Inamuragasaki Onsen
Perched directly across from the crashing waves of the Shonan coast, Inamuragasaki Onsen (稲村ヶ崎温泉) is a sophisticated retreat that offers a rare combination of mineral-rich “black water” and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Following a major renovation in 2017, the facility shed its older aesthetic for a sleek, modern design that prioritizes its coastal surroundings. The complex features two main bathing areas: Oshima-no-yu and Fujimi-no-yu. As the name suggests, Fujimi-no-yu offers the coveted view of Mount Fuji directly from the tubs, while Oshima-no-yu requires a bit of standing to peek over the privacy fencing. To keep things fair, the baths switch between genders every week, so your view of the volcano is essentially a roll of the seasonal dice.
The water itself is the onsen’s true claim to fame. It features a unique, coffee-colored tint—often called kuro-yu—which is high in organic nutrients reputed to have anti-aging properties. Local legend even suggests the water contains flecks of “gold dust.” While this might be a bit of marketing flair, the sand in this area is historically rich in iron—the same used to forge legendary Kamakura samurai swords—giving the water its distinctive mineral profile and 42°C warmth. Beyond the indoor baths, visitors can enjoy a standard Finnish sauna, a cold plunge, and a rooftop open-air bath that, while private from the road below, offers a perfect patch of blue Shonan sky.
After your soak, the on-site restaurant, Main, provides a comfortable spot to rehydrate and refuel. While the menu leans toward modern Western-influenced fare like pasta, salads, and katsu-kare rather than traditional kaiseki, the quality is high and the window seats offer a cinematic view of the ocean. It is the ideal final stop after a day of exploring Kamakura’s temples, allowing you to watch the sunset over the water as the “gold” in the water—and the sky—fades to twilight.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-16-13 Inamuragasaki, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0024 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM) |
| Price | Adults: ¥1,500 / Children: ¥700 (Elementary School students and older) |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Access Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Line / Transport | Access Details |
| Inamuragasaki Station | Enoden Railway | A 5-minute walk toward the coast. |
| Kamakura Station | JR Yokosuka / Enoden | Approximately 10 minutes via the Enoden train toward Fujisawa. |