Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen

Soaking in an open-air bath while watching the sunset sinking over the horizon and listening to the sound of the surf provides the ultimate in relaxation time.

Open-air bath with a view of the sea

Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen is in Aomori Prefecture and its open-air baths at the rocky beach offer a splendid view of the Sea of Japan and the coast combined.

Originally it was a beach where hot springs oozed out only weakly, but in 1970 after boring to 200 meters under ground, the hot water gushed out in force. It is said that the water, which is rich in salt and iron, is effective in retaining body heat, preventing feeling chilly after a bath, and has a strong antiseptic effect that helps heal injury. It has a thickish texture and is called “behada no yu” (water good for beautiful skin) with metasilicic acid, which is said to be good for the skin, and hydrogen carbonate ion, which smooths the skin, in abundance, in addition the warmth keeping and moisturizing effects. Live performances of Tsugaru-shamisen, a local musical instrument, can be enjoyed at Furofushi Onsen Hotel from 8 p.m. every Saturday.

it is close to the World Natural Heritage site Shirakami mountain range. As for sightseeing spots, Juniko (“twelve lakes”) is a collective name that comprises 33 small lakes and ponds, which are nestled in the western part of Shirakami mountain range in Aomori Prefecture, surrounded by beech trees. Among them, especially, Aoike Pond is famous. Its water is transparent and the blue color like blue ink is breathtakingly beautiful. Trekking in the beech forest is also recommended.

Aoike Pond, considered a byword for Juniko. Why not enjoy trekking in beech forests in Shirakami?

From the Shirakamin mountan range the water flows into the sea off Fukaura, the town home to Furofushi Onsen, and abundant and high-quality seafood are caught in every season throughout the year, such as turban shells, abalone, tuna, sea bream, yellowtail, Atka mackerel, and others.

Local cuisine of fishing town Fukaura

Engaku-ji Temple is said to have been built in 807 and enshrines a wooden sculpture of Juichimen Kannon (the Eleven- headed Kannon, a Buddhist goddess of mercy).

Senjojiki Kaigan is a rocky coast created by geological upthrust in an earthquake in 1792. The huge rock ledge that spreads along the shore is said to be a place where in days gone by feudal lords held drinking parties.

*Without night lighting, the open-air bath is available from the sunrise to the sunset. Day trip visitors can soak from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Around dusk and dawn, gnats, gadflies, and mosquitoes gather, so preparing to protect against them is recommended.

*Courtesy bus: in the case of using the Resort Shirakami train, reservation is not required. When using local trains, reservation is necessary by phone: 0173-74-3500.

From Editor
Along the JR Gono Line running from Akita to Aomori, there are a lot of scenic spots including Juniko and the coastline. Traveling by sightseeing train “Resort Shirakami” or “Cruising Train” is also good.

Photo: Aomori Prefecture

※ The information herein is as of May 2018