Tamatsukuri Onsen is a hot spring resort on the shore of Lake Shinji in Shimane, slightly west of Matsue. It’s a sulphate spring with water temperatures between 50–70 °C. It contains a remarkable number of minerals and other components that are beneficial to the skin.

One of the oldest hot springs in Japan, Tamatsukuri Onsen has a history dating back to at least 733, in the ancient book Izumo Fudoki, where gods are described as coming to bathe once a year since the creation of Japan. Many traditional Japanese inns and several large hotels line the banks of the Tamayu River, which runs through the spa resort to Lake Shinji. Tamatsukuri is a good base for visiting Matsue and Izumo Shrine. In spring, the cherry blossoms lining the river are beautiful. The San’in Expressway passes above the northern entrance to the resort.

In the Edo period, Tamatsukuri was a resort for the feudal lord of the Matsue domain. The resort takes its name from the manufacture of the comma-shaped magatama from local blue agate, one of Japan’s three sacred objects. This jewel motif can be seen around the resort.