A Week of Relaxation: Exploring the Hot Springs and Culture of Tohoku’s Heart – Onikobe

"I want to explore the hot springs of Tohoku, but which base would be most efficient?"

For those looking for an answer, we recommend Onikobe in the Naruko Onsen area of Miyagi Prefecture.
By using Onikobe as your base, you can efficiently visit the famous hot springs in all four Tohoku prefectures (Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, and Iwate) in a short amount of time! Furthermore, you can enjoy a journey that allows you to experience not only the hot springs but also Japan’s traditional culture.

1. The Benefits of Using Onikobe as Your Base for Hot Spring Tours in Tohoku

Tohoku is dotted with attractive hot springs, but “where to base yourself” greatly affects your travel satisfaction.
Choosing Onikobe offers the following benefits:
• Quick access to hot spring areas throughout Tohoku (reducing travel time)
• Freedom to explore various hot springs without being tied to a specific inn (enjoying onsen hopping without fixed accommodation)
• Experiencing Tohoku’s traditional culture (such as kokeshi doll painting and Sendai tansu)

Estimated Travel Times (When Using Onikobe as Your Base)

Travel times from Onikobe:
• Yamagata – Ginzan Onsen: Approximately 1 hour
• Akita – Nyuto Onsen: Approximately 2 hours
• Iwate – Hanamaki Onsen: Approximately 2 hours
• Miyagi – Naruko Onsen: Approximately 30 minutes
• Sendai – Onikobe: Approximately 2 hours

2. An Efficient Hot Spring Journey Through the Four Prefectures of Tohoku | Recommended One-Week Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Start Your Journey in Onikobe (Relaxation & Nature Experience)

A day to heal the fatigue of travel and immerse yourself in the great nature of Tohoku.
• Check-in and Stroll in Onikobe Onsen Area
→ Enjoy the scenery of steam rising as you walk through the geothermal area of Onikobe.
→ Experience the dynamic sight of hot springs naturally bubbling up in "Hell Valley."
• Visit the Onikobe Geyser (One of Japan's Premier Geyser Spots)
→ Get up close to the powerful eruptions of hot springs that shoot up approximately every 10 minutes.
Onikobe Onsen is one of the places in Tohoku where you can truly feel the power of nature. The geysers can only be seen here in Tohoku!
• Taste Local Cuisine (Dinner)
→ "Onikobe Soba" (fragrant handmade soba made from locally sourced buckwheat)
→ "Onsen Tamago" (hot spring eggs) & "Wild Vegetable Tempura"

Day 2: Yamagata - Ginzan Onsen (A hot spring town steeped in Taisho romance)

Strolling through Ginzan Onsen town (Afternoon to Evening)
Walk through the retro hot spring town lined with wooden buildings from the Taisho era.
Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere while soaking your feet in the riverside foot bath.
Taste local sweets at a wagashi shop, including "onsen manju" and "sake kasu soft serve ice cream."
Day 3: Akita - Nyuto Onsenkyo (Exploring hidden hot springs in nature)

"Tsuru no Yu Onsen" (A thatched-roof open-air bath with charm)

A representative hidden hot spring that has been around since the Edo period.
Enjoy the milky white-hot spring while appreciating the tranquility of nature.
Visiting "Kuroyu Onsen" & "Magoroku Onsen"

Relax your mind and body in these hidden hot springs deep in the mountains.
Dinner featuring Akita's specialty "Kiritanpo Nabe."

Days 4-5: Iwate and Miyagi - Hot Springs and Local Culture

Day 4: Iwate - Hanamaki Onsenkyo (A hot spring area associated with Kenji Miyazawa)
• "Tai Onsen" (A historic hot spring in Hanamaki Onsenkyo)
o Experience a charming hot spring stay in a town that has been around since the Edo period.
• "Osawa Onsen Self-Catering Rooms" (Experience the culture of hot spring stays)
o Relax while staying in a room with a kitchen, allowing you to cook for yourself.
• Wanko Soba Experience (Lunch)
o Challenge yourself to see how many bowls you can eat! Enjoy local food culture.
Day 5: Miyagi - Naruko Onsen (One of Japan's most diverse hot springs)
• "Taki no Yu" (A famous Naruko hot spring with a mix of strongly acidic and sulfuric waters)
• "Onikobe Plateau Large Open-Air Bath" (A stunning outdoor bath in nature)
• Kokeshi Painting Experience (Sakurai Kokeshi Shop)
o Naruko Onsen is known for its traditional craft, "Naruko Kokeshi."

Naruko Kokeshi: Sakurai Kokeshi Shop

Days 6-7: Relaxing in Onikobe & Experiencing Traditional Culture

The final touch of your journey is a luxurious moment to engage with traditional crafts of Tohoku.
Day 6: Viewing Sendai Tansu and Lacquerware (Sendai/Akiu)
• Visit to the "Sendai Tansu Store" (About 2.5 hours by car from Onikobe)
o Observe the production process of Sendai Tansu and learn about traditional techniques.
o Get a close look at artisans working on their crafts.
• Tour of "Akiu Craft Village"
o Visit lacquerware workshops where you can also experience lacquer painting.
Day 7: Enjoying Onikobe's Nature & Reflecting on the Journey
• Hiking & Stream Fishing or Strolling around the Wetlands (Enjoy the great nature of Onikobe)
o Lastly, stop by the kokeshi workshop once more to pick up your crafted pieces.

3. Tips to Enjoy Hot Spring Touring Even More

Estimated Costs
• Accommodation per night: ¥8,000 - ¥15,000 (Business hotels & ryokans)
• Hot spring entrance fees: ¥500 - ¥1,500 (Depending on the facility)
• Transportation costs: Rental car approximately ¥6,000/day; train and bus options are also available.
Transportation Methods
• Car: Renting a car is convenient (provides more freedom for hot spring touring).
• Train & Bus: Use JR from Sendai to Naruko Onsen, then transfer to buses or taxis for further travel.

4. Summary | Make Your Hot Spring Tour in Tohoku More Enjoyable by Using Onikobe as a Base

Onikobe is the perfect base for exploring hot springs across the four prefectures of Tohoku. It is an ideal travel style for those who want to enjoy not only the hot springs but also the culture and nature of Tohoku!
"A luxurious adult journey that allows you to enjoy both hot springs and culture." Why not indulge in a hot spring tour of Tohoku while using Onikobe as your base?

• An experiential accommodation facility where you can immerse yourself in the history, culture, and traditions of the Tohoku region while staying.
o The hotel features traditional crafts like kokeshi dolls and Sendai Tansu, allowing you to feel close to the culture.
Hotel WAMARE Onikobe, located in the historic Naruko Onsen area, has existed for about 1,100 years.
• Address: 9-38 Komukuhara, Onikobe, Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Access: About 30 minutes by car from Naruko Onsen Station

Make your reservation here (Accommodation Plan)