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A Guide to Hanamaki Onsen

At the heart of northern Japan’s rolling hills lies a timeless escape — Hanamaki Onsen, a hot spring town that has drawn visitors for decades. Known for its healing waters and idyllic surroundings, Hanamaki Onsen has long been a favorite retreat for those looking to unwind. The area is famous for its collection of 12 hot springs, each of which offers a distinct experience. Whether you’re seeking a traditional onsen (hot spring) experience or simply looking to relax in a stunning natural setting, Hanamaki Onsen has something special to offer every visitor.

 

Hanamaki Junito

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Hanamaki Junito (lit. “the 12 springs of Hanamaki”) is a collection of 12 distinct hot springs that make the Hanamaki Onsen area a popular destination for those looking to relax and unwind in traditional Japanese fashion. Each spring offers a unique setting and atmosphere, giving visitors a variety of experiences to choose from. Here are just a few of these 12 amazing hot spring resorts:

 

1. Hanamaki Onsen: a modern resort with traditional charm

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The central hot spring resort of Hanamaki Junito, Hanamaki Onsen has four inns and a rose garden on its premises. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it’s the perfect destination for those looking to experience the therapeutic benefits of natural hot springs while enjoying a comfortable stay. Unlike some of the smaller, more rustic springs in town, Hanamaki Onsen offers a wide range of accommodations, from large western-style rooms to traditional Japanese-style rooms, giving visitors the flexibility to choose their ideal overnight experience.

Hanamaki Onsen is particularly well known for its beautifully landscaped gardens, which offer serene walking paths perfect for a relaxing stroll before or after your bath. Guests can enjoy large indoor and outdoor communal baths while taking in the views of the surrounding mountains. The mineral-rich waters here are said to be gentle on the skin, making it a favorite for visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Where to stay: Hanamaki Onsen Hotel Koyokan

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Hanamaki Onsen Hotel Koyokan is one of the standout accommodations in Hanamaki Onsen, offering guests some of the best Japanese hospitality. Known for its scenic atmosphere and access to soothing hot springs, Hanamaki Onsen Hotel Koyokan provides an ideal retreat for visitors looking to make the most of Hanamaki’s mineral-rich waters. The hotel features spacious rooms, ranging from traditional tatami-style accommodations to more contemporary western-style rooms. No matter which style you choose, each room offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

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A major highlight of Hotel Koyokan is its hot spring facilities. Guests can enjoy a variety of baths, both indoor and outdoor. It is famous for its open-air rock bath, which allows visitors to soak while taking in the seasonal beauty of the surrounding landscape. Whether visiting for a single night or planning a longer retreat, Hanamaki Onsen Hotel Koyokan perfectly balances relaxation and comfort.

 

2. Osawa Onsen: hot springs surrounded by nature

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With over 1,200 years of history, Osawa Onsen is one of the most beloved hot springs in the Hanamaki Junito collection. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty, which changes with the seasons, and its relaxing hot springs. The springs' clear alkaline water is known for being smooth on the skin, making them popular for skin care and relaxation.

Osawa Onsen features six baths — the most famous being Osawa-no-Yu, an open-air bath that offers mixed bathing. There’s also a designated time slot each evening for women-only access. One of the highlights of this bath is its scenic surroundings; guests can enjoy the peaceful sounds of a nearby stream while soaking in the natural hot spring. Although day visits are welcome, an overnight stay at one of Osawa Onsen’s ryokans (traditional inns) is highly recommended to fully experience the range of baths on offer.

Where to stay: Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku

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Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku is a ryokan featuring a blend of modern architecture and classic Japanese design, offering guests a tranquil retreat amid nature. The inn boasts several hot spring baths, including a private bath that can be used without prior reservation, allowing guests to relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters. Guests can also enjoy exquisite Japanese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, which highlights local ingredients and seasonal flavors. 

 

3. Dai Onsen: a quiet and quaint hot spring village

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Used as a bathing facility for around 1,200 years, Dai Onsen is a charming hot spring village nestled in a mountain valley, known for its rustic atmosphere and traditional onsen experience. Despite its storied history, the area includes a post office, shrine, and several ryokans, and it has retained its quaint feel. The village is filled with the aroma of sulfur from the hot spring water, creating an authentic onsen experience.

In addition to its relaxing hot springs, visitors can explore hiking trails around the village, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Though the trails are often quiet and a little off the grid, many lead to breathtaking vistas.

Where to stay: Dai Onsen Matsudaya Ryokan

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Dai Onsen Matsudaya Ryokan is a traditional ryokan featuring several hot spring baths, including private baths. Some of the rooms come with private baths so guests can relax in the therapeutic waters in the privacy of their own room. Those who book with the meal options can indulge in seasonal dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

 

Wanko Soba: a must try in Hanamaki Onsen

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No visit to Hanamaki Onsen would be complete without experiencing Wanko Soba, a unique and exciting way to enjoy one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. Unlike traditional soba (buckwheat noodle) servings, Wanko Soba involves a continuous, rapid-fire style of eating, where small bowls of soba noodles are served one after the other. The goal is to eat as many bowls as possible, with servers standing by to refill your bowl as soon as you finish each portion. This creates a fun and lively atmosphere, turning a simple meal into an engaging challenge.

Each serving is small, typically just a bite or two, but the empty bowls can quickly stack up, with many people consuming dozens of bowls in a single sitting. Tradition dictates that once you’ve had enough, you place a lid on your bowl to signal that you’re finished.

 

How to get to Hanamaki Onsen from Tokyo

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To reach Hanamaki Onsen from Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen bound for Shin-Hanamaki Station. The journey takes about three hours, providing a smooth and scenic trip through the northern part of Honshu. Once you arrive at Hanamaki Station, it’s about a 20-minute taxi ride to Hanamaki Onsen. 

 

Where to stay

 

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