Towards the shore of the waves. Horizon Horizon Holiday to be Fulfilled at the "Kurone Iwa Bath" in Kitagawa Onsen
In Kitagawa Onsen, Higashi Izu Town, there are several ryokan (Japanese-style inns) along the ocean, and you can enjoy the ocean view from any of them. One of the most famous day-trip hot springs is the open-air "Kurone Iwa-buro" (Kurone Rock Bath), which is right on the edge of the waves. When you sink into the bathtub, your eyes are right in line with the horizon. The bath is a luxurious place to just sit back and enjoy the ocean, surrounded by the sounds of the waves. This trip was all about the hot springs, with no sightseeing. Even so, it was a wonderful time that filled my body and soul.
The charm of Kurone Iwa-buro is the proximity of the hot spring to the sea. The rhythm of the waves as they come and go, and your breathing matches the rhythm of the waves, and your daily thoughts quietly unwind. The facilities are simple: a pavilion-like building with a changing room and the rock bath right next to it. Visitors are advised to keep valuables to a minimum and luggage compact for a comfortable visit. The welcoming atmosphere is simple and warm, and as a tourist, I felt at ease.
We also recommend hopping from one hot spring to another. The seaside bathhouses of Higashi Izu are rich in expression, such as "Isonoyu" in Okawa Onsen, which is nestled by the sea, and "Funado no Banya" in Imaihama, where the sea breeze is pleasant. The color, aroma, and even the soundscape of the hot springs are slightly different, and the more you visit, the more you will feel the depth of the ocean and the hot springs. Once back at the inn, you can enjoy the open-air guest rooms, large baths, and saunas to refresh yourself. I realized once again how fulfilling it is to take a "do-nothing" trip, going from hot spring to hot spring and not being pressed for time.
After the bath, be sure to try the famous "Kitagawa horse mackerel sushi. The fresh horse mackerel with its tight flesh gives you the lingering taste of the sea. There is also a wide selection of seafood, such as sashimi and boiled sea bream, and you can enjoy looking for souvenirs at the "Korasishie," a morning market and fishing port direct sales shop at the harbor. Local food other than seafood and seasonal taste picking can also be enjoyed in the neighborhood, making it a great place for a family trip.
At night, you can enjoy the "Moon Road," where the moonlight rising from the horizon draws a path on the surface of the sea. The sight of a silver band stretching across the black sea is so mysterious that it will leave you speechless. The sparkle of the moon gently falls on your body warmed by the hot water.
Kurokune Iwa-buro Bathing Guide The two rock baths in the front are for men and the round bathtub in the back is for women. Bathing hours: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last admission at 5:45 p.m.) Bath charge: 700 yen (PayPay payment accepted, hometown tax electronic appreciation coupons available) Parking: Available (free of charge) *This bath fee has been revised as of January 2025.