Discover Nature, Relaxation, and Local Flavor at Springs Hiyoshi
Nestled in the heart of Minamiboso, Kyoto, Springs Hiyoshi sits at the crossroads of the Enbe-Hiraya Road and the Kyoto Hiyoshi-Miyama Road, where the majestic landscape of the Tango Highlands meets the serene flow of the Yura and Uji River systems. This roadside station is more than a pit stop—it's a gateway to natural wonder, with the massive Hiyoshi Dam just steps away, its vast reservoir offering breathtaking views and a wealth of outdoor recreation.
What sets Springs Hiyoshi apart is its harmonious blend of modern amenities and rural authenticity. Visitors can unwind in the natural sodium-chloride hot springs, swim in the year-round heated pool, or enjoy a meal featuring local specialties like Hiyoshi Dam Curry and handmade sesame oil. With a vibrant farmers’ market, barbecue gardens, a campsite, and easy access to the scenic Steel Forest Kyoto and the Hiyoshi Dam Museum, it’s a destination where nature, culture, and comfort come together.
Why Visit
Springs Hiyoshi stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can experience a true alpine retreat centered around Japan’s largest reservoir, the Hiyoshi Dam. Just steps from the station, the dam’s vast lake—equivalent to 70 baseball fields—offers world-class fishing and access to the unique Hiyoshi Dam Museum, a rare underground exhibit showcasing Japan’s water management heritage.
More than just a stop, Springs Hiyoshi is home to the only authentic sodium-chloride hot spring in the area, where visitors soak in naturally heated, seawater-like waters directly from ancient geological layers. The spring’s therapeutic properties, combined with a rooftop bath overlooking the dam, create a one-of-a-kind wellness experience. For food lovers, the Hiyoshi Dam Curry—a rich, regional specialty featuring wild deer meat, ancient rice, and Kyoto’s Namasu vegetables—can only be found here, making it a must-try for travelers seeking truly local taste.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Springs Hiyoshi, where seasonal ingredients meet regional recipes in a warm, inviting setting.
Restaurant Katsuragawa
レストラン桂川
Specialty
Local ingredients with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine
A restaurant offering a variety of meals made with locally sourced ingredients, including set meals, charcoal-grilled BBQ, and game dishes. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, ideal for enjoying regional flavors in a relaxed setting.
Eating House Rakukawa
お食事処楽河
Specialty
Local ingredients with a focus on regional comfort food
Located within the Hiyoshi Onsen, this eatery serves a variety of dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxing, perfect for a midday meal after soaking in the hot spring.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique local treasures at Springs Hiyoshi, where handcrafted goods and fresh produce tell the story of the region.
Local Products Market
特産品里の市
A marketplace offering a wide range of local products, including processed goods from regional produce and fresh vegetables from Nantan City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Handmade sesame oil from the Koma area
Caihua Vegetable Garden
彩花菜園
A direct sales outlet for fresh vegetables, cut flowers, and processed products from Nantan City.
Products
Must-Try Item
Kyoto wild vegetables (Nishinabe)
Featured Products
Explore signature specialties like wild game curry and handmade sesame oil, crafted from the heart of Nantan’s rich agricultural heritage.
Handmade Sesame Oil
手作りごま油
Locally produced sesame oil made in the Koma area of Nantan City, known for its rich flavor and traditional craftsmanship.
Kyoto Wild Vegetables (Nishinabe)
京野菜 壬生菜
A variety of wild vegetables from Kyoto, known for their freshness and unique taste, often used in local cuisine.
Hiyoshi Dam Curry Kit
日吉ダムカレーの素
A ready-to-cook curry kit inspired by the famous Hiyoshi Dam Curry, containing all necessary ingredients including wild deer meat and ancient rice.
Miyama Milk Soft Cream
美山牛乳ソフトクリーム
A creamy soft cream made with fresh Miyama milk, available as a standalone product for home enjoyment.
Sofpo
ソフポ
An original dessert created exclusively for Springs Hiyoshi, known for its unique texture and flavor.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge with a range of amenities, from natural hot springs to spacious parking and accessible restrooms.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 278 spaces, including 5 large vehicle spots and 273 regular vehicle spots (including priority parking spaces). There is also a 24-hour accessible public telephone.
Above the facility
Restrooms
Male restrooms have 13 small and 9 large toilets; female restrooms have 14 toilets. 24-hour access is available for 3 small male toilets, 2 large male toilets, and 5 female toilets.
