Akita-ken【New Tamagawa Onsen】Part 11: The charm of "locality and hot spring" according to a hot-spring guardian

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The charms of "THE ONSEN"!

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.

Shintamagawa Onsen" is located in Hachimantai National Park.

In this 11th installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Morin (hot spring guardian) about the charms of local hot springs," we will introduce you to "Shintamagawa Onsen" in Akita Prefecture. We asked Mr. Hatakeyama, a hot spring guardian, about the hot spring.
Exterior view Autumn

Shintamagawa Onsen is known for its "highly acidic" spring water!

Large Public Bath
Shintamagawa Onsen is characterized by its highly acidic spring water. What are its features and attractions?

Hatakeyama Hatakeyama, Yumamori,
"At Shin-Tamagawa Onsen, we draw hot water from the same source as Tamagawa Onsen. The water here is a highly acidic spring with hydrochloric acid as its main ingredient, which is rare in the world. The pH value is about 1.2, which is 10 times more acidic than that of a lemon. You will feel a tingling sensation when soaking in the hot spring water.
Various bathtubs in the large bathhouse

A large bathroom with 14 different types of bathtubs, each with a 50% water concentration.

There are 14 bathtubs in the large bathhouse of the Shintamagawa Onsen, and it is hard to know how to enjoy them. What is your recommendation on how to enjoy them?

Ms. Hatakeyama, Yumori-Hatakeyama
"First, acclimate your body to the hot spring water with a concentration of 50%, and once you get used to it, adjust your bathing time and enjoy each bath in a way that suits you best.
It is best to refrain from taking a bath in 100% spring water at once. If you are not feeling well, please take fewer baths or take a rest depending on your physical condition, and enjoy a comfortable bathing experience.
Let's gradually get used to your body!

Enjoy the open-air baths with different atmospheres.

The newly built open-air baths have a very nice atmosphere with a sense of openness and serenity. What kind of view can we enjoy?
Open-air baths that seem to be surrounded by the nature of Hachimantai
Ms. Hatakeyama Hatakeyama, Yumori
"You can enjoy a peaceful time while feeling the fresh breeze of the Buna no Mori forest. Alpine plants are planted from spring to summer. In winter, you can enjoy the snowy open-air baths that only the heavy snowfall can provide.
Enjoying an open-air bath in the cool air is also exceptional

Enjoy the benefits of the hot spring in the indoor bedrock bath as well!

In addition to the large baths and open-air baths, Shintamagawa Onsen also offers an indoor rock bath. So you can feel the power of the hot spring in various ways.

Mr. Hatakeyama, Yumori-Hatakeyama
"The spring water is poured under the floor and designed in an environment similar to that of Tamagawa Onsen, where you can see the formation of beitous stone. You can enjoy the benefits of hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, radium, and other highly concentrated magma-derived elements contained in the source."
Granite rock baths with 20 years' worth of source-derived ingredients soaking in.

A buffet featuring local Akita cuisine

Dinner at Shin Tamagawa Onsen is a buffet that changes daily. I heard that a variety of menus are offered, but what do you recommend?

Yumori Hatakeyama
"Kiritanpo hot pot, Inaniwa udon, Iburi goko (pickled ginger), junsai, and more. In the open kitchen, you can also enjoy Hinai Jidori Teppanyaki, Hachimantai Pork Shabu Shabu, seasonal Tempura, and other creative dishes using Akita ingredients and materials. The menu changes daily and with the seasons.
Image of the buffet open kitchen

Shintamagawa Onsen is a world of autumn leaves in fall and a silver world in winter!

Being located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the surrounding landscape of Shintamagawa Onsen changes with the changing of the seasons. We asked what they recommend for a walk around the area and what to see in the coming season.
Beautiful gradation of autumn leaves
Hatakeyama Hatakeyama, Yumamori
"The autumn leaves are beautiful not only near Tamagawa Onsen, but also near the top of Hachimantai Mountain, Tazawako Plateau, Nyuto Onsenkyo, and Hachigarari Canyon. In winter, you can experience the unique snowmobile experience at the inn.
Snowmobile experience

What is the commitment of the Yumamori?

Lastly, please tell us about your commitment and thoughts as a Yumori-Yumori-Hatakeyama, and give us a message to our guests.

Mr. Hatakeyama, the hot-spring guardian
"Because the spring is highly acidic, we cannot control the temperature by machine, so we measure the temperature several times a day and adjust the temperature based on the weather that day and our prediction of the temperature in the future. We are particular about the temperature (because the higher the temperature, the stronger the sensation) because the spring water is highly stimulating.

Here, visitors can experience the combined power of the hot spring's quantity, quality, efficacy, nature, and hot spring culture. At the nearby "Tamagawa Onsen Nature Study Path," you can see the source gushing 9,000 liters per minute at approximately 98 degrees Celsius, and the birthplace of rock baths. Please stop by and experience it for yourself when you visit our hotel."

Visit "Shintamagawa Onsen" with its unique hot spring culture!

What did you think? This time, we asked you about "Shintamagawa Onsen" in Akita Prefecture in detail. Why don't you experience the charm of "Shintamagawa Onsen" with its unique highly acidic spring water, Akita's cuisine, and magnificent seasonal changes?

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

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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.

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Train + Shin Tamagawa Onsen reservations with [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]

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: Shintamagawa Onsen
*All images are for reference only.

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