The Hot Springs of Shiobara
Each of the hot-spring areas contains a number of individual onsen, and even neighboring baths can have very different characteristics. This list starts with the easternmost onsen at the entrance to the valley (on the right side of the diagram) and follows the river toward its source in the northwest (on the left side).
Ooami Onsen
This is the deepest point in the valley. Stairs lead down from the highway to two
outdoor baths 150 meters below.
Qualities: sodium sulfate springs
Temperature: 40°C–50°C
Color: clear
Fukuwata Onsen
Some of the spring waters are piped in from the Shiogama area. Fukuwata has
been the site of many traditional inns (ryokan) since 1533, but the current
buildings date back to 1949, when the ryokan were all destroyed by fire and had
to be rebuilt.
Qualities: sodium and calcium chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs
Temperature: 70°C
Color: clear, gold
Shiogama Onsen
The hot springs in Shiogama produce more water than any other area in Shiobara.
Qualities: sodium chloride springs, sodium sulfate springs
Temperature: 38°C–76°C
Color: clear
Shionoyu Onsen
Located on the Kanomata River, these springs have the highest salt concentration
of any in Shiobara.
Qualities: sodium chloride springs, simple springs
Temperature: 29°C–59°C
Color: clear, dark reddish brown, light gray
Hataori Onsen
These springs are located in the central part of town. Hataori Onsen was the setting
for a novel by Ozaki Kōyō (1868–1903) that made Shiobara famous throughout Japan.
Qualities: simple hot springs, chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs
Temperature: 42°C–76°C
Color: clear
Monzen Onsen
Located in central Shiobara Onsen, not far from Myōunji Temple.
Qualities: chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs
Temperature: 54°C–74°C
Color: clear
Furumachi Onsen
Many inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops are located near these springs
in the middle of Shiobara.
Qualities: simple hot springs, chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs
Temperature: 30°C–70°C
Color: clear
Nakashiobara Onsen and Kamishiobara Onsen
Located in the northern reaches of Shiobara.
These two onsen are the newest hot springs in town.
Qualities: simple hot springs, chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs
Temperature: 16°C–67°C
Color: clear
Arayu Onsen
This is the only onsen in Shiobara’s highland area and is located near two ski resorts.
Qualities: simple acidic sulfur springs
Temperature: 50°C–77°C
Color: clear, milky white
Motoyu Onsen
Site of the first hot springs discovered at Shiobara. Located inside a dense forest
on a quiet mountain, the onsen here draws a large number of guests.
Qualities: sodium and calcium chloride springs, hydrogen carbonate springs, sulfur springs
Temperature: 35°C–56°C
Color: clear, black, pale green