Okutsu Hot Spring, Okayama Prefecture

A hot spring resort known for its "foot-stepping laundry" and beauty-enhancing waters

One of the "Mimasaka Three Hot Springs" along with Yunogo and Yubara, located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture, stretching into the Chūgoku Mountains. This historic hot spring resort, selected as one of the "100 Best Tourist Spots in Japan," dates back to the Edo period when Tsuyama Domain’s lord, Tadazane Mori, established a private therapeutic bath here. The hot spring town is centered around Okutsu Bridge over the Yoshii River and features two natural open-air baths on the riverbank. One of them, known as "Sentaku-yu," is famous for its unique "foot-stepping laundry" tradition.

「足踏み洗濯」で知られる美人の湯が湧く温泉地

岡山県北部の中国山地に連なる湯郷、湯原と並ぶ「美作三湯」のひとつ。「日本観光地百選」にも選ばれた歴史ある温泉地で、江戸時代には津山藩主・森忠政が専用の湯治場を設けていた。吉井川に架かる奥津橋を中心に温泉街が広がり、河原には自然の露天風呂が2カ所。 そのうちの1つが、名物「足踏み洗濯」で知られる「洗濯湯」だ。