2026 Wakuwaku Pool Full-Day Course

This is a course for a relaxed day in the mountains, starring the Wakuwaku Pool (a pool of hot spring water from Hinokami Onsen) in Takezaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District. In 2026 it opens from 10 April, and in most years it stays open until mid-November, making it a water play spot with a long season. There are two shallow pools, one large and one small, fed with water from Hinokami Onsen (斐乃上温泉), known as one of Japan's three great hot springs for beautiful skin. The water is only about 30 cm deep, so even children who have just started walking can safely dip their feet in. It is free of charge, with changing rooms and toilets fully provided. Infants still in nappies must wear swim nappies, so be sure to bring them. On the second and fourth Wednesday of each month the pool is closed in the morning for cleaning, so plan around that time slot. In the morning, walk the ravine promenade among the giant boulders at Oni no Shitaburui, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, and feel the nature of Okuizumo with your whole body. At midday, visit Inata Shrine (稲田神社), associated with Inatahime-no-Mikoto, and fill up on soba in true Okuizumo style. In the afternoon, return to Takezaki and enjoy plenty of water play at the Wakuwaku Pool. Because the pool uses hot spring water it is never too cold, which is the special charm of this place and makes it enjoyable even in spring and autumn.