volcanic gas

[Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture] “Kawarage Jigoku” is a pure white different world! Enjoy a taste of heaven at Oyu Falls and Doroyu Onsen

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  • Last updated: 2024.05.1

Kawarage Jigoku is located in the southeast of Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. It is near the prefectural border of Miyagi and Yamagata. It is located right next to the famous secluded hot spring "Doroyu Onsen", about 22 km from Yuzawa Station on the JR Ou Main Line.

It has long been considered one of Japan's three great sacred mountains (the others being Mt. Osore and Mt. Tate). The mountain surface is white due to the influence of volcanic gas. You will feel as if you have come to another world.

The desolate scenery that is called hell on earth is attractive. In contrast, there are secret hot spring spots in the surrounding area where you can experience the Pure Land of Paradise.

This time, we will especially introduce Kawarage Jigoku and the surrounding hot springs.

The roots of Kawarage hell

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Already in 807, the Buddhist monk Tsukimado had built a spiritual temple, Sanzenyuji, in Kawarage Jigoku. In 829, Jikaku Daishi Ennin dedicated the Jizo Bosatsu.

Since the creation of Jizo Bodhisattva, the Kawarage Jizo Festival has been held every year. This is a festival to commemorate those who lost their lives in the sulfur mines. Many monks and locals participate. Although it is short at about 30 minutes, its significance is significant.

A strange and brutal atmosphere fills the area of ​​hell, and the field of vision is enveloped in a contrast of white and blue. This feeling matches the worldview of Buddhism, and it continues to be an object of worship as a place for training.

mecca of hell

Kawarage Jigoku is located at an altitude of 800m. It takes about 45 minutes from Yuzawa Station to the parking lot.

An information board has been erected, and you can see that 136 hells exist here, such as Blood Pool and Pincus Mountain.

The image above is a hell called Sai no Kawara.

There is also the Sanzu River. Walking through this area is called a "hell tour," but it is not possible to visit all of hell.

Many restricted areas

This is because there are "No Trespassing" signs everywhere.

The reason why it is prohibited is because toxic volcanic gases are spewing out from various places. There are some points where hot water is gushing out.

There are also places on the promenade where stopping is prohibited. It is extremely dangerous to stand still in areas where the sulfur density is high.

From hell to this world

The pure white mountain surface that you walk through amidst the smell of sulfur makes you feel as if you are wandering through an endless hell. However, if you keep walking hard, the altitude will gradually decrease. Then, the breath of life gradually begins to drift around you.

The area is filled with plants, and you can feel that you have returned to the real world.

Kawarage Oyu Falls is like heaven

Kawarage Oyu Falls is located on the opposite side of the downstream from Jigoku, where the steam rises. There is a path next to the toilet hut in the parking lot, and you can head down the hill from there.

After walking along the mountain path for about 15 minutes, Oyu Falls will appear. The waterfall itself is hot water, and the base of the waterfall is a hot spring. There are waterfalls on the right and left sides, and there are waterfall basins, or bathtubs, in some places.

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To get to the base of the waterfall, you may have to climb up an unmaintained rock face, which is a thrill. Proceed slowly and carefully.

Please enter wearing a swimsuit. A simple changing room is located nearby.

The river below the waterfall is also a hot spring, so you can lie down or play in the river.

It is a spot where you can enjoy a waterfall bath that is literally flowing directly from the source. The height difference from Kawarage Jigoku is about 170m. Hell is a completely different place like heaven.

Points to note about Kawarage Oyu Falls

The period of suitable temperature is short

Since Oyu Falls is a natural place, it is of course free to use. Although you can visit throughout the year, the ideal temperature is from July to September, which is surprisingly short. Before summer, the water can be cold, so be careful.

Especially from early November to early May, the road to Kawarage Oyu Falls is closed due to snowfall. It is a time when it is dangerous to go to any place on foot, including the Hell Tour, so please avoid this period.

Stinging to the eyes due to strong acidity

Some people go right under the waterfall and take a bath like monks. There is a drop of 200m, so it's quite a shock, and it's worth it. However, Oyu Falls has an acidic spring quality, so if it gets in your eyes, it will hurt.

I can't be completely naked

Many people come here to take photos, so even if there are no people nearby, don't go in completely naked. Men, women, and children all wear swimsuits, and it's best to enjoy the experience as if you were in a heated pool.

INFORMATION

nameKawarage Hell Kawarage Oyu Falls
locationYujirisawa, Takamatsu, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture
telephone number0183-73-2111 (Yuzawa City Hall)
Official URLhttp://www.city-yuzawa.jp/midokoro02/711smf.html minutes
GOOGLE MAP

A mud hot spring with a long history

For those who want to get naked and enjoy a relaxing hot spring bath, we recommend Doroyu Onsen, a secret hot spring spot located right near Kawarage Jigoku.

Doroyu Onsen is said to have opened about 1200 years ago. Several inns each provide hot water from different sources.

The hot springs at Ogura Ryokan are the color of mud.

We recommend "Ogura Ryokan". You can enter and take a bath, so you can stop by and enjoy the hot springs after touring the hells.

Doroyu Onsen is located within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. Therefore, the surrounding area has not been poorly developed and has a very calm and natural atmosphere.

The quality of the spring water at Ogura Ryokan is also acidic. The most distinctive feature is the color of the hot water. It has a deep ocher color, which is why it is called a mud hot spring.

It feels like the mud is melting as it is. It's not actually mud that gives it its color, but a lot of iron, such as magnesium, that gives it its color. It is said that the acidic effects of the hot water will remove dead skin cells from your skin, leaving your skin smooth and beautiful.

Ogura Ryokan closes in winter. The best time to visit is September, when you can feel the smell of autumn.

INFORMATION

nameOgura Ryokan
location25 Takamatsu Doro Yuzawa, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture
telephone number0183-79-3035
Official URLhttp://www.akitafan.com/archive/tourism/3619
GOOGLE MAP

Summary about Kawarage Jigoku

This time, we introduced famous spots in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture: Kawarage Jigoku, Oyu Falls, and Doroyu Onsen. The hell tour involves walking through a pure white, desolate place where no plants can grow due to the effects of volcanic gas.

Exercising your body in a different environment than usual can make you feel unusually tired. Afterwards, be sure to soothe your exhausted body at the Oyu Falls and Mudyu Onsen, which are heaven turned from hell.

The recommended way to enjoy a hell tour is to fully enjoy both hell and paradise.

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