Route 40°
North Latitude------4
Hot Springs
Route

Sukayu Hot Springs(Aomori City)

Hot springs offer physical and mental therapeutic benefits for many and also serve as a place where the usual social barriers disappear. In this busy modern age people have little time for building friendships. In response, many people seek to heal themselves at "hidden" hot springs, many of which can still be found in northern Tohoku. People also come to enjoy the traditional Japanese scenery.

Aoni Hot Springs (Kuroishi City)
These "hidden" hot springs are near the Aoni Valley. The inn is famous throughout the country for the magical atmosphere created by its gas lamps.

Nyuto Hot Springs (Senboku City)
Comprised of seven country style hot springs, this hot springs village at the foot of a mountain appeals particularly to women.

Akaishi Valley (Ajigazawa Town)
This clear stream runs from the Shirakami Mountain Range through the Akaishi River Valley and is home to much beautiful wildlife. The 85 meter-high Kurokuma no Taki Falls is a branch of this stream and is noted as one of Japan’s one hundred treasured waterfalls.

Tamagawa Hot Springs (Senboku City)
This rare water, with its strong acidic quality, is potent enough to bring a tingling sensation to the skin. Many visitors from far away come to enjoy the water's therapeutic effects for numerous illnesses and conditions.

Hanamaki Hot Springs (Hanamaki City)
There are twelve distinct hot springs, ranging from a simple spring discovered in the 14th century, to a luxury resort hotel.

Yuhi Coast (Fukaura Town)
This area features many scenic spots from which to view the evening sun as it sinks into the Sea of Japan, making it famous as the coast of the evening sun.

Nambu Sake Brewer Museum (Hanamaki city)
This hall was built to convey the history and skills of the Nambu sake brewer, one of the three great sake brewers in Japan. An old sake storehouse has been relocated and reconstructed here.

Koiwai Farm (Shizukuishi Town)
Established over 100 years ago, Koiwai Farm is the largest private general-purpose farm in Japan. Among its many attractions, you can observe the operations of the dairy, try your hand at archery, and enjoy star gazing at night.

The Benefits of Hot Springs
Hot springs impart a wide range of benefits and are recommended for individuals who suffer from such conditions as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, burns, poor circulation, and gynecological disorders. Conversations with strangers at hot springs allow individuals to open up and connect with others, unburdened by the usual baggage of social class. Researchers have established scientific proof affirming the benefits of bathing in terms of soothing the mind and relieving fatigue.

The History of Hot Springs
The fact that earthenware and stoneware were found near hot springs attests to the possibility that Japanese people have been using hot springs since ancient times. Hot springs healed the wounds of injured samurai and tired farmers suffering from the physical and mental stress of heavy labor. The bathers offered their thanks to the gods at the hot spring. There are many historical hot springs in northern Tohoku that feature shrines.

The Secret Treasures of Hot Springs
As Japan is a chain of volcanic islands, hot springs exist in every region of the country. Northern Tohoku is known as the "Kingdom of Hot Springs" because of the abundance of hot springs in the region. Northern Tohoku also has many "hidden" hot springs which flow from the depths of the valleys. Their steamy scenery continues to attract city dwellers. Surrounded by primeval forest, many of these hot springs have no electricity and use gas lamps for lighting.

Life Sketch

The Hot Springs Cure

In the Edo period (from 1700) people, mainly farmers, began the custom of visiting hot springs in the off-season to recover from fatigue and promote health. There remain many such old-fashioned hot springs in northern Tohoku. Many people enjoy two or three weeks of the Japanese resort life, spending their time resting, relaxing in the hot springs many times a day, and chatting with other bathers.