Ako Onsen

Located on a hill in Ako Misaki facing the Harimanada Sea, Ako Onsen boasts a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea. The hot spring opened in 1969 (Showa 44), which is relatively new, and in 2000, a new source was also excavated from 1,600 m underground. The neutral salt spring, rich in minerals, is smooth to the touch and highly effective in retaining heat, earning it the nickname "reviving hot spring".

There are seven hot spring inns and hotels, many of which offer open-air baths with views of the Seto Inland Sea. Many facilities also offer casual one-day bathing. The cuisine, which uses an abundance of fresh seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, is also a point of pride.

Ako City is well-known as the setting of "Chushingura," a story about the exploits of the Ako Ronin, and there still remain the ruins of Ako Castle, the Nagayamon gate of the Oishi Residence, and other spots associated with the story. There are also facilities nearby that allow visitors to experience salt production, a local industry, making it an ideal base for sightseeing in the city.