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.
Hot spring said to be one of the largest negative ion hot springs HIKETSU NO YAKU FUKENOYU
In this sixth installment of our series "Ask a Hot Spring Master about the Charms of Local Hot Springs," we introduce you to Fuke-no-Yu, a secluded hot spring in Akita Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Abe, the innkeeper.
In spring, enjoy the corridor of cherry blossoms and snow, in summer the star-filled sky, and in autumn the best autumn foliage.
The hot spring and the surrounding nature are truly a healing space. Since you are located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, spring through autumn are the best seasons to visit. What are some of the best places to visit and enjoy the scenery?
Abe Abe, Yumamori "In spring, you can enjoy the spring foliage, fresh green, lingering snow, cherry blossoms, and snow corridors; in summer, deep green and starry skies; and in autumn, the black green of aomoritodom pine, red of nanakamado, brownish yellow of beech, light yellow of maple, red of lacquer tree, green of bamboo grass, and gray, white and skin-colored ground steam of hot spring.
Enjoy hot springs at a healing inn
Please tell us about the features and benefits of the hot springs we can enjoy at Fuke-no-Yu.
Abe Abe, Yumamori "You can relax and refresh yourself in the great outdoors. We have been certified as a forest therapy base, and have also received accreditation for our healing lodging, meals, and boxed lunches. The hot springs are simple sulfur spring and simple hot spring and are famous for rheumatism, back pain, infertility, women's diseases, asthma, and for curing childbirth." Open-air bath made of hiba (Japanese cypress) I heard that there are three bathtubs: a Masu bath, a barrel bath, and a rock bath.
Abe Abe, the bathhouse manager "The Masu bath is made of hiba (Japanese cypress), the barrel bath is made of miso barrels (our family's own), and the rock bath is handmade by our employees. The indoor baths and outdoor baths (men's and women's) are also made of hiba (Japanese cypress).
What are some of the challenges in managing the hot water?
Mr. Abe, the bath keeper "We use naturally gushing hot water as it is, so it changes depending on the weather. That's why we have to control the temperature several times a day, from morning to night.
A rare experience of a hot-spring cure using an ondol (Korean floor heating system)
Ondol," a steaming hot spring that uses geothermal heat, is also a unique feature of the hotel, isn't it? Do you have any recommendations on how to enjoy it?
Tumor guardian Mr. Abe "I think that bathing cures can be experienced at many hot springs, but we believe that being able to recover from illness and maintain one's health by using the heat of the ground is very enjoyable and rare." Ondol (Korean floor heating system) that utilizes geothermal heat It has been 400 years since the hot spring opened, which is a very long history. How have you been protecting it and how will you continue to do so in the future? What are your thoughts on this?
Abe Yumori "We are doing our best to preserve the nature, to attract people, and to preserve the original landscape of human beings. I want to carry on and protect the will of our ancestors."
Steam-no-yu style medicinal cooking" to improve your health through hot springs, air, and food.
What is your commitment to "steaming hot spring-style medicinal herbs," a dinner using local wild vegetables and river fish?
Mr. Abe, Yumori "We strive to provide meals that are good for the body in the hope of maintaining people's health in a good hot spring and good air. We are proud of our additive-free cuisine." Barrel bath Lastly, do you have a message for your customers?
Mr. Abe, Yumamori "Please come to the hot spring in the mother sky where you can enjoy the original scenery (hot spring, meals, and baths)."
Experience the power of nature in a hot-spring cure at Fuke-no-Yu, a secluded hot-spring inn
How was it? In this issue, we asked you to tell us more about "Fuke-no-Yu, a hot spring and hidden hot spring inn. We hope you will visit "Gensen-hi-yu no Yado Fuke-no-Yu," where you can enjoy nature left in its original state, a hot spring cure with the power of geothermal heat, and health-friendly, additive-free cuisine. Indoor baths (separate for men and women)
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.
In the Hachimantai Aza Kumazawa National Forest, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Access
Approximately 80 minutes by car from Tazawako Station
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
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" Cooperation: FUKENOYU, a secluded hot spring inn
