Toyama Prefecture 【Omaki Onsen Ryokan】 Vol.23 The Charm of "Chiiki/ Onsen" from a Hot Springs Master

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The charm of "THE ONSEN" is revealed!

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 a "Yumamori"?

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.

Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan, a secluded inn that can only be reached by boat

In the 23rd installment of our series "Ask a Yumoriya about the Charms of Local Hot Springs," we introduce Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan in Toyama Prefecture. We interviewed the innkeeper, Mr. Moriya.

Nanto City, surrounded by nature, where the original landscape of good old Japan remains

Please tell us about Nanto City where Omaki Onsen is located.
Moriya-san, Yumoriya-san
"The famous sightseeing spot is the World Heritage Site "Ainokura Gassho-Zukuri Village". It is a precious village where Gassho-zukuri houses built between 100 and 350 years ago stand side by side, preserving the historical landscape of Gokayama. The scenery changes with the seasons, especially in winter when the entire village is covered in snow, creating a mysterious landscape. Tonami City next door is a beautiful town with the largest area of tulip bulbs cultivated in Japan. At Tonami Tulip Park, where the Tonami Tulip Fair is held in spring, you can see tulips as far as the eye can see.
Tonami Tulip Park

Omaki Onsen" with a history of approximately 840 years

I heard that the history of Omaki Onsen began when fallen warriors of the Heike clan healed their bodies in the hot spring, and that it sank to the bottom of the lake when the Komaki Dam was completed. Can you tell us about the history and how it came to operate as a single inn that can only be reached by boat?
Moriya-san
"Omaki Onsen was opened in 1183. Fujiwara Kabo, a Heike warrior who was defeated in the Battle of Kutugara Pass, was wandering around Omaki when he discovered a hot spring bubbling up from the riverbank. It is said that he took a sip of the hot spring water and healed his wounds by bathing in it. However, in 1930, with the completion of the Komaki Dam, the Omaki Hot Springs sank to the bottom of the lake. In 1931, the Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan reopened as the Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan.
Current Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan

A therapeutic hot spring that is effective against all kinds of diseases

I heard that the Omaki Onsen became popular as a therapeutic hot spring for all kinds of illnesses. Can you tell us about the features of the source, such as the color, aroma, and efficacy of the hot water?
Moriya-san
"The water is clear and colorless, and smells a little of sulfur because it is a mixture of chloride and sulfate springs. The amount of water gushing out is 360 liters per minute, and it is free-flowing hot-spring water. It is effective for abrasions, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases, etc. Because it is a chloride spring, the salts enter the pores and block them, making it difficult for the water to cool down once it is heated. The Shogawa Seiryu Onsen, a high-temperature source that springs from the center of the Shogawa River, is soft to the touch and warms the body from the core.
Natural Hot Spring at Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan

Natural hot spring with a spectacular view boasting a high-quality source of spring water

So the source of the hot spring is the reason why the water does not get cold easily. Omaki Onsen has open-air baths for men and women, a large bath, a medium-sized bath, and a terrace bath.
Moriya-san
"The open-air bath for men is an open rock formation surrounded by virgin forest, and you can feel as if you are embraced by nature. You can hear birds chirping and plants rustling in the wind, just like in a forest. Animals such as antelopes are sometimes seen here.
The open-air bath for women offers a view of the Shogawa River and the canyon. There are two natural hot springs: a large bathtub and a small bathtub built out of the rock face.
Open-air bath for men
Open-air bath for women
Large baths are available for men and women separately by the lake. Through wide glass windows, visitors can view the sheer cliffs and the leisurely flowing surface of the water.
The middle bath is for women and is located at a height close to the lake's surface. The large glass windows offer a different and spectacular view from the other locations.
The terrace bath is made of cypress and is for men. The Shogawa Gorge spread out before your eyes is breathtaking. At night, fog sometimes rolls in, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Large bath (for women)
Terrace bath

Magnificent seasonal scenery

There are various types of bathhouses, aren't there? I would like to try all of them! I heard that you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons at Omaki Onsen in the mountains.
Moriya-san
"In spring, the mountain gorge is enveloped in fresh green, wildflowers such as yukiwari grass, katakago and shunran bloom, and wild vegetables such as udo, royal fern, taranome and wasabi sprout at once.
In summer, the surface of the lake turns emerald green, and in autumn, the autumn leaves of the mountain gorge are wonderfully captured. In winter, the mountain gorge is covered with snow, creating a silvery white world. Migratory birds fly in and Japanese serows can be seen on the cliffs.
Flowers in spring
Silver-white world in winter

Activities to enjoy during your stay

The four seasons are a wonderful sight to enjoy in this unexplored region surrounded by nature. I also heard that there are unique activities that take advantage of the location on the cliff of the dam lake.
Moriya-san
"You can catch sea trout, rainbow trout, and other fish from the fishing grounds of the Shogawa River, a first-class river, on the grounds. Fishing equipment is available at the inn, so you can enjoy fishing even if you come empty-handed (rental of fishing equipment is available for a fee: 1,000 yen per set including bait). How about spending a relaxing time in the hot springs, admiring the abundant nature, and fishing at the same time?
Fishing spot of Shogawa River

Quiet and luxurious time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life

So you can enjoy fishing on the premises? It looks like you can spend a relaxing time both in the hot springs and fishing without worrying about the time. Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan offers various attractions such as hot springs, cuisine, rooms, and activities. Do you have any recommendations on how to spend your time at the ryokan?
Moriya:
"Since the ryokan is located in the mountains and has a quiet atmosphere, we recommend that you stay at the ryokan to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and feel something out of the ordinary. After checking in, you can relax in the hot spring and enjoy dinner in a room with a view of the valley. The meals are kaiseki cuisine using seafood from Himi Port on the Sea of Japan and seasonal mountain delicacies. The outdoor and terrace baths are open until 9:00 p.m., and the large and medium baths are available 24 hours a day, so we recommend that you take another dip in the hot spring before going to bed.
Fishing is also recommended during the warmer months such as summer. Many of our guests go fishing after check-in or early in the morning.
Dinner (image)

Peaceful time in the embrace of nature

Lastly, please tell us about Yumori's specialties and your message to our customers.
Moriya-san
"Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan is a single inn in a secluded area that can only be reached by boat. The hot spring water is 43 degrees Celsius and contains chlorinated spring water, so you can warm your body slowly. Please come to Omaki Onsen to relax from your daily fatigue."
Around the front lobby

Ryokan with a refreshing view of the valley

What did you think? In this article, we asked for more information about the Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan. Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan" is a secluded, one-house inn with a special atmosphere that can only be reached by boat. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, you will be able to spend a peaceful time surrounded by nature. One of the charms of this ryokan is that the scenery changes with the seasons: wild vegetables in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter.

How about getting healed at "Omaki Onsen Kanko Ryokan" surrounded by nature where good old history remains?

◆Next notice

Please enjoy a luxurious time surrounded by nature at Lamp Inn Takamine Onsen! Please look forward to the next installment.
If you would like to know more about "Ji-onsen", please click the link button below.
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