Image unavailable

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Hiroshima · Chugoku

Roadside Station Spa Rakan (道の駅スパ羅漢)

道の駅スパ羅漢

A hot spring beside the Oze River, maitake mushrooms and wasabi products to take home, and a detour into Rakan Gorge turn a mountain-road break on National Route 186 into a short trip.

Updated 2026-10-01Michi-no-Eki Journal Read in Japanese

Illustrative image — not an on-site photograph

Location

Hatsukaichi City

Road

National Route 186

Hours

10:00–19:00

Last admission for bathing is 18:00; the restaurant is open 11:00–19:00, with last orders at 18:00.

Parking

Cars: 44 / Large vehicles: 0

My stamp

Record this station in your journal

Records are saved in this browser. Visited stations receive a stamp and count towards your nationwide progress.

Nationwide progress

— / 1,238 stations

How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

First, on arrival

Choose whether bathing or eating is your priority

The parking lot has 44 spaces. At this compact station, deciding your priority helps on busy days.

If you came for the hot spring

Plan around last admission at 18:00

Bathing hours are 10:00–19:00, with last admission at 18:00. If you also want a meal, check the restaurant's last-order time.

If you want to shop

Maitake and awabitake mushrooms, and wasabi products

Look first for these products characteristic of Yoshiwa, even if your break is short.

If you want a riverside break

Keep the walk short and check your shoes and the weather

The riverside is pleasant, but watch your footing and the cold after rain or in winter. Keep small children back from the water.

On a rainy day

Visit the hot spring and Woodone Museum of Art

When an outdoor walk is impractical, a bath and museum visit make a calm half-day mountain drive.

If you are visiting in winter

Check road conditions toward Yoshiwa first

Snow and ice can affect the roads toward Megahira. Check the weather even if you only plan to visit the hot spring.

Highlights

Spa Rakan is a mountain roadside station for relaxing in its hot spring, eating at the restaurant, and shopping for Yoshiwa maitake mushrooms and wasabi products, rather than a large shopping complex. Its parking lot has 44 spaces, so at lunchtime or during events it helps to choose whether bathing or eating is your main priority. Take a short walk by the river, add Rakan Gorge or the Woodone Museum of Art, and check snowy roads toward Yoshiwa in winter. If you want a leisurely stop, check opening hours and closing days before leaving.

#Hiroshima Prefecture
#Hatsukaichi City
#National Route 186
#Rakan Onsen hot spring
#Radon hot spring
#Sauna
#Open-air bath
#Yoshiwa maitake mushrooms
#Wasabi products
#Rakan Gorge
#Mountain drive
#24-hour toilets

Practical information

Registration number: 広島-08
Prefecture: Hiroshima Prefecture
Municipality: Hatsukaichi City
Road: National Route 186
Telephone: 0829-72-2221
Closed days: Closed Tuesdays. Check official notices for maintenance changes and New Year holiday hours.
Station stamp: Available

Address

21-5 Iiyama, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県廿日市市飯山21-5)

Facilities

Rakan Onsen hot spring
Open-air bath
Sauna
Large bath with a view
Changing room
Rest area
Restaurant
Local produce market and shop
Information corner
Viewing terrace
Riverside walk
24-hour toilets

3 more facilities listed.

External links

Visit the official website (Japanese)Background information (Japanese)sparakan.com (Japanese guide)sparakan.com (Japanese guide)sparakan.com (Japanese guide)sparakan.com (Japanese guide)www.city.hatsukaichi.hiroshima.jp (Japanese guide)dive-hiroshima.com (Japanese guide)hatsu-navi.jp (Japanese guide)www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp (Japanese guide)

Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

A mountain-road stop centered on its hot spring

On a drive along National Route 186, this is worth more than a quick shopping stop. Rakan Onsen is a radon hot spring, unusual in Hiroshima, with an open-air bath and sauna where you can loosen up after driving. For a short stop, use the toilets and shop; with more time, add a bath. The choice is part of its appeal.

Eat and take home foods distinctive to Yoshiwa

Yoshiwa maitake (hen-of-the-woods) mushrooms, awabitake (abalone) mushrooms, wasabi products, and local vegetables make memorable purchases at the shop. Following a refresh in spring 2026, the restaurant revised its menu; spice curry, meat dishes, and occasional limited collaboration dishes may be available. If the meal is the main reason for your stop, check last orders and temporary notices first.

Extend your visit to the river, Rakan Gorge, or Yoshiwa

You can hear the Oze River close to the station. A little farther away are Otaki Falls and Kasanari Rock in Rakan Gorge, the Woodone Museum of Art in Yoshiwa, and the Megahira area in winter. Choose the gorge on a clear day, the hot spring and museum in rain, or a bath stop after checking winter road conditions. The best detour changes with the season.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

Adult drives toward Hatsukaichi, Yoshiwa, or Iwakuni

Add a hot spring to a Route 186 rest stop

There is more here than toilets and a drink. If your shoulders are stiff from driving, bathe at Rakan Onsen, then visit the restaurant or shop. Its appeal is a quiet rest for your body along a mountain road.

