Wakuwaku Pool (hot spring water pool of Hinokami Onsen)

About this spot

The Wakuwaku Pool (a pool of hot spring water from Hinokami Onsen) is a free water play spot in Takezaki, Okuizumo Town, Nita District. It has 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, and the greatest reassurance is that even small children who have just started walking can dip their feet in and play. In 2026 it opens from 10 April and in most years stays open until mid-November, so it works as a destination in spring and autumn as well as in midsummer. Because it is hot spring water, it is never too cold, which makes it easy to enter even for children who dislike water play. Changing rooms and toilets are fully provided, so there is little to worry about when changing, and you can also use it as a spur-of-the-moment stop.

Season & hours

Tips

The pool cannot be used on the morning of the second and fourth Wednesday of each month due to cleaning. Please plan around those hours. Infants in nappies must wear swim nappies; without them they cannot enter, so be sure to bring some. The opening date and the end of the season change from year to year, so check the Okuizumo Town Tourism Association page (https://okuizumo.org/jp/guide/detail/238/) before you set out. Shade is limited in this mountain setting, so bring a hat, sunscreen and drinks for your breaks. Even though it is hot spring water, staying in for a long time will chill the body, so take frequent rest breaks.

Best time to visit

About 2 hours 30 minutes. The afternoon, when the temperature rises, is recommended, and avoiding the second and fourth Wednesday mornings closed for cleaning lets you play all day

Access & map

仁多郡奥出雲町・わくわくプール (竹崎)