The most enjoyable part of traveling 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. In this interview, we introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul!
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.
Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku is characterized by its soft spring water and a hot spring bath where you can enjoy the seasonal scenery.
In this 31st installment of our series, "The Charm of Local Hot Springs," we introduce you to Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku in Iwate Prefecture. We asked Mr. Takada, the hot spring guardian, about the hotel.
Oosawa Onsen boasts 1,200 years of history and has been loved by many cultural figures.
What kind of place is Osawa Onsenkyo, where Sansuikaku is located?
Mr. Takada, the hot spring guardian Osawa Onsen, which is said to have been discovered by the great barbarian general Sakagami Tamuramaro, has a history of 1,200 years. It is one of the Hanamaki hot spring resorts in Iwate. In front of the inn, there is a mountain stream of the Toyosawa River, and the other side of the river is a mountain face where visitors can enjoy the natural scenery.
There are also many flowers on the grounds of Osawa Onsen, starting with lentil and weeping cherry blossoms in early spring, followed by azaleas, satsuki, wisteria, hydrangea, and sarsapelli, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy scenery in winter. Toujiya" open-air bath in the self-catering section and a spectacular view of the Toyosawa River (winter)
Sansuikaku is located in Osawa Onsenkyo, which has a long history. What are some of the unique features of Sansuikaku in Osawa Onsenkyo?
Yumori Takada-san Sansuikaku is a Japanese-style inn. There are a variety of room types to meet the diverse needs of our guests, including one-room, two-room, and Japanese/Western-style rooms. Most of the guest rooms have large windows with glass panes, which make you feel as if you are looking at a painting from the room. In addition, the adjoining Toujiya also features a hot spring bathhouse, where you can enjoy a hot spring tour along the mountain stream. Interior of Sansuikaku Sansuikaku guest room
Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku boasts hot springs that blend in with nature.
Please tell us about the three hot springs at Sansuikaku.
Mr. Takada, the hot-spring guardian The spring is a simple alkaline spring with a PH of 9.0 and is clear and colorless. When you enter the hot spring, it has a slippery feeling that clings to your skin, and your skin is moist when you get out of the hot spring. There are three baths: the Sansui no Yu (separate for men and women), which has an indoor bath and a small outdoor bath outside; the Toyosawa no Yu (separate for men and women), a rock bath where the glass doors on all sides open to reveal a half-open bath except during cold weather; and a free private bath. Sansui no Yu - fresh greenThe hot spring baths seem to be especially popular among women, as they soothe and moisturize the skin. It feels so luxurious to be able to bathe in a hot spring while enjoying nature. I feel like I want to go take a bath there right now. Toyosawa no Yu - deep green Private bath
Recommended Spending at Sansuikaku
I understand that you can also tour the hot springs in conjunction with the Toujiya.
Yumori Takada-san In addition to the three hot springs, there is a retro tiled indoor bath "Yakushi no Yu" (separate for men and women) in the adjacent Toujiya, an open-air "Kawabe no Yu" for women, and the famous mixed bathing open-air bath "Osawa no Yu," and guests staying at Sansuikaku are welcome to use any of these baths. Female guests who are uncomfortable with mixed bathing can rest assured that the baths are women-only from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The order of visiting the baths is up to the customer's preference, but it is not recommended to enter all the baths at once, as it is quite strenuous. Please enjoy them slowly at your own pace.
On the opposite bank of the "Osawa-no-yu" is the Kikusuikan (now a gallery) with a 40-meter thatched roof, where you can enjoy the scenery blended into nature without taking an open-air bath. Osawa-no-yu fresh green
Besides visiting the hot springs, do you have any other recommendations for how to spend your time during your stay?
Tumor guardian Mr. Takada The adjacent Toujiya is said to be partly built 200 years ago, and enjoys a unique atmosphere. Both Sansuikaku and the Toujiya have ties to the feudal lords of the Nanbu domain, Kenji Miyazawa, and Kotaro Takamura, and are decorated with old photographs and prints of local arts.
Authentic kaiseki-style meals featuring the colors of the four seasons
Please tell us about your specialties regarding meals.
Tumori Takada-san Dinner is served in the dining room or in a private room depending on the number of guests. The dinner menu changes monthly, offering Japanese cuisine that allows you to enjoy the changing seasons with delicate flavors, aromas, and colors. Please enjoy the most delicious seasonal ingredients of the season.
Breakfast is a Japanese/Western buffet with a mainly Japanese menu. Seasonal Kaiseki-zen *The photo is an image of the meal of the luxury plan. The number of dishes will change depending on the plan.
Lastly, please give us a message about your commitment to Yumori and your customers.
Yumori Takada-san Sansuikaku has a unique atmosphere in the adjacent Toujiya, and you can enjoy a tour of the hot springs there as well. We hope you will visit the Toujiya when you come to Sansuikaku. Last year, the "Ghibli Exhibition 2" was held at Kikusuikan with 61,217 visitors (free admission for junior high school students and younger). Due to its popularity, the exhibition will be held again this year from April 12 to December 7. We hope you will visit this exhibition as well. Outside view of Sansuikaku
Enjoy a trip to the best of Iwate's hot springs at Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku.
How was it? In this issue, we asked you about "Sansuikaku" in detail. Why don't you stay at "Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku" and enjoy a trip to the fullest in Iwate, with rooms that meet your needs, hot spring baths that blend in with nature, and authentic kaiseki meals that will make you feel the four seasons?
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 Shin-Hanamaki Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line, take the free shuttle bus to Hanamaki-Minami Onsenkyo. 45 minutes.
Reservations are required to use the shuttle bus.
*Pick-up buses are operated by the Hanamaki Minami Onsen Kumiai on a scheduled basis; please arrive at the bus stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pick-up time. (Reservations are not required, but it is recommended to contact us in advance to confirm the number of people on the bus for bus operation.)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
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 Support: Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku
