Hot springs in Tsukioka

A traditional onsen town in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, discovered in 1917 when oil prospectors struck hot spring water instead of petroleum. The spring produces an emerald-green water from one of the highest sulfur concentrations of any spring in Japan. About 30 geisha still practice their craft here today, performing at the Tsukimidai theatre every Sunday from April through November.