Kamoenai Village Certified & Official Website
Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen

“Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen” is a day-trip hot spring bathing facility that owns a private source well on the site.
As the distance between the source well and the bathtub is closer, the fresher the hot spring water can be experienced.
Generally, fresh seafood, agricultural products, and other food products are appreciated when they are fresh, but the same is true for hot spring water, which also deteriorates over time, just like food.
“Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen” is a village-run facility built on the coast facing the Japan Sea in the western part of Hokkaido's Shakotan Peninsula.
The spring quality is “Sodium-Chloride springs” which is Weak Alkaline with pH 8.3, allowing you to experience the feeling of smooth and silky skin.
Chloride springs are those with a total dissolved substances (excluding gaseous ones) of 1,000 mg or more in 1 kg of hot spring water, with Chloride Ions as the main anionic component. In most cases, they are associated with Sodium Ions as cations.
As the name suggests, this spring is rich in salt. The indications for this type of spring quality (Indications by Spring Quality for Bathing) are Cuts, Peripheral circulatory disturbance, Sensitivity to cold, Depression, Dry skin, etc. Below is an explanation of the reasons for these indications.

During hot weather or when exercising, the human body sweats to lower the body temperature, which evaporates to lower the body temperature. The organs that secrete sweat are called sweat glands, and when bathing in a chloride springs, the salt covers the body like a pack, blocking some of the sweat glands (organs that secrete sweat). This logic is why the body temperature drops more slowly after bathing, and the feeling of a warm body lasts longer.
For this reason, Chloride springs are also called “Hot springs for warmth”. Although other types of springs (Hydrogen carbonate springs, Sulfate springs, Carbon dioxide springs, etc.) are also recognized for the indication of Sensitivity to cold, the Chloride springs are particularly effective.

At the same time, the long-lasting warming feeling helps improve Peripheral circulatory disturbance. This salt pack also reduces Skin dryness after the bath due to the coating and moisturizing effects of the hot spring components.

The sustained warming effect helps balance the autonomic nervous system and brings a sense of mental stability. In addition, the increased body temperature reduces the secretion of stress hormones, which may help improve mood, and is effective for Depression.

Hot springs are often referred to as “Hot springs for beautiful skin” because they make the skin smooth and silky.
The most easily noticeable difference between hot spring water and tap water is the way the skin feels when bathing in the water.
Currently in Japan, hot springs are classified into 10 types, of which 4 are classified as “Hot springs for beautiful skin”: Hydrogen carbonate springs for cleansing, Sulfate springs for wrinkle prevention, Sulfur springs for whitening and blemish prevention, and Alkaline Simple hot springs for removing dead skin cells.
What role do Chloride springs play? It is said to be, exactly, the “Hot springs for finishing touch” after bathing in a “Hot springs for beautiful skin”. The main component of Chloride springs is salt (sodium chloride), which, like the aforementioned “Hot spring for warmth” salt pack, after bathing it creates a thin salt film on the surface of the skin, which prevents moisture from escaping from the skin and keeps the moist feeling.
In other words, it is like preparing the skin with “Hot springs for beautiful skin” and then covering it with the Chloride springs. This may be the same as applying a moisturizing cream after serum.

In addition, what should not be forgotten about the Chloride springs is the bactericidal effect of the salt content.
It is effective for Cuts and burns, and is therefore called “Hot springs for cuts”.
Other types of springs listed for cuts include Hydrogen carbonate springs, Sulfate springs, and Carbon dioxide springs, but Chloride springs are said to have the strongest bactericidal action.

It is also notable for an components that are not represented in the name of the spring.
Metasilicic acid is called a natural moisturizing ingredient, but it is also one of the components counted as a qualifying condition for hot springs under the Hot Springs Act. Its qualifying standard value for a hot spring is 50 mg or more per kilogram, but here it is 128 mg per kilogram. With such a large amount, one should obviously be able to feel the hydrating and moisturizing effects of the water.

