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.
Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, a hidden hot spring in Towada, Aomori Prefecture
In the 25th installment of our series "The Charm of Hot Springs", we introduce Tsuta Onsen Ryokan in Aomori Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Ogasawara, the innkeeper.
A hot spring inn in Towada City with the natural beauty of the Ou Mountains and otherworldly art
What kind of place is Towada City where Tsuta Onsen Ryokan is located?
Towada City is located on the east side of the Ou Mountains and is home to a wide variety of nature, including Lake Towada, the Oirase mountain stream, and the Hakkouda mountain range. In the urban area, the Towada Museum of Contemporary Art is the center of a new art scene that is different from the world of contemporary art. The cityscape is in the process of gradually blending nature and new stories based on history (History). Left: Spring, Right: Winter
A therapeutic bathhouse that has healed people since the Heian period (794-1192)
Tsuta Onsen has a very long history, dating back to the Heian period.
What was the origin of the hot springs? There is a theory that the year 1147 was the year Minamoto no Yoritomo was born. The mountain range to which Tsuta Onsen belongs is the outer rim of Lake Towada and the Minami Hakkoda Federland. Since the last eruption of Lake Towada is said to have occurred 1,000 years ago, it is said that the base of the Tsuta Onsen area was formed by the eruption of the outer rim of the mountain, which was inspired by the eruption of Lake Towada.Former Tsuta Onsen
Tsuta Onsen Ryokan" appears in numerous works.
I saw that many great writers visited Tsuta Onsen. Did they write in Tsuta Onsen, or are there any novels set in Tsuta Onsen?
Yumori Ogasawara "First of all, one of the three people who made Towadako famous is Omachi Keigetsu, who was born in Tosa, Kochi. In his later years, he moved his main residence to Tsuta Onsen and died here. It is well known that she fought with Akiko Yosano in the literary world, and is said to have had a considerable influence on the literary world of the time, appearing in Soseki Natsume's "Bo-chan" (Boy-chan) under her own name. In the novel "Hiyake no hito" (The Man in the House of Fire) by Kazuo Dann, Tsuta Onsen appears as the place where Mr. Dann spent the first night with his mistress, Kyoko Irie.
Composer Osami Okamoto also left a work based on Tsuta Onsen. Takuro Yoshida's "Tabi no Yado" contains lyrics about Okamoto's honeymoon visit to Tsuta Onsen. The song "On the Pedestrian Bridge" was also inspired by a scene at Tsuta Onsen.
It has also been used as the setting for numerous films over the years. Omachi Keigetsu Museum
You can fully enjoy the blessings of the beech forest with hot spring water flowing from the fountainhead
I saw that Tsuta Onsen is a hot spring with its spring water flowing freely from the source. Can you tell us about the quality and benefits of the hot spring water?
Mr. Ogasawara, a hot-spring guardian "When it comes to hot springs in the Hakkouda mountain range, sulfur springs such as Sangayu Onsen are the mainstream, but sulfate springs (sodium sulfate spring) are the mainstream in the South Hakkouda mountain range to which Tsuta Onsen belongs. The rainwater that has fallen on the forest of beech trees spends different amounts of time and gushes out as hot spring water and spring water. 47 ℃ bathtubs are set up above the source of spring water, and although the hot spring is characterized by its heat, the spring water that is poured into the bathtub is also rainwater stored in the forest of beech trees, just like the hot spring. It can be said that this is the moment when rainwater that has fallen on the same mountain meets again after passing through the passage of time.
The hot spring gases from this spring are harmless, and bathing in the hot spring water is said to have the same effect as taking a hot spring bath. In particular, guests with asthma and other respiratory problems have told us that they feel relieved after staying in the hot spring baths for long periods of time." Kyuan-no-yu (men's and women's changing system)
A base for sightseeing in Oirase
What kind of scenery can be enjoyed at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, which is located near the entrance to the Oirase Keiryu Stream?
Mr. Ogasawara, the Yumamori "Although it is located at the entrance to the Oirase mountain stream, it has no direct connection with the stream itself since it is 6 km away. In recent years, the Tsuta swamps and other lakes and marshes located behind Tsuta Onsen have also been recognized as a tourist attraction, and during the autumn foliage season, heavy traffic congestion is a problem, even to the point of restricting admission. However, this field is not only a place that offers rare views during the autumn foliage season, but also during all four seasons.
One of our guests has said to us, "It is a rewarding mountain no matter what time of year you come. An example of guest rooms
Enjoy the slow flow of time in your own way
Tsuta Onsen has various attractions such as hot springs, cuisine, and rooms, etc. Do you have any recommendations on how to spend your time at the ryokan? How do you recommend spending the time from check-in to check-out?
Ms. Ogasawara, Yumamori "Each guest spends different time, sometimes strolling along the promenade, sometimes enjoying the hot springs, sometimes reading a book, and so on. However, what everyone says is that "the attraction is the space where you can feel the difference in the length of a minute, which is different from everyday life. Rather than pushing the idea that you can do this or that, the attraction is the depth of nostalgia that says, "I like something about this. Inside the building
In October 2022, Tohoku's first top-quality villa will be opened!
Mr. Ogasawara, Yumori "We have three separate houses, each of which has been designed based on a different concept."
The three detached rooms, completely produced by Japanese design master "Kei Matsuba," also have a half-open-air bath in the guest room that uses hot spring water from the Tsuta Onsen source! Also, you can enjoy special meals prepared exclusively for guests staying at the apartments.
These carefully selected apartments are perfect for a special trip!
Gekkan
We propose a luxurious time with items that are so carefully selected that they seem to trap the beautiful "moments" of nature. Separated room "Gekkan
Yakkaku
Healed by the hidden hot spring said to have healed a crane shot by a hunter and the blue color that calms the mind and enhances concentration. Yakkaku
Gourd
Hyotanuma, one of the seven Tsuta swamps. The motif is a gourd said to absorb evil spirits and purify the air. Hyotan
Time to surrender yourself to nature
Lastly, please tell us about Yumori's commitment and your message to customers.
Mr. Ogasawara, the hot-spring guardian "Whether or not you are moved by clear, colorless hot water, whether or not you are moved by soaking in hot water that is not the right temperature for you, whether or not you are moved by the multi-racial and multi-lingual atmosphere of the bathhouse.
Not special, people are part of nature."
Tsuta Onsen has welcomed all kinds of people in its long history. It will continue to do so. I believe that about 1,000 years ago, there was already a community here centered around the hot springs, and people who were moved by the wind blowing here came back again. Perhaps this is what makes the difference between a minute and a minute in nature. Kaiseki meal (example)
Enjoy the time to blend in with the long history and magnificent nature.
What did you think? We asked him to tell us more about Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. The hot spring water bubbling up from under your feet, and the extraordinary experience of being surrounded by a forest of beech trees. Please visit Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, which has been healing people since the Heian period. Example of a guest room
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.
Free shuttle bus service from Shichinohe-Towada Station (reservation required)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Next time
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 below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview cooperation: Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
