San’in is an onsen paradise where famous hot springs of very different characters line up within easy reach of one another. A seaside onsen, a radon onsen, a beauty-of-the-skin onsen — this is a luxurious onsen-indulgence trip that hops between three distinct personalities over three days.
The whole route (with map)
Starting from Yonago, you travel eastward from one onsen to the next, finally slipping out toward Matsue. You can see how it all fits together on the map.
- Day 1 — Kaike Onsen (Yonago)
- Day 2 — Misasa Onsen (Misasa)
- Day 3 — Tamatsukuri Onsen (Matsue)
Day 1 — Kaike Onsen
A salty hot spring that wells up by the sea: Kaike Onsen. It’s one of San’in’s largest onsen towns, and in summer the beach is right out front for swimming. It sits close to the airport and Yonago Station, which makes it easy to slot in as the first stop of a trip. Soak while watching the sun sink into the Sea of Japan.
Day 2 — Misasa Onsen
Move on to the central area and one of the world’s leading radon springs, Misasa Onsen. The town is full of charm — you can stroll through it in a yukata — and its riverside open-air bath is a local specialty. Along the way, a side trip to the Kurayoshi white-walled storehouse district is also a lovely idea.
Day 3 — Tamatsukuri Onsen
The final day takes you to Tamatsukuri Onsen in Matsue. With 1,300 years of history, it’s a beauty-of-the-skin onsen, and you can enjoy a refined stroll along the riverside onsen town. If you stop by Matsue Castle or the sunset over Lake Shinji on the way home, you’ll come away having truly savored San’in.
Getting around and budget
- By car — You’re free to move between the onsen areas as you like, and side trips are easy. This is my top recommendation
- By public transport — The JR San’in Main Line connects all three onsen areas. Good for those who want to take it slow
- Budget — This varies greatly with the grade of your lodging. Please check prices and plans on the official information for each onsen area and inn
Some variations
- Add a lake — Slot in Hawai Onsen and Togo Onsen (Lake Togo) on Day 2
- Go heavier on sightseeing — Combine with the famous sights near each onsen area (Kurayoshi, Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art)
Last checked
This information is current as of June 13, 2026. Please check the latest lodging rates and transport timetables on each official website.
