Motomachi Hama-no-Yu

In short

Motomachi Hama-no-Yu is a town-operated open-air bath located on the coast of Naganehama Park, just north of Motomachi Port, the gateway to Izu Oshima. It uses hot spring water that began gushing out following the 1986 eruption of Mt. Mihara. In this mixed-gender bath where visitors wear swimwear, you can look out across the sea toward the Izu Peninsula and enjoy the sunset.

• ​A spacious open-air bath overlooking the sea​​: Take in a panoramic view of Sagami Bay, and on clear days, even Mt. Fuji can be seen.
• ​A hot spring born after an eruption​​: After the volcanic eruption, the water temperature in the water supply well rose, and this source was utilized to open the facility.
• ​A bath overlooking the port​​: Relax in the water while watching large passenger ships and jetfoils arriving at and departing from the pier of Motomachi Port.

History and Highlights

Motomachi Hama-no-Yu is a municipal open-air bath located about a 3-minute walk from Motomachi Port. Situated along the coast of Naganehama Park overlooking the ocean, it is easy to visit right after arriving at the port.

This hot spring came into being in a way typical of a volcanic island. After Mt. Mihara erupted on November 15, 1986 (Showa 61), the water temperature in a well used as the water source for the Motomachi district began to rise. By 1989 (Heisei 1), it had reached 65 degrees Celsius, and utilizing this hot spring source, the facility opened in 1990 (Heisei 2). The water is a colorless and transparent chloride spring, flowing continuously into the bath directly from the source. The flow rate is 344 liters per minute.

The facility features one large open-air bath, with no indoor baths. While the entrances are separated by gender, they lead to a single shared mixed-gender bathtub. For this reason, bathers are required to wear swimwear. You can enjoy bathing much like being in a swimming pool, allowing couples and families to bathe together. Showers located in the separate men's and women's changing rooms are available after stepping out of the bath.

Sagami Bay stretches out directly before you. Beyond it rise the mountains of the Izu Peninsula, and when the weather is favorable, Mt. Fuji is also visible. At dusk, the sky and sea turn a madder red, and a large setting sun sinks behind the Izu Peninsula. In addition to tourists, many island regulars visit here to enjoy a soak with colleagues on their way home from work.

Highlights & Tips for the Experience

• ​Dusk views​​: From the tub, you can watch the sunset sink behind the Izu Peninsula. You can bathe while admiring the sun going down directly in front of you.
• ​Ships passing through the port​​: The large passenger ship "Salvia Maru" and jetfoils dock and depart at the pier of Motomachi Port just to the south. You can watch them while soaking in the water.
• ​A bath after the sea​​: It is also well-suited for soothing a body chilled from swimming or scuba diving. Soaking while watching the evening sun after diving is another great option.

Walking Tips

Since swimwear is required, it is best to bring your own. If you wish to view the sunset, plan your visit to coincide with dusk. In the Motomachi district, two communal wells known as "Hamankaa," which were once dug near the coast to relieve water shortages, remain to the north and south. They are traces of how islanders struggled to secure water on an island with no rivers or lakes; the southern Hamankaa is well-preserved within stone walls and is designated as a cultural property of Oshima Town. If you would like to learn more about the eruption and the hot springs, you can view exhibits covering the 1986 eruption at IZUOSHIMA MUSEUM - GEO NOUS -, located about 1.4 km to the south-southeast. The museum is roughly a 15-minute walk from Motomachi Port.