LOVEARTH offers fun, instructor-led Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) sessions, popular with visitors of all ages—including family-friendly experiences.

For licensed boat operators, the marina offers boat rentals, while general visitors can book charter services. Options include onboard parties, cruising to nearby islands such as Sakushima, Shinojima, Himakajima, and Ise-Shima, as well as fishing trips—perfect for tailoring your seaside adventure.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ②: West Lagoon

West Lagoon is a members-only marina specializing in marine jet activities, making it a hidden gem for water sports enthusiasts in Nishiura Onsen. Here, you can enjoy various marine sports all year round. While membership and a license are required, the facility offers convenient marine jet rentals and full support for your adventures.
Once you become a member, you can experience the thrill of cruising across Mikawa Bay on a marine jet—a refreshing and exhilarating activity perfect for those who love the sea.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ③: Spa Nishiura Motor Park

Spa Nishiura Motor Park is a certified circuit recognized by the Motorcycle Federation of Japan (MFJ) and the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). Various motorsport races are held here throughout the year. On non-race days, visitors with the proper license can test drive both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles after completing a license training course.
Located right by the sea, the track offers an invigorating driving experience with a refreshing ocean breeze as you race along the course.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ④: Muryo-ji Temple (Cancer Prevention Temple)

Located on the north side of Nishiura Station, the Shingon Daigo sect temple Muryo-ji—also known as Nishiura Fudo—is affectionately called the “Cancer Prevention Temple” (Gan-fuji-dera). It has earned deep faith from patients battling cancer and visitors seeking protection from the illness.
One of the highlights is the “Cancer Prevention Sermon” delivered by the head priest, attracting many visitors eager to hear rare and insightful tips on preventing cancer. This sacred place offers not only spiritual comfort but also a unique cultural experience for travelers exploring Nishiura Onsen.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ⑤: Manyo no Komichi (Manyo Path)

Nishiura Onsen is a historic hot spring destination cherished by Manyo-era poets for centuries. The Manyo Path allows visitors to immerse themselves in this history by strolling through an area adorned with poems from famous poets such as Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, who loved the scenic beauty of Nishiura.
Taking a leisurely walk here lets you enjoy both the natural surroundings and the timeless poetry, making it an ideal stop for culture and history enthusiasts visiting Nishiura Onsen.

Recommended Sightseeing Spot in Nishiura Onsen ⑥: Nishiura Fish Market

A must-visit for food lovers, the Nishiura Market located inside Nishiura Fishing Port is a hidden gem where you can often find fresh fish at around 30% cheaper than regular market prices. If you want to score the best seafood here, an early start is essential—doors open as early as 4:30 AM, and regular customers make sure to arrive at that time.
If you’d like to enjoy freshly caught seafood from Nishiura Fishing Port, be sure to check out local favorites such as Shokurakuinsho Kita, Mitsui-to, and Restaurant Sankai, all serving high-quality, fresh seafood dishes.

Bonus Sightseeing Near Nishiura Onsen – Takeshima Aquarium & Mikawa Ohshima

Although slightly outside the Nishiura Onsen area, the city of Gamagōri offers attractions worth visiting, such as Takeshima Island, home to the famous Yaotomi Shrine and the Takeshima Aquarium. Takeshima is connected to the mainland by a pedestrian bridge, making it easy to visit on foot. Yaotomi Shrine is well-known as one of Japan’s Seven Great Benzaiten Shrines, making it a popular spiritual spot for love and matchmaking, especially among women.
Right at the base of Takeshima lies the Gamagōri City Takeshima Aquarium, famous for its deep-sea creature exhibits. One of its star attractions is the giant isopod, along with lively sea lion shows. Despite being a small-scale aquarium, it offers a surprisingly high level of satisfaction for visitors.
For more details, check the link below.

◆ Enjoy Swimming in the Crystal-Clear Waters of Mikawa Ōshima

Mikawa Ōshima is a large uninhabited island visible from the east coast of Nishiura Onsen in Aichi Prefecture. Although no one lives there, summer visitors can take a ferry to enjoy swimming and relaxing on its pristine sandy beaches.
Despite being a remote island, Mikawa Ōshima is well-equipped with paid hot showers, changing rooms, restrooms, and a snack shop, making it safe and comfortable even for first-time visitors. Be sure to note that the last ferry returning to the mainland departs at 4:50 PM.

Access to Nishiura Onsen

The nearest station to Nishiura Onsen is Meitetsu Nishiura Station on the Meitetsu Gamagōri Line. To reach the onsen’s central area, travelers can use either this station or take a Meitetsu Bus from JR Gamagōri Station.
For those driving or renting a car, it’s about 50 minutes from the Tomei Expressway’s Otowa-Gamagōri Interchange via Route 247. From Tokyo, the trip takes around 4.5 hours. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes via the Chita Transverse Road.
Since Meitetsu Bus services operate only about once per hour, renting a car is highly recommended for convenience and flexibility.

◎ Summary

Among the scenic seaside destinations in Gamagori, Nishiura Onsen stands out for its breathtaking ocean views. While it’s possible to enjoy a day trip here, staying overnight offers an even richer experience.
Whether you choose to relax in an open-air bath at a traditional ryokan or hotel, admire the stunning sunrise and sunset over the sea, or indulge in the freshest local seafood, there are countless ways to enjoy Nishiura Onsen.
There’s no “right” route when it comes to exploring Gamagori! This article only covered a small part of what Nishiura Onsen has to offer, so make your own unique travel itinerary and discover the charms of Gamagori your way.

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Aichi Prefecture’s Nishiura Onsen: Stunning Ocean Views Beloved by Ancient Manyo Poets