Hirauchi Kaichu Onsen - An outdoor tattoo-friendly hot spring in Kagoshima, Kyushu

Relaxed and fun outdoor onsen with beautiful views. Ideal for couples as it's rare to be able to enter onsen together in Japan. It was also good for my partner who has tattoos and is unable to enter most of the regular onsen (we were told that Yakushima is pretty relaxed about this compared to the mainland). Take note of the rules which are written in English... bathe naked (feel free to take a modesty towel) and remove shoes before entering the onsen area. The entry fee is now 200 yen (some places say 100 yen). Oh and don't leave any rubbish behind! 😉 Recommend to check the times for low tide (twice a day).

Views are great, the temperature of the different pools vary, so you should find one that's just right. Make sure you check the times for low tide and remember this one's a mixed bath and no swimsuits allowed. Women can wear a bathing towel (like a cloth dress), see photo. Honestly, it's a little intimidating being so exposed as the path to the onsen is elevated so people can see you from 50m away and there are a few occupied houses in very close proximity, but if you can get past that, it's great!