One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the 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 local people for a long time? 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 and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.
The "Akagaya Honkan" is famous for its riverside open-air baths that have continued to spring for more than 300 years.
In the nineteenth installment of our series "The Charms of Local Hot Springs", we introduce you to "Shiobara Shionoyu Onsen Meghaya Honkan" in Tochigi Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Kimishima, the bath guardian. Riverside open-air bath (winter)
History of the Meghaya Honkan, founded in 1674
Please tell us again about the history of Akagaya Honkan, which has been in operation for more than 300 years since the Edo period.
Yumori Kimijima-san My ancestors served the Utsunomiya clan and lived in Kimijima, present-day Moka City. After the Utsunomiya clan was exiled by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, they moved to Myogarizawa in Shiobara, where they ran an inn as well as farming and forestry. Myogarizawa was buried by a landslide, so they moved to their current location in 1674, where they knew and used the hot springs. Before tourism became popular, the inn was a therapeutic bathhouse, and was closed from the end of November to the end of April during the winter months. Entrance of Akagaya Honkan
About the popular riverside open-air baths
Please tell us about the charm of the "riverside open-air baths," which many visitors look forward to visiting.
Yumori Kimishima-san There are many hot springs named "open-air baths," but it is rare to find a hot spring with a river running beside the bathtub.
The Shikamata River really runs right next to the open-air baths. In winter, you can enjoy the open-air bath while watching the snow fluttering down to the river. Riverside open-air bath
A large bath where you can enjoy the different qualities of the spring water
Please tell us about the other sources of spring water and their benefits that can be enjoyed at the Meikaya Honkan.
Kimijima Kimishima-san, Yumamori Our inn offers two types of spring water: simple spring water, which is good for beautiful skin, and chloride spring water, which has a high heat-retaining effect. The simple spring contains manganese and is light black in color, while the chloride spring contains iron and salt and is brownish-brown in color.
What do you recommend?
Ms. Kimijima Kimishima In the large bathroom, the larger bathtub is a simple spring and the smaller bathtub is a chloride spring. Inner hot spring
Meals made with local ingredients
I see that you are particular about local ingredients. Please tell us about your cuisine.
Kimishima Kimishima-san, Yumori We serve a salad for breakfast made with kanpyo (dried gourd) from Tochigi Prefecture and premium Yashiomasu trout, a local salmon. Example of breakfast Example of dinner
About the surrounding area
Please tell us about the charms of Shiobara Onsenkyo, where the Akigaya Honkan is located, and if there are any recommended ways to enjoy the area.
Kimijima Kimishima-san Shiobara Onsen has a wide variety of hot springs with different qualities. It would be fun to try different types of hot springs. Walking along the promenade, visiting waterfalls and suspension bridges is also enjoyable. We also recommend visiting World Heritage sites and theme parks such as Nikko, Kinugawa, and Nasu from Shiobara.
Lastly, please tell us about your commitment and thoughts as a yumori and your message to customers.
Yumori-Kimishima-san Our hotel uses two types of spring water: simple spring water and chloride spring water. In the large bathroom, both the men's and women's bathtubs are filled with two different types of spring water. Please enjoy tasting the hot spring instead of drinking sake. We also minimize the amount of water added to lower the temperature of the hot spring water to a bathable temperature and adjust the volume of the water so that you can enjoy nearly 100% of the spring water. Akagaya main building exterior (autumn)
Visit "Shiobara Shionoyu Onsen Meghaya Honkan" where you can enjoy tasting the nearly 100% spring water.
How was it? In this issue, we asked for more information about Shiobara Shionoyu Onsen Akigaya Honkan in Tochigi Prefecture. Mr. Kimishima, the hot spring bath keeper, recommends you to enjoy the different qualities of the hot spring in a way that is typical of "local hot spring resorts. Why not visit?
Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!
You can make 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 freely select a train and accommodations 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! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
From the west exit of Nasushiobara Station, take a local bus bound for Shiobaraonsen. Approximately 60 minutes by bus from the West Exit of "Nasushiobara Station" to Shiobaraonsen, Get off at Shiobara Shiogama bus stop and walk about 20 minutes.
*The last bus from Nasu Shiobara to Shiobara Onsen departs at 14:10 (as of September 1 / times are subject to change). After that time, please use the buses departing from Nishinasuno Station on the Tohoku Main Line, Utsunomiya Line, or Ueno Tokyo Line (the buses between Nasu Shiobara and Nishinasuno are at your expense).
Pick-up service is available from Shiobara Shiogama bus stop (pick-up: 14:00-18:30, contact the inn upon arrival at Shiobara Shiogama bus stop TEL. 0287-32-2831, drop-off: 9:20, 10:00).
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
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 about "Ji-onsen", please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview supported by: Akegaya Honkan, Nafmedia Corporation, Nasushiobara Onsen Ryokan Association Union, Shiobara Onsen Tourism Association *All images are for reference only.
