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 "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 have a long history and have been protected by these "yumori," or "hot spring guardians," who are the pride of the hot spring resorts introduced in this project.
The Sukayu Onsen Ryokan is full of hot springs, food, and attractions!
In this eighth installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Mori-Inspector about the Charms of Local Hot Springs," we introduce you to the Acugayu Onsen Ryokan in Aomori Prefecture. We interviewed Mr. Ohara, the innkeeper of the inn.
A single inn in Hakkouda surrounded by seasonal beauty
Appearance (Summer) What is the surrounding environment like? Also, what kind of scenery can we enjoy in summer and fall?
Mr. Ohara, Yumori "Because of the high altitude, snow begins to fall at the end of October, and in winter, as you know, it is a heavy snowfall area, and skiing is possible until around GW. Alpine plants begin to emerge one after another. Summer temperatures are relatively cool at around 25°C (77°F). After the short summer, the beeches turn yellow in late September. The evening sun makes the mountains blaze bright red. (Left) Appearance before autumn leaves (Right) Appearance in winter
The famous "Hiba Sen-ninburo" (bath for 1,000 people) - not only spacious but also fascinating!
One of the most famous features of the Sourgayu Onsen Ryokan is the amazingly spacious "Hiba Senjinburo" (bath for 1,000 people)! We ask about its charm. Hiba Senninburo (bath for 1,000 people) Please tell us about the features and attractions of the "Hiba Sen-ninburo" bath, a specialty of the Sukagayu Onsen Ryokan.
Mr. Ohara, Yumamori "Many people may be surprised to hear that the "Hiba Senninburo" is a mixed bathing experience. Secondly, I think many people are first overwhelmed by the 160-mat wide bathhouse. Also, once you soak in the hot water, you will be able to feel how amazing the water is. One of them, "hot water of heat," has the source of the hot spring right under the bathtub, so you can enjoy fresh hot spring water that has not yet been exposed to the air. There are also women-only hours and hot-spring clothes for women, so you can take advantage of them as well.
Separate small baths for men and women
Although smaller in size than the Hiba Senninburo, the Tama-no-Yu baths offer similar hot spring water quality and are separate for men and women. The women's "Tama-no-yu" bathtub is made of hiba (Japanese cypress) and is equipped with a shower. It is the perfect hot spring to relax and unwind. (Left) "Tama-no-yu" for women (Right) "Tama-no-yu" for men
Effective for all illnesses: Touji (hot spring cure) at Acidogayu Onsen Ryokan
I heard that many visitors have been coming to the onsen since the Edo period (1603-1867). What is the attraction of a hot-spring cure at a Sangayu ryokan?
Mr. Ohara, Tumor Master "The number of visitors to our inns for hot-spring cures has decreased due to the changing times, but there are still people who come to our inns for the purpose of a hot-spring cure. Usually, it is said that it takes 7 days and 1 round trip (= 21 days) to make 3 round trips to a hot spring resort, but at Sukanoyu Onsen, due to the high altitude and high altitude climate, it is said to be effective against all diseases in 3 days and 1 round trip in 10 days, making it possible to make a hot spring cure earlier than in other hot spring resorts. You can also cook for yourself, so you can spend your time at your own pace. Touji Building No. 3 What is the Onsen Ryourei Consultation Office?
Mr. Ohara, Yumori "We have a counselor who is a qualified nurse on duty, and this is a place where both overnight guests and day-trippers can feel free to use. Here, we offer advice on how to bathe in the hot springs according to the person who comes for consultation, as well as counseling on mental and physical care. Even if you are not feeling well, our counselors are qualified nurses, so they can respond appropriately, making them reassuring allies who can help you feel at ease during your extended stay." A counselor who is a licensed nurse
Meals to suit your style of stay
Sangayu Onsen Ryokan offers two types of meals: "ryokan meals" and "Touji meals. We asked them about their recommendations for each meal. Ryokan food (image) Mr. Ohara, Tormori "Ryokan meals are seasonal dishes using fresh fish and shellfish caught in Mutsu Bay, as well as mountain products." Touji food (image) Mr. Ohara, the Toumori "On the other hand, the "Touji Meal" is mainly home-style cooking, with a menu that changes daily, and is intended for long-term stays. In particular, healthy dishes made with mountain produce, such as mushroom soup and wild vegetable dishes, are very popular."
Sukagayu Soba" for lunch
The restaurant "Onimen-an" where you can have lunch serves "Sukagayu Soba" which is unique to this area. What kind of buckwheat noodles are called "Sukagayu Soba"? Zarusoba" perfect for summer Mr. Ohara, the Yumamori (a native of Hakkouda, Japan) "It is a product of Hakkouda's nature, made without any flour or additives and produced by the combination of the highland climate at an altitude of 925 meters and the mineral-rich cold Hakkouda subterranean water. Warm soba may have a tendency to break easily or have a fermented aroma, which is one of the characteristics of Sangayu soba. Sangayu Soba" with attractive wild vegetables How about enjoying a walk around the natural surroundings of Hakkouda and having "Sukagayu Soba" for lunch?
In addition, the museum exhibits the works of the world-famous print artist Shiko Munakata, who was active in the creative process while taking a hot-spring cure at Sukayu, and the salon is open to the public as a place to rest after taking a bath. If you get hungry, you can enjoy Aomori City's B gourmet "ginger miso oden" and thick soft-serve ice cream at a stall! Ginger miso oden
Enjoy your stay at the Sukayu Onsen Ryokan as you wish.
There are many attractions in and around the hotel, what do you recommend during your stay?
Mr. Ohara, Yumori "While staying at the hot springs, of course, many people enjoy activities such as forest bathing and mountain climbing in the surrounding area, and enjoy socializing with friends. Also, nowadays, more and more people are taking workcations. On the other hand, there are also those who do nothing but relax and unwind from the daily grind. Therefore, each guest has his or her own way of spending time during their stay. (Left) Coffee shop "Buna-bayashi" (Right) Bed guest room Please tell us about your passion for hot spring management and the difficulties you face in managing the hot water. Finally, do you have a message for your customers?
Mr. Ohara, the hot water guardian "The temperature of the water coming from the spring is not always the same, but changes slightly, so we have to be very careful in adjusting the temperature of each bathtub. We check the temperature frequently from early morning to night. Therefore, we manage the hot water with the hope that the guests who come will leave feeling good. In addition, because Sourgayu is a mixed bathing facility, we do not forget to be attentive to our customers. We are confident that the hot water at Sukayu is second to none, so please come and be healed. Hiba Senninburo (bath for 1,000 people)
Why don't you enjoy the hot water that Yumori is proud of?
What did you think? In this article, we asked you about "Sukagayu Onsen Ryokan" in detail. The famous "Hiba Senjinburo" bath filled with hot water that is the pride of the hot-spring resort. We hope you will visit the "Sakigayu Onsen Ryokan" to experience its charms. Ryokan guest room
Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!
You can create 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 choose your train and accommodations freely 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! Please enjoy your own trip according to your schedule and purpose.
Arakawa Minami Arakawa Mountain National Forest, Aomori-shi, Aomori 50 Acid-Yuzawa
Access
Free shuttle bus available from Aomori Station (reservation required)
*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 on "Ji-onsen", please click on the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview supported by: Sakigayu Onsen Ryokan *All images are for reference only.
