One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the onsen (hot springs)! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by locals for centuries? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area have a long history and have been protected by these "yumori," or "hot spring guardians," who are the pride of the hot spring resorts introduced in this project.
A hot-spring cure for the eyes, where the source of the water is poured directly into seven baths and the scenery is also a source of recreation
In the 15th installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Morin (hot spring guardian) about the charms of local hot springs," we introduce you to Okuyuzawa Kaigake Onsen in Niigata Prefecture. We asked Mr. Hasegawa, the hot spring guardian, about the hot spring. Front of the entrance
In the Okuyuzawa area of Niigata Prefecture, the name of the hot spring and the name of the inn are the same.
What are the features and attractions of Kaigake Onsen, which has a history dating back 700 years?
Mr. Hasegawa, the hot spring guardian "The name of the hot spring and the name of the inn are the same. We have continued to operate as a one-house inn. The hot spring is characterized by its clear and colorless chloride spring water, and the temperature of the source is 37°C, which is close to the temperature of a mother's stomach. The attraction of the hot spring is that the temperature allows you to take a long bath, and the view from the bathhouse is all natural, so you can feel the real pleasure of being in a one-house inn on a site of 9,000 tsubo. Open-air bath in the midst of nature
Benefits of Kaigake Onsen Hot Springs
It is known as a "hot spring for the eyes" that contains a lot of metaboric acid.
Mr. Hasegawa, the bath keeper "Washing the eyes while bathing is a style of therapeutic bathing that has been handed down in Kaigake Onsen since the Edo period. The custom of washing one's eyes in a hot spring bath is rare. People wash their eyes by holding their hands over the mouth of the hot spring. Many customers take the spring water and bring it back home with them. Large bath with the warmth of wood
Kaigake Onsen in autumn and winter when it gets cold
What do you think of the changing scenery unique to Kaigake Onsen in the coming season?
Mr. Hasegawa, the hot-spring guardian "You can enjoy the autumn leaves starting in mid-October while strolling and bathing. In early winter, you can enjoy the calm season as if you are looking at an ink painting, and in December, when it snows, you can enjoy snow viewing in the open-air baths. Autumn scenery with beautiful autumn leaves Winter scenery with deep snow
Snow-viewing open-air bath" unique to the deep snow of Kaigake Onsen
I'm sure the snow-viewing open-air baths while soaking in the hot springs are wonderful. Please tell us about sightseeing in the area.
Mr. Hasegawa, Yumori "Yes, that's right. Okuyuzawa, where Kaigake Onsen is located, is an area with deep snow, so it is famous as a snow viewing open-air bath. Since there is so much snow in the area, there are also many ski resorts. It is adjacent to Kagura ski resort, Naeba ski resort, Kamidate ski resort, and GALA ski resort. Just this time of year, the popular Naeba gondola and Tashiro ropeway are at their peak for walking through the autumn foliage in the air! It takes only 10 minutes by car from the inn, so it is very accessible. Open-air bath with a view of the snow
Folk art style inn
What are the features of the rooms with the warmth of wood?
Ms. Hasegawa Hashimoto, Yumori "The building was built in the Meiji era, and the beams are bare, using an ancient construction method. It has the warmth of a wooden structure. Guest rooms
Koshihikari rice produced in Minamiuonuma, a rice-producing region in Niigata, is our specialty.
What is the attraction of the food?
Yumori Hasegawa "We offer Minamiuonuma mountain village kaiseki cuisine. We polish our own Koshihikari rice produced in Minamiuonuma for the number of guests and cook it every morning and evening. The table is decorated with dishes centering on wild vegetables and river fish, using seasonal ingredients that match the finest Koshihikari. Dinner featuring the finest Uonuma Koshihikari rice
Delicious rice, delicious water, and locally brewed sake
I hear that the local sake is also delicious. What kind of sake do you recommend and what kind of combination matches your dishes?
Mr. Hasegawa Yumori "Niigata's sake is mostly light and dry. Kubota, Hakkaisan, Kozenjosui, Tsururei and other popular sakes are locally brewed in Minamiuonuma." Delicious "local sake" produced by Minamiuonuma rice and clean water
What is the commitment of the Yumamori?
Lastly, please tell us about your commitment and thoughts as Yumori and your message to your customers.
Mr. Hasegawa, the bath keeper "We fill seven bath tubs with hot spring water that has just gushed out. We want our guests to enjoy the hot spring water as it is freshly gushed out. Kaigake Onsen is a hot spring ryokan after a bathhouse. We will continue to protect the source with care. The entire inn is a relaxing space where you can feel the warmth of wood.
Visit "Oku-Yuzawa Kaigake Onsen" to enjoy hot water that is good for the eyes
What did you think? In this article, we asked you about "Okuyuzawa Kaigake Onsen" in Niigata Prefecture in detail. Known as a "hot spring for the eyes," it is so effective in sterilizing the eyes that you can spend a good time for your eyes while relaxing and enjoying the surrounding scenery. Why not experience the unique charm of Kaigake Onsen?
Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!
You can create your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to choose your train and accommodations freely and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.
20 minutes from the East Exit of Echigo Yuzawa Station by bus bound for Naeba Prince or Asagai, 10 minutes walk from Kaigake Onsen bus stop.
(Pick-up service is available at Kaigake Onsen bus stop/contact before boarding the bus at Echigo Yuzawa Station bus stop)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Next time
We will continue to bring you the charms of eastern Japan's "local hot springs" in our series, "The Charms of Local Hot Springs"! Please look forward to the next installment and beyond. For more information on "Ji-onsen", please click on the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview Support: Okuyuzawa Kaigake Onsen *All images are for reference only.
