[Hachimantai, Akita Prefecture] “Goshogake Onsen” is a spa that has been in business for 100 years! Behind the scenes, Japan's largest mud volcano is alive.
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Goshogake Onsen is an inn located quietly in the mountains beyond the Hachimantai mountain pass. From Tazawako Station, take a bus bound for the Hachimantai summit and enjoy a relaxing ride.
Gradually, the scenery becomes filled with smoke and the smell of sulfur wafts into the car. In the side view, you can see Tamagawa Onsen. Tamagawa Onsen is famous nationwide as a spa.
This is a place where many people come looking for hope after trying various treatments without success. Beyond Tamagawa Onsen, there is a spa that is only known to those in the know, Goshogake Onsen, which we will be introducing this time.
The roots of Goshogake Onsen
"Goshogake Onsen" is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Since its opening, it has been known as the ``goshogake of hot springs'', and many people come from far away to enjoy this hot spring.
It is adjacent to Hachimantai Quasi-National Park on the border of Akita and Iwate prefectures. This is a hot spring resort located deep in the mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,000m. Since ancient times, it has been said that ``Goshogake is where you come by horse and return in foot shoes''. You can enjoy hot springs with excellent efficacy.
Access to Goshogake Onsen
By bus, it takes about 2 hours from Tazawako Station. The fare is 1720 yen. If you are driving, you can go along the Hachimantai Aspite Line. Aspite Line is closed in winter. It will open from around late April.
From Kazuno-Hachimantai IC, take National Route 341, drive through the Hachimantai Aspite Line, and arrive at Goshogake Onsen Village in about an hour and a half.
Ondol room is a specialty of Goshogake
In addition to regular Japanese-style rooms, the dormitory has private Ondol rooms and large rooms. Ondol has hot water running under the floor, making the room very warm.
It's like a light sauna, and just by sleeping without anything on, you'll start to sweat. You can expect a detox effect similar to a bedrock bath.
Ondol large rooms are cheaper than Japanese rooms. Ondol private rooms start from 3,200 yen per person, and Japanese-style private rooms start from 5,500 yen per person. Ondol large room starts from 2000 yen per person.
It's rare to find a hot spring inn where you can experience Ondol, so if you're interested, be sure to try it out.
Mud bath rich in efficacy
The source temperature is 90℃ and pH 3.2. Seven bathtubs are installed in a large wooden area. The center is a large bathtub, surrounded by bubble baths and mud baths.
It also has a beautifying effect
Mud baths contain mud that sticks to your skin. Many people wear a lot of it on their body like a mud pack. Many people say that their skin has become smooth and beautiful after coming here.
The mud bath is a little lukewarm at around 38 degrees Celsius, while the others are higher, around 40 degrees Celsius.
Many people visit Goshogake Onsen not only to cure illnesses, but also to have beautiful skin.
Box-shaped steam baths lined up in an orderly manner
A box steam bath is also a feature. Rectangular boxes are lined up, and people enter here and only their heads stick out. The box is filled with steam, making it perfect for detox and dieting.
Moisten your throat with cold spring water
In one corner, there is a place where you can drink the spring water flowing from Hachimantai Yakeyama. After soaking in the hot water and sweating profusely, the best way to use it is to take in the natural water here and then soak in the hot water again.
Explore Japan's largest mud volcano
Behind Gosogake Onsen, there is a promenade called Gosogake Nature Research Trail that is about 2 km long. When you come to Goshogake Onsen, we recommend going to see the volcanic activity in Hachimantai, which is the source of the hot springs.
It is said to be the largest mud volcano in Japan. There are many attractions such as Konzan Jigoku, Oyunuma, and Oname Motome where boiling water gushes out. "Oname Motome" is the origin of the name Goshogake Onsen.
The source of Goshogake Onsen is named ``Oname (Concubine)/Motome (Main Wife) Hot Spring.'' The story is based on the story of two women who were once heartbroken by a love triangle and decided to risk their happiness in their next life (their "afterlife") by throwing themselves into it.
A pulsating earth where you can feel the breath of the earth
Each of the many volcanic spots is spewing out thick steam and generating bubbles, giving you the feeling that the volcano is still active. If you look closely at the ground, you'll notice a phenomenon called mudpot, where mud floats up due to steam.
Oyunuma is especially attractive because it is hot at over 80 degrees Celsius, and the water surface actively throws mud and splashes up.
The smell of hydrogen sulfide hangs in the air, and plants that are resistant to sulfide survive. The landscape, which consists of eight low mud volcanoes ranging in height from 1 to 2 meters, is the largest in Japan. You can enjoy the scenery that can only be found here.
Replenish your energy with Gosogake's famous black eggs
Along the promenade, there is Rhododendron Chaya, where you can buy the famous black egg. One piece costs 60 yen. Many people come here to eat black eggs and take a short break.
Black eggs are often a specialty in volcanic regions. For example, black eggs are also sold at Ookedani. However, the set of 5 pieces here costs 500 yen, so the Goshogake can be said to be more reasonable since you can buy just one piece.
People who have never eaten black eggs may be intimidated by their appearance. However, it's okay because only the shell is black. Inside is a normal white boiled egg.
Summary about Goshogake Onsen
I introduced Goshogake Onsen, which is quietly nestled in the mountains of Hachimantai, Akita Prefecture. Many people who are suffering from illness or injury visit here in search of the hot springs, which are especially blessed with beneficial effects.
To get the benefits, you need to stay for a week or more at least twice a year. Therefore, Goshogake Onsen has introduced a villager system.
If you become a resident of Toji Village, you will receive benefits such as a discount (10% off) and participation in a lottery. A ``Toji Village Villager Notebook'' will be properly issued. Membership fee is 1500 yen.
Try it out first, and if you like it and want to come more than once a year, we recommend becoming a villager as it will be cheaper.
INFORMATION
| name | Goshogake Onsen |
| location | Hachimantai Kumazawa National Forest, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture |
| telephone number | 0186-31-2221 |
| Official URL | http://www.goshougake.com/ |
| GOOGLE MAP |
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