Sukayu Hot Spring Onsen Experience
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Port
Aomori, Japan
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$320
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4¾ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
For centuries, the Japanese have enjoyed the health and socializing benefits of the hot springs bath. This activity is so popular that the country is dotted with thousands of onsen and Aomori is known as one of the most prominent hot springs resorts in Japan.
Your day begins at the pier when you climb aboard your motor coach and immediately venture into the volcanic Hakkoda mountain range. Cross the Jogakura-Ohashi Bridge and pause for photographs. Completed in 1995, the longest steel arch bridge in Japan is 825 feet long and 400 feet tall. It also offers excellent views of the Hakkoda.
Sit down for a traditional lunch in the café at Sukayu Hot Spring. Resting on the western side of Mt Odake, the Sukayu Hot Spring has a history dating back to 1684. And it's just as popular today as it was during the Edo period. With more than 2,800 square feet of bathing area, it's known for its sen-nin-buro or 1,000-person bath. Did you know that natural spring waters aren't always clear? The water may be green, black, red or white according to the mineral content. Many people believe that different minerals help to cure certain health conditions.
The bathing protocol in Japan is quite strict and it is not negotiable -- wearing a swimsuit is not allowed and before entering the bath you must shower and rinse off. You're not allowed to put your towel in the water and, above all, since a hot spring is a communal bath meant for relaxing, you're not allowed to splash or play around in the water.
Re-board the coach and head back to Aomori after your extraordinary mountain adventure bathing in the onsen.
Please note: Bring a towel. The floor of bath area is very slippery. Sukayu Hot Spring is a mixed-gender mixed bathing facility. Wearing a swimsuit is not allowed; all bathers are naked. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants.