Mt. Iwaki Day Trip

The natural beauty of Mt. Iwaki can be enjoyed in many ways – some more relaxing than others! One of these foolproof relaxing methods is a trip to one of the many onsen in the area.

Iwaki-sou onsen is a choice you can’t go wrong with. Situated in the picturesque hotel of the same name, the onsen boasts both outdoor and indoor baths. The outdoor baths are especially idyllic – there’s nothing quite like listening to leaves rustle and birds warble while you let the worries of daily life soak away.

If you can stave off the urge for a post-onsen nap, there is a beautiful Shinto shrine just down the road. While all of Mt. Iwaki is technically sacred ground, Iwaki-yama Shrine is the site of worship. Most of the main buildings date to about 1694. The shrine itself stretches back up the side of the mountain, deeper into the forest. It makes a great walk! And if you’re lucky, you will run into the friendly obaasan selling apple ice cream, yum!

The Skinny: A relaxing day trip - quiet soak in a refined onsen, followed by a stroll through the grounds of a tranquil shrine.

Price: Iwaki-sou onsen is 500￥, plus 100￥ for optional towel rental. Admission to Iwaki-yama Shrine is free.

Directions: Click here for a road map, starting from Jusco in Kashiwa!

Websites: Iwaki-sou onsen; Iwaki-yama Shrine

Tsuta Onsen (蔦温泉)

Tsuta Onsen is located deep in the mountains near Lake Towada, and was ranked best in the prefecture in terms of atmosphere and water quality. The ryokan also serves delicious traditional meals for those staying the night, as well as providing some of the tastiest wakimizu  (water straight from the rocks) in Aomori; so good that you might want to consider taking a bottle or two with you for the road! 

Despite the absence of an outdoor bath, Tsuta Onsen has a great atmosphere with luxurious interiors, and comes highly recommended.

Submitted to us by Jon, thank you!

The Skinny: a luxurious onsen attached to a ryokan of equally high quality

Price: ￥500 for entry to the onsen, a night at the ryokan starts at ￥8,550～

Opening Hours: for those not staying at the ryokan, the onsen is open from 9am to 4pm  

Website: http://www.thuta.co.jp/index_p.cgi (Japanese)

Location: click here for directions from Jusco

Yasuragi Onsen (やすらぎ温泉）

It's no question that the view of Mount Iwaki from any angle is stunning enough, but why not enjoy it whilst relaxing in a rotenburo (露天風呂, outdoor bath)? Yasuragi Onsen is located a short drive off the 7 on the way into Hirosaki from Tsugaru, and although a little dated, its outdoor bath provides amazing views as you relax to the sound of softly playing enka. There is also a small garden area with seating for the summer months when you need to hop out of the hot water.
The indoor baths are also decent, with a sauna and water bath included in the meagre price of 350 yen. You'll need to bring your own onsen kit though, as shampoo and soap are not provided.

The Skinny: A small onsen on the outskirts of Hirosaki with great views of Iwaki-san

Price: ￥350 for adults

Hours: 5am to 10pm

Location: click here for directions from Jusco, Kashiwa

Inagaki Onsen (稲垣温泉)

Inagaki Onsen, despite being on the smaller side, definitely has its charm. As part of a hotel resort it's a bit hidden, but the receptionist will be sure to guide you. At the affordable rate of 400 yen, this onsen is a great place to relax on a cold night. The water is a bit salty though, so be sure to keep your mouth closed while bathing.

In addition to the bathing area and hot water pool, there is a sauna and a small cold water bath. The best part about this onsen, however, is definitely the rotenburo. Not all rotenburos are created equally, and this one has a great, traditional Japanese environment: hanging lanterns, a rock waterfall, and beautiful, surrounding greenery. FYI: This area is sex-separated and well covered, so rest assured, no one will be peeking.

The Skinny: Somewhat small, but compensated by a great rotenburo

Price: 400 yen

Hours: 10:00 - 19:00 (except Mon and Thurs, 13:00 - 19:00)

Location: click here for directions from Jusco
Website: click here

Furōfushi Onsen （不老不死温泉）

Living in the west of Aomori Prefecture, Furōfushi Onsen in Fukaura should definitely be one of your top spots to visit. Although an indoor bath and jacuzzi are available, the main attraction is without a doubt its routenburo, outdoor bath, which is perfectly placed on the shores of the Sea of Japan. Bathers can enjoy soaking in iron-rich spring water that is said to have healing properties (furōfushi translates to longevity and perpetual youth). The less inhibited among you might enjoy the konyoku, mixed bath side, though the milk tea-coloured water does well to maintain your dignity.* The routenburo is technically only open to day visitors until 4pm, but once you've entered the bathing area we recommend staying until sunset, especially on wintry days when nightfall comes early. Nothing epitomises the Tohoku experience more than looking out onto the ocean as the sky turns red whilst keeping warm in a cosy bath. 

* Women are allowed to enter the men's side on the left if they so wish, but the right side is for women bathers only, sorry fellas!

The Skinny: An incredible onsen with beautiful scenery, an Aomori must-see

Price: A very affordable ￥600, with an optional extra ￥200 to rent a yukata (for the chilly walk down to the routenburo in winter)

Opening Hours: Routenburo from 8am to 4pm, other baths from 8am to 9pm

Location: click here

Aoni Onsen in Kuroishi (青荷温泉、黒石市)

Take a step back in time at Aoni Onsen, the inn lit solely by lanterns. There are four different baths to relax in, including a mixed outdoor bath (konyoku, 混浴). Almost every bath has both inside and outside sections, and it's quite an experience bathing whilst surrounded by snow.





Be sure to watch your step at night when the road to your room is lit by candlelight, as it's easy to get carried away by the beautiful scenery. Aoni Onsen regularly hosts international guests, so you should feel right at home.  This peaceful and unique inn hidden in the Aomori mountains is definitely worth the break from modern convenience.
 


Location: Aomori, Kuroishi, Okiura, Takinoue, Aonisawa 1-7

森県黒石市大字沖浦字青荷沢滝ノ上１の７ 
Due to its remote location, guests are unable to drive directly to the onsen. Leave your car in the parking lot at Nijinoko Park (free of charge) and a friendly bus driver will pick you up at 14:00 (winter only), 15:00 and 16:00 daily. Look out for the road signs written in the Tsugaru dialect along the way!

Address of the shuttle bus station (Nijinoko Park 虹の湖公園）:
1-5 Ji Yama Kami, Ooaza Okiura, Kuroishi, Aomori 
虹の湖公園　〒036-0402 青森県黒石市大字沖浦字山神１−５ 
(click here for directions from Kashiwa Jusco) 
Contact: 0172－54－8588 (no English speaker may be available)

Price: ￥10,650 per night (dinner and breakfast included)