Hiroshima Onsen Tour: Private Countryside Retreat & Local Cuisine

If you’re looking for a way to step off the well-trodden tourist path in Hiroshima, this Hiroshima Countryside Onsen and Local Gourmet Tour offers a genuinely local experience at an approachable price of just $99 per person. Over roughly five hours, you’ll visit a secret hot spring, enjoy regional dishes like Yasha Udon, and explore local markets—an ideal choice for travelers craving authentic, relaxed moments away from busy city sights. And yes, there’s a scenic drive involved, giving you a taste of rural Hiroshima that many visitors overlook.

What we really love about this tour is how it balances nature, culture, and cuisine. The hidden onsen is a true find, often unknown even to locals, offering a peaceful soak amid nature’s changing seasons. Plus, tasting regional specialties like Yasha Udon, a spicy noodle dish unique to this area, makes the experience both delicious and memorable. The flexible itinerary allows for personal preferences, whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in April or seeking fresh vegetable seeds afterward.

A possible consideration is that this tour excludes guests with tattoos, following traditional onsen customs. Also, it’s a private experience, so if you’re traveling solo or in a small group, you’ll get personalized attention, but larger groups might find the pace a little slower. This tour suits those curious about local culture, authentic food, and quiet countryside scenery—perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful yet immersive experience in Hiroshima’s rural heart.

Key Points

• Authentic Hot Spring Experience: Visit a lesser-known onsen surrounded by nature, with provided towels and sauna access.
• Scenic Rural Drive: Enjoy a 90-minute journey through Hiroshima’s countryside, offering views often missed by travelers.
• Regional Cuisine: Savor Yasha Udon and other local dishes, tailored to your preferences.
• Market Visit: Shop at MichinoEki MitsuyanoSato for fresh produce and regional specialties.
• Customizable Itinerary: The tour adapts to your interests, whether seasonal cherry blossoms or local seed shops.
• Exclusive Private Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed, personalized experience.

A Deep Dive Into the Hiroshima Countryside Onsen Tour

Exploring the Hidden Hot Spring

The journey begins with a visit to Kagura Monzen Tojimura, a spot many locals may have never even heard of. Surrounded by lush nature, this lesser-known onsen promises tranquility away from Hiroshima’s bustling city center. Imagine soaking in warm waters while the seasons change—whether cherry blossoms in spring or colorful leaves in autumn, the setting makes for truly peaceful reflection. The inclusion of shampoo, conditioner, body soap, towels, and a sauna makes it a convenient, no-fuss experience.

The review from Amy_S highlights how this feature makes the soak even more enjoyable: “Our friendly guide picked us up at the port and dropped us off in town. In between, we had a lovely drive, soaked in a hot spring, and enjoyed delicious noodles.” The fact that this onsen remains a bit of a secret means fewer crowds and a more authentic, contemplative experience.

Scenic Drive and Local Flavors

After unwinding in the onsen, you’ll enjoy a 90-minute drive through Hiroshima’s rural landscapes. This part of the tour is a highlight, offering views of rice paddies, small farms, and rolling hills—scenes that reveal a different side of Hiroshima away from the historical sites. It’s a perfect time to relax and let the peaceful scenery set the tone for the rest of your experience.

Following the drive, you’ll arrive at the Yasha Udon restaurant. This regional specialty features spicy, flavorful noodles that are difficult to find outside this area. The tour’s flexibility allows you to choose whether to enjoy this meal before or after the onsen—whichever suits your pace. As Amy mentioned, “Having the spoon to assist the chopsticks was the key,” highlighting how this dish can be both fun and satisfying.

Market Stop and Local Products

No trip to Hiroshima’s countryside would be complete without a visit to Mitsuya no Sato at VegePark Akitakata. Here, you’ll find a wide selection of fresh local produce, sweets, and seasonings, offering a taste of farm-to-table culture. If you’re interested in regional ingredients or souvenirs, this stop provides a great opportunity to pick up seasonal gifts or ingredients to take home.

Travelers who enjoy shopping for regional specialties will particularly appreciate this part of the tour, as it offers a glimpse into local food culture. The review notes how this stop enriches the experience: “At Mitsuya no Sato, you find a wide variety of local produce, specialty foods, sweets, and seasonings—many of which are exclusive to Hiroshima.”

Customization and Personal Touches

One of the tour’s standout features is its flexibility. Whether you want to see cherry blossoms in April, or prefer a visit to a traditional seed shop afterward, your guide customizes the itinerary to suit your interests. This approach ensures your experience is not only authentic but also tailored to your preferences.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour starts at 10:00 am, with pickup included, making it easy to plan your day. As a private tour, only your group participates, which fosters a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for chatting and asking questions. The cost of $99 per person is quite reasonable given the personalized nature and the inclusion of transportation, admission tickets, and meals.

It’s important to note that the tour excludes guests with tattoos, following traditional onsen etiquette. Also, those with certain health conditions—like skin issues, heart problems, or respiratory issues—should consider whether the experience suits them. Children under 3 are not recommended for safety reasons.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to explore Hiroshima beyond its famous landmarks and are eager for a peaceful, nature-based escape. Food lovers will appreciate the regional dishes, and those curious about local culture will find the market visit and onsen experience particularly rewarding. It’s perfect for small groups or couples seeking intimacy and flexibility, especially if they love authentic, laid-back experiences.

The Sum Up

The Hiroshima Onsen Tour offers a rare chance to combine relaxation, regional cuisine, and scenic countryside in one manageable package. Its focus on authentic spots and customized experiences makes it ideal for travelers who value genuine connections over cookie-cutter tours. The onsen’s secluded setting, the delicious local dishes, and the market visit make for a well-rounded, memorable outing that goes beyond typical sightseeing.

If you’re looking for a peaceful day immersed in Hiroshima’s rural life, this tour delivers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and comfort. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy quiet moments, authentic regional flavors, and a touch of adventure in discovering hidden gems.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 3 years old are not recommended for safety reasons.

Are there any health conditions that might prevent me from joining?
Yes, guests with heart disease, high blood pressure, skin conditions, asthma, or respiratory issues should consult their doctor before joining.

Can I request a different meal time?
Absolutely. The tour allows flexibility to have the onsen or meal first, depending on your preference.

How long is the scenic drive?
The drive through Hiroshima’s rural landscape lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing plenty of time to enjoy the views.

What is included in the tour price?
Transportation, admission tickets for the onsen and market stops, a local meal, and a private guide are included.

Do I need to prepare anything in advance?
Tattoos are not allowed in the onsen, so plan accordingly. Also, consider your health conditions when booking.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, since it’s a private experience, solo travelers will enjoy personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

This thoughtfully curated Hiroshima tour offers just the right mix of relaxation, local flavor, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re craving a peaceful escape or a taste of authentic Hiroshima culture, it’s a day well spent.