Considering the contribution to the skin made by the chloride spring for its coating effect and metasilicic acid for its moisturizing effect, it is fair to say that it is a “Hot springs for beautiful skin”, even if it plays a minor role.
At “Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen”, 60 liters of spring water per minute is constantly poured into the bathtub for free-flowing hot spring water.
At the same time, for hygiene control, the source is disinfected with chlorine using a circulation filtration system.
The use of the hot spring is a combination of “Free-flowing hot spring water + Circulation filtration”.
One onsen specialist said that the conditions for 100% free-flowing hot spring water should be limited to 4-5 people bathing in a large bathtub per hour, all of whom have washed their bodies thoroughly.
Another person said that the condition is that the amount of hot spring water must be flowing enough to replace all of the hot spring water in the bathtub in 1 hour.
Unfortunately, there are probably only 3% of facilities in Japan that meet these conditions.
Whether to give priority to fresh hot spring water or sanitary hot spring water is the ultimate choice, and it may be said that “Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen” is a hot spring facility that combines the best of both.
When entering the hot spring, please do not simply splash yourself with hot water, but cleanse your body carefully with soap and water. Because hygiene is the most important precondition for a good onsen experience. (J)

The “Kamoenai Ryujin Onsen” is located in the center of the west coast of Hokkaido's Shakotan Peninsula, about 2 hour drive from Sapporo.
The Shakotan Peninsula is famous for its high-quality sea urchins.
Here in Kamoenai-mura (Kamonenai Village), there is also a fishing port, and during the 3 months from June to August every year, foodies from all over Japan gather here in search of this fine seafood.
The village is also famous for its high-quality Sohachi-karei (flathead flounder) and Hokke (atka mackerel), as well as its natural Iwanori (wild rock seaweed).
Recently, industries based on the fishing industry have been thriving, such as the launch of cosmetics and supplements made from sea cucumbers on the market.
Not only during any season, the Shakotan Peninsula is one of Hokkaido's most scenic places, and the contrast between the crystal clear sea, called Shakotan blue, and the rugged natural beauty of the cliffs at Cape Kamui is particularly overwhelming.

The “Kamoeinai Ryujin Onsen” is a village-run day-trip bathing facility that opened on April 26, 2025.
The name of the facility, which is located next to the Kamoenai fishing port, was taken from the legend of the dragon god that has been passed down in the area for centuries.
The name is also based on the fact that Cape Ryujin can be seen across the sea from the large public baths and that the hot spring water is drawn from the source well of “Onsen Ryujinso”, which was closed in 2007.
The origin of the name “Kamoeinai” comes from the Ainu word “Kamui Nai” (beautiful stream of God), which means “a mysterious stream where the topography is so rough that it is hard for people to approach”, according to the local legend.

As a newly built facility, it is equipped with the latest technologies and features a renewable energy system that utilizes geothermal heat.
The air conditioners in this facility utilize geothermal heat energy within the ground, which is at a constant temperature throughout the year.
In other words, compared to conventional air conditioners, it significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and contributes to energy conservation.

The large public baths have a view of the Japan Sea through a large glass window. Some may be concerned that they may be able to see this side from the ship, but that is not a problem. The glass is a magic mirror (one-way mirror).
In addition to the spacious bath filled with “Sodium-Chloride springs” that warms the body thoroughly, the facility also includes an authentic Finnish-style sauna.
The sauna is large enough to accommodate up to 20 people and has an automatic löyly system. And the sauna stove was a high quality “ZIEL” by Metos.
After taking a bath, I saw many customers enjoying soft ice cream at the shopping area.
The resting area is spacious and equipped with massage chairs.
There was also shared working space with WiFi and power supply along the window facing the sea.

This hot spring facility has been long awaited by the villagers of Kamoenai Village, but it is sure to be enjoyable enough for guests from other areas as well.
Enjoying the specs of the hot spring itself, while taking in the delicious air and the natural environment of Hokkaido, will surely give you the energy you need to get going tomorrow. (J)