Overview
Michinoku Onsen was a hot spring located in Henashi, in the town of Fukaura, Nishitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. Its greatest distinction is that it is a rare carbon dioxide spring, said to hold the highest content of free carbon dioxide anywhere in Japan. Fizzing, carbonated waters like these are uncommon across the country, and the spring was long known as a precious bath to enjoy on the Tsugaru coast facing the Sea of Japan. It brought together the simple bathing-cure culture of Tohoku with the seaside scenery unique to western Tsugaru.
Highlights
- ●A rare carbon dioxide spring said to have Japan's highest free carbon dioxide content
- ●The distinctive character of carbonated waters uncommon nationwide
- ●A seaside location in Fukaura, western Tsugaru, facing the Sea of Japan
- ●An atmosphere evoking the simple bathing-cure culture of Tohoku
History
Michinoku Onsen welled up in Henashi in the town of Fukaura, Nishitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, in the land of the former Mutsu Province. Its waters are a rare carbon dioxide spring, and its content of free carbon dioxide has been regarded as the highest in Japan. Waters so richly charged with carbon dioxide gas are unusual nationwide, and the spring has a history of being cherished as a bath on the Tsugaru coast. Because current operating status and facility details may change, we recommend confirming with official sources when considering a visit.
Access
Michinoku Onsen lies near latitude 40.6 north and longitude 139.9 east, on the Sea of Japan coast in the town of Fukaura, Nishitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture. It sits on the western side of the Tsugaru area facing the sea, with the Henashi district of Fukaura as a landmark. Public transport connections, road conditions, and the facility's operating status may change, so check the latest information from official sources before you visit. It pairs well with a drive along the Sea of Japan coastline.
Best season
Fukaura, facing the Sea of Japan, is a place where the sea changes its face dramatically with the seasons. The warm seasons, with calm waters and beautiful sunsets, are well suited to savoring the mood of a seaside hot spring. In winter, amid the rough waves and severe cold typical of the Sea of Japan side, the gratitude of a warm bath is felt all the more keenly. Before setting out, confirm road and operating conditions through official sources.
Map
40.6012, 139.8688 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head for Michinoku Onsen on the Sea of Japan coast near Henashi in the town of Fukaura
- 2Soak slowly in waters said to be Japan's top carbon dioxide spring
- 3Take in scenery unique to western Tsugaru, from the Sea of Japan coastline to the sunset
- 4Sample the seafood around Fukaura to round off a journey through Tsugaru
Did you know?
💡 The waters of Michinoku Onsen are a rare carbon dioxide spring, said to hold the highest content of free carbon dioxide in Japan. Hot springs so richly charged with carbonic components can be counted on one hand nationwide, and that water quality alone gives the spring a strong individuality. Welling up in western Tsugaru facing the Sea of Japan, it is truly a gift of the land itself.
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