Kawatana Onsen

What it is

• A hot spring resort historically known as the inner parlor of Shimonoseki.
• The area features radioactive chloride spring water protected since the Edo period.
• A blue dragon is enshrined here as the local guardian deity.
• The resort hosted famous guests including the pianist Alfred Cortot in 1952.

What to see

• The Tamatsubaki Ryokan which is a registered tangible cultural property.
• The Kawatana Onsen Koryu Center featuring a hall named after Alfred Cortot.
• Local restaurants serving Kawara Soba cooked on heated roof tiles.
• Shops selling regional specialties like Kawatana Manju and Kawara Choux pastries.

Getting there

• The resort is accessible via Kawatana Onsen Station on the JR Sanin Main Line.
• It is located approximately 25 kilometers north of central Shimonoseki.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.