On National Route 186: climb the mountain road from the Hatsukaichi IC side, or head south from the Yoshiwa IC side.

Closed Tuesdays; last admission for bathing is 18:00. If arriving late, allow for a visit without a bath.

Days when you lack time to bathe but want something local to take home

Stop briefly for food and shopping

The shop's main draws are maitake and awabitake mushrooms, wasabi products, and local vegetables. The restaurant offers its refreshed menu and occasional limited items. Even a light lunch and a few things for the car or dinner make the stop worthwhile.

Parking lot → shop → restaurant or terrace → 24-hour toilets.

Products vary by season and time of day. Come earlier if shopping is your main goal.

Clear days, autumn foliage season, and a short photo stop

Add time outdoors at Rakan Gorge

Rakan Gorge runs from Kurisu to Iiyama and offers views of Otaki Falls, deep pools, and unusual rocks. Even a short riverside look after bathing or eating captures the mountain character of National Route 186.

Spa Rakan → area around Otaki Falls → Kasanari Rock, if time allows.

After rain, watch the water level and your footing. Keep small children away from the water's edge.

Adult trips, drives with older family members, and days for a short outdoor walk

Spend a rainy day quietly at the hot spring and museum

When the weather turns, bathe and eat at the station, then visit the Woodone Museum of Art in Yoshiwa. You can enjoy the mountain setting while spending time indoors with an exhibition and a cafe break.

Spa Rakan → Woodone Museum of Art; about 25–30 minutes by car through the mountains.

The museum closes between exhibitions and for winter. Check its official calendar for your visit.

Skiing, snow play, and visits to the Yoshiwa hot spring resort

Combine a winter stop with the Megahira area

In winter, pair the Megahira Onsen Ski Resort area with a bath, meal, or toilet break at Spa Rakan on the way there or back. The snow is appealing, but it also makes mountain driving more demanding.

Spa Rakan → Yoshiwa area → Megahira Ski Resort and Megahira Onsen.

Snow, ice, night skiing hours, and closing days vary by year. Check road information and official facility notices when planning a winter trip.

Hours

Opening hours

Facilities, shop, and information corner

10:00-19:00

Hours may change with the season or maintenance.

Rakan Onsen hot spring

10:00-19:00

Last admission is 18:00. A rental towel set is available.

Restaurant

11:00-19:00

Last orders are at 18:00. Check official notices for menus and events.

Parking lot and toilets

24 hours

Visitors are asked to refrain from using the parking lot for overnight stays.

Woodone Museum of Art

10:00-17:00

Hours are approximate. Closing days vary by exhibition; the museum is closed for winter from December 7, 2026, to mid-March 2027.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under

★★☆☆☆

The hot spring and meals mainly serve as a break for adults; keep a visit with an infant short.

There are 24-hour toilets and facilities for visitors with disabilities, but adapt riverside walks and mountain travel to the weather.

Ages 2–3

★★★☆☆

The river setting is enjoyable, but take care around the water's edge and moving cars in the parking lot.

Focus on eating and a toilet break; keep outdoor walking to a distance where an adult can hold the child's hand.

Ages 4–6

★★★☆☆

A hot spring visit, a meal, and a short riverside walk make a refreshing combination.

If continuing to Rakan Gorge, bring shoes that can get wet and a change of clothes.

Elementary school age

★★★★☆

Children can enjoy Rakan Gorge, Otaki Falls, Kasanari Rock, and seasonal changes toward Megahira in winter.

On high-water days, in snow season, or after dusk, plan around travel time and road conditions.

Toilets

There are men's and women's toilets, facilities for visitors with disabilities, and an ostomate-equipped toilet.

Food

This is not a large food court with options for every child; familiar snacks may help.

Outdoor play

This is not a stop built around play equipment. Enjoy the water and mountain setting on a short walk.

Hot spring

Approximate bathing charges: adults ¥850, elementary school children ¥500, young children ¥300. Keep the bath short as appropriate for age and health.

Rest

Ideas for a restful stop

1
Look for a parking space first
The parking lot has 44 spaces. At this small station, choosing a spot near the entrance on busy days and keeping outdoor walks short can make the visit easier.
2
Choose the meal or bath first
Last admission for the hot spring and last orders at the restaurant are both at 18:00. If using both, choose an order that leaves enough time.
3
Enjoy a short riverside walk
The sound of water and mountain air are pleasant, but the ground can be unsteady after rain or in winter. A short walk is enough to enjoy this setting.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Terrace seating

A place for outdoor plans such as BBQ with mountain foods. Check the weather and reservation terms.

Rakan Restaurant

The place to find limited dishes and museum collaborations. Check current official notices if eating is your main goal.

Local produce market and shop

Maitake mushrooms, wasabi products, and local vegetables vary with the season and deliveries.