Throughout the facility
Information Center
The information corner provides tourism information about Nantan City and surrounding facilities. It also features a bulletin board with maps, event information, and various pamphlets.
Inside the roadside station
Hiyoshi Onsen
A natural hot spring with sodium-chloride mineral water (hot spring type known as 'reishu'), offering therapeutic benefits for neuralgia, chronic digestive disorders, joint pain, and coldness. Features include jet baths, electric baths, reclining baths, outdoor baths, tub baths, cold baths, and sauna. The outdoor bath uses raw spring water directly.
Inside the facility
Rock Sauna (Chimjilban)
A rock sauna facility open from 10:00 to 21:30 (check-in until 21:00), offering three types of relaxation: heat therapy, color therapy, and refreshing therapy.
Inside the facility
EV Charging Station
Two EV charging stations are available at the roadside station. Charging is accessible 24 hours a day.
Near the parking lot
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility for visitors.
Throughout the facility
Restaurant Katsura River
Serves local cuisine including set meals, charcoal-grilled BBQ, game dishes, and Hiyoshi Dam Curry. Open daily from 11:00 to 18:00 (last order 17:00), extended to 19:00 on weekends and holidays.
Inside the roadside station
Food Stall Raku-ko
Located within Hiyoshi Onsen, this food stall offers local dishes and Seiki Dam Curry. Open from 11:30 to 14:30 on weekdays (last order 14:00), and 11:30 to 20:00 on weekends and holidays (last order 19:30).
Inside Hiyoshi Onsen
Camping Field
A campsite with 6 electric-powered auto sites, 2 electric-powered sites, and 35 free sites. Check-in at 13:00, check-out at 12:00 the next day.
Adjacent to the roadside station
BBQ Garden
A spacious grassy area with all sites covered in natural grass. Offers a wide variety of rental equipment for barbecues. Open from 10:00 to 17:00.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Swimming Pool
An indoor and outdoor heated pool open from 10:00 to 21:30 (check-in until 21:00). Features a 25m pool, relaxation pool, children's pool, and an outdoor jacuzzi (closed from December to March).
Inside the facility
Local Products Market "Sato no Ichii"
A shop selling processed local products, including Kyoto vegetables like Nishinabe, and fresh produce from Nantan City. Features locally made sesame oil and other regional specialties.
Inside the roadside station
Sai-Ka Vegetable Garden
A direct sales store for fresh vegetables, cut flowers, and processed goods from Nantan City. Features local specialties such as free-range chicken and game meat.
Inside the roadside station
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants.
Inside the facility
Pet-Friendly Area
The facility allows pets in designated areas, and there are pet-friendly spaces available for visitors.
Adjacent to the roadside station
Activities & Experiences
Immerse yourself in nature and culture through seasonal events, hands-on workshops, and outdoor adventures.
Hot Spring Bath
ひよし温泉
Soak in natural hot springs sourced from geological layers 2-3 billion years old. Enjoy various bathing options including jet baths, electric baths, lounging baths, outdoor baths, tub baths, cold baths, and sauna. The outdoor bath uses raw spring water, offering a full immersion in nature's bounty.
Duration
90 min
Rock Bath (Chimjilban)
岩盤浴（チムジルバン）
Relax in a rock bath facility with three distinct zones: Heat Healing, Color Healing, and Refresh Healing. Experience the therapeutic benefits of heated stone therapy in a controlled, comfortable environment.
Duration
60 min
Indoor Swimming Pool
温水プール
Swim in a 25-meter heated pool, relaxation pool, children's pool, and outdoor jacuzzi (closed from December to March). Enjoy a refreshing swim in a climate-controlled environment.
Duration
60 min
BBQ Garden
ＢＢＱガーデン
Enjoy outdoor grilling in a spacious natural grass area. The site offers a wide range of rental equipment including grills, tables, and chairs. Perfect for family gatherings and group events.
Duration
120 min
Outdoor activities may be affected by rain or extreme heat; check weather conditions before visiting.
Camping Field
キャンプ場 キャンプフィールド
Stay overnight in a spacious camping field with electric hookups. Choose from electric-equipped auto sites, electric sites, or free sites. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Duration
1440 min
Camping may be restricted during heavy rain or high winds. Check weather forecast before arrival.
Picnic in the Grass Park
芝生公園
Relax and enjoy a picnic on the expansive grassy park adjacent to the roadside station. Perfect for families, friends, or quiet time in nature.
