Togatta Hot Springs, Miyagi Prefecture - Part 25: The charms of the local hot springs

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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.

Togatta Hot Springs has been in existence since the early Meiji era (1868-1912)

In this, our 25th installment of our series "Ask the Torman about Togatta Hot Springs", we talk to Togatta Hot Springs owner Mr. Takeuchi. We spoke to Mr. Takeuchi, the hot spring resort manager, about the hot spring.

Togatta Hot Springs is surrounded by the seasonal beauty of Zao's natural surroundings

Tell us about Togatta Hot Springs in Zao.
Takeuchi-san
Zao is home to the highest mountains, Kumanodake (1,841m) and Karitadake (1,758m), as well as a mountain climbing and sightseeing symbol called "Ogama". The village is rich in rice, vegetables and fruits, which are nurtured by Zao's melted snow, winds and climate.

Togatta Hot Springs has been in existence since the early Meiji era

Togatta Hot Springs has been in existence since the early Meiji period.
Takeuchi-san, Yumamori
Benefits include gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism, liver disease, and other digestive disorders. It is known as one of the three best hot springs in Japan for gastrointestinal diseases, and is characterized by the fact that you can drink the spring water. A unique bathing method is the kakeyu, or pouring hot water over the hot spring. Originally, it was started by spa guests using empty cans to pour a little of the hot water over their stomachs to get used to the hot water in Togatta Hot Springs.

Today, we have "Atsuyu" in the main bathhouse, where you lie on the edge of the bathtub and slowly pour hot water over your stomach to slowly warm your stomach. We hope you will try this kakeyu.
100% free-flowing hot-spring water

Winter cures for a year of health

What is the best time of year to visit the open-air baths, where you can see the scenery of the four seasons? Please also tell us about the characteristics of the four seasons.
Yumori Takeuchi-san
My personal recommendation is fresh greenery and the harsh winter months. The autumn foliage is popular as a view that 100 people think is wonderful, but the energy of the fresh green leaves as they begin to sprout life energizes us as well.

The coldest time of the year, around February, is also a good time to visit. It has long been said that if you take a hot-spring cure in winter, your body will become stronger and you will stay healthy for the whole year. We hope you will take the time to enjoy a Touji, which relaxes the body and mind by alternating between the cold outside and the warmth of the hot spring, and warm yourself in a bath with a view of the snow.
Separate open-air baths for men and women
Separate open-air baths for men and women

Providing meals your body deserves

What about the food? What kind of meals do you serve to please the body? Do you have any recommendations for the winter menu?
Yumori Takeuchi-san
Because the hot spring is famous for gastrointestinal illnesses, we want our meals to be good for the body. We would like to bring to our guests' mouths food that is good for the body and local, mainly seasonal ingredients, rather than meals for the sake of enjoying alcoholic beverages. We serve carefully prepared meals to our customers, focusing on vegetables and homemade smoked bacon.

In winter, the foot of Zao has well-drained soil covered with volcanic ash. Root vegetables such as daikon (Japanese radish) grow well there, and the difference in temperature between winter and winter increases their sweetness. Root vegetables warm the internal organs, making them ideal for winter.
Specialty potato stew and furofuki daikon radish

Guest rooms for a relaxing stay

Do you have any special features in your guest rooms? I know there are many people who spend time in the winter, so what kind of special features do you have?
Yumori Takeuchi
The wooden one-story construction and abundant use of cedar and cypress in the guest rooms blend in with Zao's natural surroundings. All rooms are equipped with underfloor heating, so your feet and bedding will be warm even in the harshest of winters. Whether you are alone, as a couple, or with your family. You can choose the room that best suits your needs.
10 tatami + 4.5 tatami (Japanese/Western style room)
10 tatami + 4.5 tatami (Japanese-style room)

Zao is a year-round experience

Are there any particular spots you would like people to see or feel when staying at Togatta Hot Springs?
Takeuchi-san, Yumoru
Trekking is recommended from spring to fall. Only those who have experienced it will understand the luxury of hiking through the fresh greenery of Zao and soaking in the hot springs. In summer, after dinner, we will take you to the top of Zao for a star gazing tour. In winter, we recommend the Juhyō (frost covered trees) viewing tour, which is held at the nearby ski resort (Sumikawa Snow Park) and takes you to the Juhyō (frost covered trees) field by snowmobile. The charm of Zao is that you can enjoy various experiences throughout the year. You can actively enjoy yourself even if you stay in Zao for several nights in winter.
Warming up by the fireplace

What is the commitment of the Yumamori?

We value the freshness and directness of the bounty from the earth that naturally gushes out from the mountains. We also want to spend "Togatta" with our guests through the very act of living in the mountains. It's not just a face-to-face relationship between innkeeper and guest, but also a "welcome back" and "itter-sa-sa". We want our guests to feel as free as possible, to feel as if they are staying in a vacation home in the mountains. We are always looking forward to your return.
Togatta Hot Springs is a relaxing hot spring cure in the middle of nowhere

A relaxing hot spring cure in the middle of nowhere

What did you think? This time we asked you to tell us more about Togatta Hot Springs. Togatta is located in the middle of Zao, where there is "almost no signal coverage". The grandeur of nature and the power of the hot springs awaits you, even away from your cell phone.

Togatta Hot Springs has been a protected hot spring resort since the early Meiji era (150 years ago). Why not visit us for a relaxing hot spring cure for both body and soul?

◆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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