Rakan Onsen hot spring

Bathing can anchor a visit even on event days; keep last admission and possible crowds in mind.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Its small scale is both an advantage and a planning point

This is not a large roadside station where you browse for hours. The hot spring, restaurant, shop, and river are close together; allow time for parking and a possible meal wait when busy.

Check the hot spring's operating status before building your day around it

The hot spring has temporarily suspended operations before because of equipment issues. If bathing is the goal, check official notices or social media before departure.

Source: Official notices

A rest stop for touring and mountain drives

Beside a gorge on National Route 186, it brings together a hot spring, restaurant, and 24-hour toilets. It is useful for a break en route beyond central Hiroshima or Miyajima toward Yoshiwa or Iwakuni.

The river and gorge shine in summer and autumn; roads shape winter visits

Fresh greenery and autumn leaves make Rakan Gorge an appealing detour. Toward Yoshiwa, snow and ice can affect roads in winter; check conditions when combining a visit with Megahira.

Limited restaurant plans can connect with nearby attractions

The July 2026 Woodone Museum of Art collaboration is an example. Pairing the restaurant with the hot spring or museum gives you options if a limited dish is unavailable.

Source: Official notices

With children, focus on the river and a break rather than play equipment

This is not a station with large play equipment for hours of play. Use the toilets, eat, and take a short walk to refresh during a drive. Watch children by the water and shorten walks after rain.

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

The hot spring is open 10:00–19:00, with last admission at 18:00. The restaurant also takes last orders at 18:00; a late arrival leaves little time for both.
Closed Tuesdays. Maintenance or temporary closures are possible, so check official notices before making the hot spring the focus of your trip.
The 44-space parking lot is available 24 hours, but visitors are asked not to use it for overnight stays. At night, keep to a brief toilet stop.
For Rakan Gorge or a riverside walk, watch water levels and footing after rain and keep children back from the water. Photo stops may increase in autumn foliage season.
For a winter drive toward Yoshiwa and Megahira, check snow, ice, and ski resort operating days. If you are unfamiliar with mountain roads, travel in daylight.
Limited restaurant dishes and BBQ availability change quickly. Check official notices and Instagram for sellouts and reservation requirements.

Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

Restaurant
Rakan Restaurant spice curry
Check official notices for availability and price
Restaurant and reservation
Meat dishes and BBQ set
Approx. ¥9,800 for BBQ with equipment provided; ¥7,020 for takeaway BBQ
Local produce market
Yoshiwa maitake and awabitake mushrooms
Varies with supply and season
Shop
Wasabi products
Varies by product
Limited-time item
Limited collaboration burger
¥1,300 including tax and box, for a limited period in summer 2026; check official notices for current availability

Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Eat before or after bathing

Restaurant spice curry and meat dishes

The restaurant revised its menu after a spring 2026 refresh. Choose between a light meal before bathing or a relaxed meal afterwards.

The restaurant is open 11:00–19:00, with last orders at 18:00. Allow time to switch the order of bathing and eating when it is busy.

Buy local flavors

Yoshiwa maitake and awabitake mushrooms and wasabi products

Yoshiwa's mountain foods are the natural focus here. Choosing something to use at home lets a short stop linger after the trip.

Local produce varies with the season and deliveries. Come early if you have a particular item in mind.

Summer outdoor meal

BBQ with equipment provided or takeaway BBQ

Reservations for the BBQ began in July 2026. It combines meat from Kikusada, Yoshiwa-grown Megahira maitake mushrooms, and local vegetables. It suits the terrace or a takeaway meal at a campsite.

Reserve by 17:00 two days before your visit. Check official notices for the end date and current availability.

Look for a limited item

Woodone Museum of Art collaboration menu, planned for its summer 2026 exhibition

In July 2026, a limited whale tatsuta burger appeared for the Woodone Museum of Art's summer exhibition, July 4–September 13. Tatsuta refers to Japanese-style seasoned, fried meat. Collaborations change, so check current restaurant announcements if visiting the museum.

Official notices do not always specify when limited items end. Have another meal option in mind.

Keep it light

Vegetables, processed foods, and drinks from the shop

Even without a bath, you can briefly use the toilets, shop, and information corner. A drink or something for the car is helpful on a mountain drive.

Parking is limited. On busy days, consider moving on after a short stop.

Access

Location and surroundings

Driving directions from your location

Open in your map app Open in Google Maps

Explore stations near 廿日市市 (Japanese guide)

If the map does not load, open it in Google Maps

Roadside station

Roadside Station Spa Rakan (道の駅スパ羅漢)

A hot spring beside the Oze River, maitake mushrooms and wasabi products to take home, and a detour into Rakan Gorge turn a mountain-road break on National Route 186 into a short trip.

Open in Google Maps

Art museum

Woodone Museum of Art

On a rainy day or adult trip, follow a hot spring break with art in Yoshiwa.

Open in Google Maps

At the station and riverside

Spa Rakan Riverside Walk

Spend a few minutes with the sound of the river before or after a bath.

Open in Google Maps

Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.

Nearby