Shizukuishi’s Hot Springs (Onsen)
The Shizukuishi region has a wide variety of onsen (hot springs). Taking a soak is delightful at any time of year, but it can be especially enjoyable in winter after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. Some of the following onsen are located inside hotels and inns (ryokan), while others are standalone facilities. Most of them welcome day visitors as well as overnight guests.
Visitors who have never bathed in a Japanese onsen should be aware of some simple rules before going. Everyone is expected to wash and rinse the whole body before entering the water. It is not acceptable to wear clothing or a swimsuit into the water. The facility will usually provide a small towel for washing, but this is left on the side of the tub, never brought in the water. These days, the vast majority of onsen have separate bathing areas for women and men, but it is generally acceptable for young children to accompany a caregiver of either gender in the baths. Many onsen will not accept guests with tattoos, so it is best to check in advance. In some cases, small tattoos may be covered with a bandage before entry, or it may be possible to reserve a private bath.
Oushuku
This small onsen village has been popular as a hot-spring destination for more than 450 years. There are a variety of places to stay, ranging from modern hotels to traditional family-run inns. According to legend, the hot springs were discovered during the late sixteenth century, when a man saw a Japanese bush warbler soaking its injured leg in the water. Local residents then began bathing in the springs. The area became so well known that eventually members of the local ruling families began visiting, too.
Today, the Oushuku area has its own mascot character inspired by the original tale about the bird: Kekyokichi, a chubby bush warbler who loves hot springs. Oushuku is also home to the small but pretty Outaki waterfall, which is an easy walk from most accommodations in the area.
Amihari
Located at the Kyukamura Iwate Amihari Onsen Hotel, this facility sits at the base of Mount Iwate, making it very convenient for skiers who come to the nearby slopes. There are several baths, including an outdoor one with panoramic views from an altitude of 760 meters.
Minami Amihari Arine
Day visitors are welcome at this onsen in the Yukotan no Mori Inn. The baths were designed to blend in with the surrounding forests.
Shizukuishi Takakura
Located at the Shizukuishi Prince Hotel, this onsen welcomes day visitors as well as hotel guests. The outdoor bath offers impressive views in all seasons, while a pond with colorful Japanese carp next to the baths adds to the ambience.
Hashiba
This facility is for day visitors only; there is a campground next door. It is part of the Shizukuishi Anekko Roadside Station (Michi-no-Eki) complex, which also houses several restaurants and gift shops. Guests may choose either Japanese- or Western-style baths.
Goshoko
One need not stay overnight to take advantage of these hot-spring baths in the Hotel Hana-no-yu. The indoor and outdoor baths offer impressive views of nearby Lake Gosho and Mt. Iwate.
Genbu
This tranquil hot-spring complex is near the Kakkonda River, and the water is unusually mild. Several of the accommodations are open to day visitors.
Tokan Iwate
Day visitors are welcome at this onsen in the Genbu Furyutei Inn. There are four outdoor baths overlooking the Kakkonda mountains, including two that can be reserved in advance for private use.
The following two hot-spring areas are closed in the winter months due to heavy snow:
Kunimi
Two Japanese-style inns in this onsen area, Ishizuka Ryokan and Morisanso, are open to day visitors. The ravine location is not accessible to tour buses and there is no cell phone service, making it ideal for anyone seeking solitude. The mineral-rich water is an unusual emerald-green color.
Takinoue
This secluded onsen at the Ryukanso Inn welcomes day visitors. It is surrounded by a beech forest and is close to the impressive Torigoe waterfall.