The hot spring of Obama Onsen has a temperature of 105 degrees Celsius at the source. The extent of heat release of the hot spring, which is calculated by multiplying discharging amount with water temperature, is higher than any other hot springs in Japan. You can feel the energy when you look at the steams rising up everywhere in the town. In 2013, Obama Binary Power Plant was established to exploit the heat energy and hot spring water.
　Playing on the number 105, a 105 meters long foot bath facility named “Hot Foot 105” was founded in the town and it became the longest foot bath in Japan. A cooking stove is attached the foot bath, which you can use freely for cooking. Vegetables and fishes cooked in the hot steam are just fabulous. The chloride spring also gives good amount of salt for seasoning ingredients.
　What you cannot miss out when staying in Obama Onsen, which is located on the Tachibana Bay, is the beautiful sun setting on the horizon. The twilight view seen from the window of an inn, while bathing in a hot spring or bathing your feet in a foot bath is extraordinary.
　Obama Onsen doesn’t have a fancy night district and many of the accommodation facilities are old. The laid-back and unassuming atmosphere of the town will surely heal your soul.

Obama Hot Spring Tourism Association
www.obama.or.jp/english

RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS

Mabel

Singapore

I first went to Obama onsen because of the name. I know it is a Japanese word but most people will relate it to the current USA president. In fact, there is a statue of President Obama at the visitor center of the area! However the most interesting part is the longest footbath in Japan! It was one of the most exhilarating experience to enjoy the view of the seaside while indulging in a comfy hotspring foot bath! Lastly, I will also recommend foodies to check out the chanpon noodles, a popular dish in the area. A map of all the chanpon shops can be found at the visitor center which is really convenient!

APPEAL POINTS

Gourmet／Obama Champon　

Champon is a Japanese noodle cuisine served with such ingredients as pork, seafood and vegetables. In Obama, the cuisine is uniquely arranged with a local twist and widely enjoyed as “Obama Champon.” Its characteristic feature is the tender flavor of the stock soup made from pork bones, chicken bones and fishes. An abundant volume of local seafood and vegetables served with the noodles make this local cuisine very popular.

Sightseeing／Dolphin-Watching

In Kazusa-machi and Kuchinotsu-cho, which are accessible in about 30 minute drive from Obama Onsen, you can enjoy dolphin watching. You can see 300 wild dolphins elegantly swimming in the inshore up close. At any time of the year.

Event／Hulatto Hawaian Festival

40 Hula teams will perform a Hula dance to Hawaiian music. You can enjoy the relaxing Hawaii atmosphere during this event. It is one of the highlights when they are having Obama’s beautiful sunset in the background and dancing through evening to night. Delicious food stands will be there too.