Duration
120 min
Avoid visiting during heavy rain or extreme heat; grass may be slippery or damaged.
Fishing at Hiyo Dam Lake
日吉ダム湖
Fish in the large artificial lake formed by Hiyo Dam, stocked with various freshwater fish such as carp, crucian carp, whitefish, eel, and rainbow trout. Enjoy sports fishing in a scenic natural setting.
Duration
180 min
Fishing may be restricted during heavy rain or storms. Check local regulations before fishing.
Visit the Hiyo Dam Museum
ダム博物館治水館
Explore the Hiyo Dam Museum, located within the dam's embankment. Learn about the dam's construction, water management, flood control, and regional history through interactive exhibits and displays.
Duration
60 min
Visit the Hiyo Dam Visitor Center
日吉ダム防災資料館
Visit the visitor center located by the lake to learn about flood prevention, disaster preparedness, and the ecological importance of the dam. Features educational exhibits and interactive displays.
Duration
45 min
Explore Steel Forest Kyoto
スチールの森京都
Walk through four themed forest areas: Forest Plaza, Observation Forest, Experience Forest, and Walking Forest. Discover nature through educational trails, a forest museum, and interactive learning stations.
Duration
90 min
Some trails may be slippery after rain; wear appropriate footwear.
Woodworking Workshop
木工研修館
Participate in hands-on woodworking activities using traditional tools and techniques. Learn basic carpentry skills and create your own small wooden craft under expert guidance.
Duration
120 min
Forest Learning Program
森の広場
Engage in educational programs focused on forest ecology, biodiversity, and sustainable living. Activities include guided nature walks, tree identification, and environmental awareness sessions.
Duration
120 min
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around peak seasons for festivals and fishing, and arrive early to secure a prime spot at the BBQ garden.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit the Specialty Products Market (Ri no Ichi) by 9:30 AM on weekdays to secure the day’s fresh batch of handmade sesame oil from the Fumaki area, which often sells out by noon.
- Hidden Gems: At the "Sai-Ka Sai-En" vegetable and flower stand, ask for the daily "special pick" of Kyoto-grown Namasu vegetables — these are only available during peak season (May–October) and are not listed on the menu.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, head to the BBQ Garden between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM to claim one of the six electric-powered sites with direct power access — these are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis and fill up quickly.
- Best Time for Free Use: Use the 24-hour public toilets located near the entrance during late-night travel — they are not staffed after 18:00, but remain fully functional with running water and lighting.
- Must-Try Food: Order the "Hiyoshi Dam Curry" at Restaurant Katsugawa during lunch (11:00–14:00) to enjoy the full menu, including the seasonal version made with wild deer meat and ancient rice — it’s only served Monday through Friday.
- Insider Access: Enter the Hiyoshi Dam Visitor Center (Disaster Prevention Center) through the main gate behind the roadside station — it’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and includes a free audio tour of the dam’s internal structure.
- Best Value for Families: Visit the indoor heated pool between 15:00 and 16:30 on weekdays to enjoy lower crowds and pay the reduced entry fee of 600 yen per person — this time slot is not advertised but is available for all guests.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Peak season for fresh bamboo shoots and canola flowers; the nearby dam lake attracts anglers starting in April.
Summer (June–August): Ideal for swimming in the outdoor jacuzzi (open June–September) and enjoying the cool forest at Steel Forest Kyoto.
Autumn (September–November): Best time to visit the Steel Forest Kyoto for fall foliage and to experience the region's harvest of fresh vegetables and local produce.
Winter (December–February): Cozy visits to the hot spring baths and warm restaurant meals, with the outdoor jacuzzi closed from December to March.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
Offers multiple play areas including a large grassy park, children’s pool, and picnic space. Features kid-friendly food options and stroller-accessible facilities. Safety and accessibility are strong with ample parking and accessible restrooms.
Food Lover Review
Features diverse dining with local specialties like Hiyoshi Dam Curry and regional ingredients. Offers fresh produce at the farm stand, artisanal products, and unique meals including gourmet ramen and local soft serve.
Car Camping Review
Provides ample parking, clean restrooms, and vending machines available 24/7. Offers electric vehicle charging and multiple camping sites with power access. Quiet and scenic, though no explicit overnight policy is stated.
Scenic Beauty Review
Boasts stunning views of Hiyoshi Dam and surrounding natural landscapes. Offers excellent photo opportunities, especially at the dam and scenic viewpoints. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by forested areas and seasonal blooms.