Nagato Yumoto Onsen is the oldest onsen in Yamaguchi Prefecture, boasting a history dating back over 600 years. A special event running from late January until late February brings light and sound to the area after dark, with beautiful illuminations popping up at several locations around the Onshinkawa River Park.
One part of the illumination event includes lanterns made by local school children from Hagi yaki, a type of pottery the prefecture is renowned for. What makes this illumination event extra special is that many of the displays are set to the words of Misuzu Kaneko (1903 - 1930), a renowned Japanese poet who was born in Nagato.
Admission to the event is free of charge.
Getting there
Nagato Yumoto Onsen is located under 10 minutes on foot from Nagato Yumoto Station, which is served by the JR Mine Line.
For those who opt to drive, the onsen is around 80 minutes drive from the Yamaguchi Ube Airport area.
