Toba Onsen Village: A Coastal Hot Spring Haven off the Beaten Path

Overview

Toba Onsen Village, located along the picturesque Pacific coastline, is a charming hot spring town featuring nine distinct hot spring areas. With 52 hotels and inns, Toba offers more than just relaxing baths; it provides fresh seafood, scenic ocean views, and numerous local attractions. Discover the enchantment of Toba Onsen Village by exploring the "Seaside Hot Spring Highway" (R42 and Pearl Road), connecting these delightful hot spring spots.

Toba Onsen Village offers a harmonious blend of therapeutic hot springs, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. Whether you seek relaxation in a hot spring, adventure in nature, or spiritual enrichment, Toba has something for everyone. Experience the charm of this coastal hot spring town and let its many attractions rejuvenate your mind and body.

Many foreign travelers skip this region entirely although it forms a perfect complement to a trip to the cultural hotspots of nearby Ise.

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Hot Springs

Areas

Toba Onsen Village is spread out over several coastal areas. To get around, it is recommended to book a taxi or rent a car to visit the more remote areas.

  1. Kohama Area

    • Highlights: Traditional townscape, Toba Marine Terminal, sightseeing cruises, dolphin shows, beach activities, fishing at Dolphin Island.
    • Access: About 5 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  2. Toshijima Area

    • Highlights: Rich history, Kuki Navy grave, Saikazaki cape, scenic Hope Hill, seasonal wakame seaweed harvesting.
    • Access: Accessible by ferry from Toba Marine Terminal.

  3. Toba Area

    • Highlights: Central area with Mikimoto Pearl Island, Toba Aquarium, temples, shrines, historical sites, coastal promenades.
    • Access: Centered around Toba Station.

  4. Arashima Area

    • Highlights: Panoramic views from hilltops, Pearl Road, Toba Dinosaur "Tobaryu" fossil site.
    • Access: About 10 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  5. Uramura Area

    • Highlights: Famous for oyster farming, serene coastal scenery, Sea Museum.
    • Access: About 20 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  6. Ijika Area

    • Highlights: Vibrant fishing village, scenic highlands, Mt. Fuji views (on clear days), Godzilla movie location.
    • Access: About 30 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  7. Kuzaki Area

    • Highlights: Historical coastal area, Ama divers' heritage, oldest known diving tradition in Japan.
    • Access: About 35 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  8. Osatsu Area

    • Highlights: Fishing and Ama divers' culture, Ama hut experiences, Shinmei Shrine with the famous Ishigami-san.
    • Access: About 30 minutes by car from Toba Station.

  9. Adako Area

    • Highlights: Fishing town ambiance, rock oysters and seaweed farming, signature Takomeshi (octopus rice).
    • Access: About 25 minutes by car from Toba Station.

Day Use Hot Springs and Notable Facilities

  1. Toshijima Onsen (Toshijima Area)

    • Nakamuraya: Day use, open-air baths, private baths.
    • Misaki: Open-air baths.

  2. Toba Kohama Onsen (Toba Area)

    • Hotel Hamarikyu: Day use, open-air baths, private baths, rooms with open-air baths.

  3. Arashima Onsen (Arashima Area)

    • Ama-no-Shima: Day use, open-air baths.
    • Grand Exiv Toba: Open-air baths.

  4. Shioka no Yu (Arashima Area)

    • Kame no I Hotel Toba: Day use, open-air baths, rooms with open-air baths.

  5. Toba Honura Onsen (Uramura Area)

    • Sun Urashima Yuki no Sato: Day use, open-air baths, private baths, rooms with open-air baths.

  6. Ishika Onsen (Ijika Area)

    • Ijikasou: Private baths.
    • The Earth: Rooms with open-air baths.

  7. Mitsu Onsen (Toba Area)

    • Exiv Toba: Day use, open-air baths.
    • Toba Kokusai Hotel: Day use, rooms with open-air baths.

Cultural and Spiritual Sites

Toba Onsen Village is also home to numerous power spots and shrines:

  • Mitarashi Shrine's Dragon God: Known for a unique tree resembling a dragon's face.
  • Karaoke Shrine: Worshipping the god of singing, overlooking the scenic Mitsushima.
  • Shirataka Daimyojin: Renowned for love fulfillment.
  • Ishigami-san at Shinmei Shrine: Famous for granting women's wishes.
  • Ama Diving Goddess Shrine: Honoring the legendary Ama divers.
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Access

To get to Toba Onsen from Nagoya, Ise, or Osaka, you have several options depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Below are the detailed steps for traveling by train, bus, and car from each of these locations:

From Nagoya:

By Train:

  1. Kintetsu Limited Express:

    • Starting Point: Nagoya Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
    • Arrival: The train will arrive at Toba Station, which is close to Toba Onsen.

  2. JR Rapid Mie:

    • Starting Point: Nagoya Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the JR Rapid Mie service bound for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
    • Arrival: You will arrive at Toba Station.
By Car:
  • Driving Route: Take the Isewangan Expressway, followed by the Ise Expressway, and then Route 42 towards Toba.
  • Travel Duration: The drive takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

From Ise:

By Train:

  1. Kintetsu Line:

    • Starting Point: Ise-Shi Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the Kintetsu Line bound for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
    • Arrival: You will arrive at Toba Station.

  2. JR Sangu Line:

    • Starting Point: Ise-Shi Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the JR Sangu Line bound for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
    • Arrival: You will arrive at Toba Station.
By Car:
  • Driving Route: Take Route 42 directly to Toba.
  • Travel Duration: The drive takes approximately 30 minutes.

From Osaka:

By Train:

  1. Kintetsu Limited Express:

    • Starting Point: Osaka-Namba Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the Kintetsu Limited Express train bound for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The journey takes approximately 2 hours.
    • Arrival: The train will arrive at Toba Station.

  2. JR Limited Express Nanki:

    • Starting Point: Osaka Station
    • Ticket Purchase: Buy a ticket for the JR Limited Express Nanki bound for Kii-Katsuura and transfer at Taki Station to the JR Sangu Line for Toba.
    • Travel Duration: The total journey takes approximately 3 hours.
    • Arrival: You will arrive at Toba Station.
By Car:
  • Driving Route: Take the Hanshin Expressway to the Isewangan Expressway, followed by the Ise Expressway, and then Route 42 towards Toba.
  • Travel Duration: The drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Summary of Options:

  • From Nagoya: Kintetsu Limited Express (1h 40m), JR Rapid Mie (2h), or by car (2h).
  • From Ise: Kintetsu Line (15-20m), JR Sangu Line (15-20m), or by car (30m).
  • From Osaka: Kintetsu Limited Express (2h), JR Limited Express Nanki (3h with transfer), or by car (2.5-3h).

Each option provides a different balance of convenience, time, and scenic views, allowing travelers to choose based on their preferences.

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