The HOUSENBOU Onsen
It is said that some 450 years ago, during the Tensho era, a Buddhist priest who had been wounded by an arrow fled into the forest and healed his wound at a cold spring. After recovering from his injury, he stayed in a nearby village. During his stay, he chanted a Buddhist sutra praying for rain during a period of drought and used the cold spring to cure villagers who were suffering from disease.
The villagers respected him and called him "Gobou-sama of HOUSENBOU", meaning "The great priest of HOUSENBOU". The priest dedicated the rest of his life to helping the villagers.
Thereafter, the villagers respected the spring and were encouraged to ensure that their village was associated with good health. They began calling the spring "HOUSENBOU-sama", which means "Lord HOUSENBOU",.
HOUSENBOU Onsen – the hot water associated with beautiful skin
The HOUSENBOU Onsen is a source of hypotonic alkalescent mineral water, which has been widely regarded as a hot spring cure. The spring is set amidst beautiful forest scenery. Its refreshing atmosphere – the mountains, the clean air and the surrounding greenery - can be experienced by all of our senses, helping to banish our fatigue.
Having recently enhanced our facilities for a long-term stay, we hope that you will enjoy a relaxing, leisurely and comfortable time with us.
Waters that will help to heal your heart
The special properties of the HOUSENBOU onsen’s water are quite remarkable, particularly those of Yuzu-yu, hot water containing citrus, and Kampouyaku-yu , hot water containing Chinese herbal medicines. We invite you to experience our unique hot water baths, such as Roten-buro, in which you can enjoy both bathing and the natural surroundings at the same time. There are two family baths in the annexe ( reservation required).
| Efficacy of hot spring waters | The waters are acknowledged to relieve conditions such as neuralgia, aching muscles and joints, age-related shoulder stiffness, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders, haemorrhoids and intolerance to cold. They are regarded as aids to convalescence, the promotion of good health, and the acquisition of beautiful skin. |
|---|---|
| Type of spring | hypotonic alkalescent cold mineral spring |
| Spring temperature | 17.3 degrees C |
| Drinkable or not | Not suitable for drinking |
| ＰＨ | 7.8 |
| Radon content | 0.52 |
Bathing times
from 10:00 to 22:00 （Latest admission time 21:00）
Shop opening days
Closed on Tuesdays, as well as on regular maintenance days.
Bathing fees
Adults (aged 13 or over): ¥500／Children (aged 4-12): ¥300／Persons aged over 70, or disabled: ¥400※
Children under the age of 3 are not admitted.
Family bath: ¥2,000 per hour (up to 5 persons)
※You are asked to provide evidence of your age or disability.
Transport services
We have a business relationship with a local taxi company, enabling us to offer transport services at reasonable prices. For example, from Matsuyama to HOUSENBOU:
Up to 4 passengers, in a standard taxi:
¥3,750 per passenger, one-way
Up to 8 passengers in a large taxi: ¥2,750 per passenger, one-way
Opening times
Open daily between 10:00 - 21:00 (Latest admission time 20:00)
Closed on Tuesdays
The location of HOUSENBOU Onsen
46 Takanoko Shirokawa- cho Seiyo-city Ehime 797-1705 Japan (see bigger map)
Tel. +81-(0)894-83-0200／ Fax. +81-(0)894-83-0050