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.
Ogawa Onsen Motoyu Hotel Ogawa, where you can enjoy the open-air baths in the mountains
This time we will introduce you to "Ogawa Onsen Motoyu Hotel Ogawa" in Toyama Prefecture. We asked Mr. Aikawa, the hot spring guardian, about the hotel.
Historic "hot spring for children" and "hot spring for cures
Please tell us about the features and benefits of the hot springs we can enjoy.
Mr. Aikawa, the hot spring guardian The quality of the Ogawa Onsen is "bicarbonate spring. It is said to be good for neuralgia, rheumatism, women's diseases, oversensitivity to cold, infertility, and hemorrhoids for bathing, gastrointestinal diseases, constipation, and diabetes for drinking, and for chronic bronchitis and throat for inhalation. In addition, there is an old saying that if you bathe in the hot water of the creek, you will be blessed with a child, and it is believed by people in the surrounding area to be the hot spring that will bring children to the next generation. Prayers for fertility are also offered at the Yakushi Hall in the Burokan building next door. Please tell us about the differences between the large baths and four open-air baths and how to enjoy them.
Yumori Aikawa-san The outdoor mixed bathing cave open-air baths and the women-only lotus flower baths are 750 meters away from the hotel. The cave bath is 18 meters wide and 20 meters high, and is designated as a natural monument of Asahimachi as the limestone flowers of Ogawa Onsen. The lotus flower bath is an open-air bath where you can enjoy the surrounding scenery and forest bathing while soaking in the hot water. The open-air rock bath, open-air hinoki tub bath, and large bath can be enjoyed while being soothed by the sound of the babbling brook in front of you. Is Ogawa Onsen a historic hot spring? Please tell us about the history of Ogawa Onsen.
Aikawa-san, Yumamori Ogawa Onsen was opened in 1617, and according to Toyama Inodeyu Fudoki, records from the Edo period show that the four hot springs of Ogawa, Yamada, Omaki, and Tateyama are all known for their medicinal properties. Hotel Ogawa was established in 1886 (Meiji 19). It has a reputation for the quality of its hot spring water and has been loved by cultural figures such as Kyoka Izumi, who described it as the setting for her novel "The Soul of a Hot Spring Woman," and Yumeji Takeshita, who came to soak in its hot spring water.
What else can I do besides enjoy the hot springs?
What kind of food can we enjoy for dinner and breakfast? I have the image of an inn in the mountains, but looking at the website, can I enjoy seafood as well?
Aikawa-san, Yumamori You can enjoy fresh seafood from Toyama Bay, which is a natural fish pond, such as white shrimp, the jewel of Toyama Bay, firefly squid in early spring, yellowtail and crabs in winter, and grilled rock fish, which is also a great place for mountain stream fishing. Are there any recommended sightseeing spots or ways to enjoy the area around the inn?
Aikawa-san, a hot-spring guardian For sightseeing, we recommend the spring quartet of the Asahi Funakawa River and the Jade Coast.
Click here for information on the Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet and Jade Coast area introduced by us.
Lastly, what is your commitment and thoughts as a yumori-yumori-yumor, and what is your message to your customers?
Mr. Aikawa, the hot-spring guardian Please enjoy the quiet time with the sound of the murmuring stream while healing your daily fatigue at our hot spring, a single house inn in the mountains.
Visit Ogawa Onsen Motoyu Hotel Ogawa!
How was it? This time we asked you about "Ogawa Onsen Motoyu Hotel Ogawa" in Toyama Prefecture in detail. Why don't you come and enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath at a riverside inn?
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.
30 minutes drive from Kurobe Unazuki Onsen Station, free shuttle bus available (advance reservation required)
*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 cooperation: Hotel Ogawa
