1Arifuku Onsen
A hot spring area known for stone steps and a mountain-town setting. Choose a public bath or accommodation for bathing. It is away from coastal Gotsu Station, so travel by bus or car.
Arifuku Onsen hot-spring streets in GotsuGotsu CityEnjoy more around your event.
In Gotsu, discover views of the Go River and harbour, Arifuku Onsen in the hills, and a garden associated with Sesshu. Destinations stretch from the station area to the coast and inland, so plan nearby stops around your chosen events.
Where is Gotsu City? Map of the sights
Location within Sanin
Town centre and sights
Recommended sights
Explore Gotsu Station and the Gono River area on foot. Arifuku Onsen, the Ogawa family garden and Iwami Osakibana Lighthouse on the west coast are destinations to reach by car or other transport.
2Go River and Gotsu Honmachi
Walk along the Gono River and toward historic Honmachi, following local information as you explore the riverside scenery. The photo shows the Gono River area, not the interior of a particular traditional house.
3Ogawa Family Sesshu Garden
A detour to a garden said to be associated with Sesshu. Enjoy views of its upper and lower sections. Temporary closures may prevent viewing.
4Coastline at Iwami Osakibana Lighthouse
A place on the western coast to enjoy Sea of Japan views near the lighthouse. The photo shows the coast as seen from the lighthouse. Special openings of the lighthouse interior are separate events from an ordinary walk.
Getting here and getting around
Travel times from major cities and hubs
Approximate one-way times to each arrival point. Driving times vary with breaks and traffic; public transport depends on services and transfers.
HiroshimaGotsu City
About 1 hr 30 min
Via expressways
Route and timetable sourcesOsakaGotsu City
About 5 hr
Via expressways
Route and timetable sourcesHiroshimaGotsu Station
About 3 hr
Highway bus to Hamada Station; transfer to the JR San-in Line
Route and timetable sourcesGetting around after arrival
Walk from Gotsu Station along the Gono River and toward Honmachi. Use buses or a car for inland destinations such as Arifuku Onsen. Visit the garden and lighthouse separately from your station-area walk.
Towns to visit together
Choose by date
Events in Gotsu City →(Japanese)Events now and in the next 30 days
Check event dates and venues as you plan your visit. This guide features recommended events.
湯の町神楽殿公演This weekOct 10 (Sat) +2 sessions Each event date 20:30–22:00Gotsu City · 湯の町神楽殿Adults ¥1,500 / Primary school children ¥500 (Preschool childrenfree)Official names & details are in Japanese
Food, specialities and gifts
Enjoy them between sightseeing stops, and take some home as gifts.
Maruhime pork
- Eat locally
- Enjoy a meal using this local branded pork
- Gifts to take home
- Check refrigeration or freezing requirements for meat and processed products; ask about shipping if you are still traveling
Discover local specialities · official guide
Consider Gotsu's Maruhime Pork for dishes or processed products. For souvenir purchases, ask about refrigeration, freezing and shipping too.
Eat locally: Enjoy a meal using this local branded pork.
Take home: Check refrigeration or freezing requirements for meat and processed products; ask about shipping if you are still traveling.
Iwami pottery
- Gifts to take home
- Enjoy choosing dishes or household pieces
Discover local specialities · official guide
Look for durable Iwami pottery made with local clay as everyday tableware or household items. Colors and forms vary by piece, and the same item is not always available.
Take home: Enjoy choosing dishes or household pieces. If buying them alongside food souvenirs, ask about packing fragile items and carrying them.
Food gifts such as honey and kamaboko fish cakes
- Gifts to take home
- Gotsu tourism information also introduces honey, fish cakes made with seafood, soy sauce and sweets
Discover local specialities · official guide
Take home: Gotsu tourism information also introduces honey, fish cakes made with seafood, soy sauce and sweets. Choose items that can travel at room temperature separately from those needing chilled storage.
Choosing an area to stay
Around Gotsu Station
An option if arriving by train to explore the riverside and town.
Stay tips · official guide
An option if arriving by train to explore the riverside and town.
Arifuku Onsen
For a day focused on staying in the hot spring town.
Stay tips · official guide
For a day focused on staying in the hot spring town. The townscape photo does not show particular rooms or vacancy information.
Seasonal events and town highlights
Iwami Kagura in Gotsu
Experience Iwami Kagura at regular performances and events in the city. Even when combining it with hot springs, plan around the performance's start and finish times and travel to your accommodation.
Official event information