Hawai Onsen sits on the western shore of Lake Togo, a small lake near Kurayoshi in central Tottori — and its name, a genuine old Japanese place name, is a pure coincidence with the Pacific islands, a fact the town gently plays up. Its hot springs are unusual for bubbling up from the bed of the lake itself, and ryokan line the shore with baths and rooms looking out over the water, where a torii gate stands in the shallows and views reach to the mountains beyond. Together with Togo Onsen across the lake, it makes a quiet, scenic lakeside soak far from the crowds.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Kurayoshi Area, Tottori |
| Hours | Ryokan and baths; day-use varies |
| Admission | Day-use baths vary; overnight from ryokan |
| Time needed | Half day or overnight |
| Best time | Year-round; sunset over the lake |
What to See
- Hot springs bubbling up from the lake bed of Lake Togo.
- Ryokan with baths looking out over the water.
- A torii gate standing in the lake shallows.
- The coincidental ‘Hawai’ name, gently played up.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Kurayoshi white wall district nearby.
- Pair with Tottori pear picking in the Kurayoshi area.
- Read our Tottori overview .
Getting There
- By train + bus: JR to Matsuzaki or Kurayoshi, then a local bus.
- By car: on the shore of Lake Togo, with ryokan parking.
Tips
Choose a ryokan with a lake-facing bath, which is the whole appeal — soaking while looking out over Lake Togo, especially at sunset, is what sets Hawai apart from an ordinary onsen. Day-use bathing is available if you’re not staying, it pairs naturally with the nearby Kurayoshi old town, and don’t expect anything actually Hawaiian beyond the name and a few playful touches.
