[Fukiage, Miyagi Prefecture] “Onikobe Onsenkyo” is a little-known spot! Full of charm, including a 15m geyser and Takitsubo hot spring

It is often said that Miyagi does not have many tourist spots. However, in reality, there are many places that are not well known but are as attractive as some of Japan's leading tourist destinations.

This time, I would like to introduce Onikobe Onsenkyo in particular. We will feature ancient geysers, an inn where you can bathe in a hot spring near a waterfall, and Jigokudani surrounded by steam.

Onikobe Geyser

Onikobe Onsen is known by locals for its historic geysers. Onikobe is often called ``Onikubi'' by people from outside the country, but the correct reading is ``Onikobe.''

There are two geysers here. They are named "Benten" and "Unryu" respectively.

The impressive Bentensen

The one that is particularly impressive is ``Benten''. The water erupts to a height of about 15m every 10 minutes. When you look at it up close, it seems quite expensive.

You can experience the power of nature as the water collected in underground cavities is ejected by the heat of the volcano. Each squirt lasts a little over 1 minute, which is quite long.

It is a perfect geyser for sightseeing as it erupts at almost equal intervals.

There is also an open-air bath in the park.

It costs 400 yen to enter this area. However, there is a mixed open-air bath within the area, so you can enjoy not only the geyser but also the hot water.

Please note that there is a lot of foot traffic. Even though it is a little-known tourist spot, there are a lot of people passing by. There are quite a few people peeking at you, so you need to be aware of this in advance.

Footbath and hot spring egg making

There is also a footbath, so you can easily enjoy it. There are also places where you can make your own hot spring eggs. You can buy eggs at a nearby store and ask them to lend you a basket to make them.

Trial eggs are sold for 40 yen each. The recommended boiling time is about 9 minutes, after which you can increase or decrease the time to your liking.

Onikobe Geyser <Information>

• Name: Onikobe Geyser
• Address: 12, Naruko Onsen Onikobukiage, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 0229-86-2233
• Official URL: http://kanketsusen.com/

Google Map

Houunkaku, a ryokan where you can enjoy waterfall hot springs

The hot springs located near the geysers are visible from all around and require courage. To be honest, the reality is that not many people use it.

However, since they have come to a hot spring village, there are many people who want to enjoy not only the geyser but also the hot spring water. We recommend Houunkaku, which is located close to the geyser.

There is a hot spring here where you can bathe in the basin of a waterfall. It is the perfect course to fully enjoy the charm of nature.

A beautiful and easy-to-enter waterfall basin

It is rare to find a place where the waterfall itself is a hot spring. There are other places where natural rivers and ponds are used as open-air baths, but most of them are not very clean and cannot be called hot springs.

However, the charm of this waterfall basin is that it feels similar to an ordinary open-air bath.

Please note that this is only available for a limited time from May to the end of October. Since it is a natural hot spring, it becomes cold after autumn, making it unsuitable for bathing.

Accommodation reservations fill up quickly

We only accept 8 overnight stays per day. Therefore, it is important to make early reservations once you have decided on your travel date.

There is only one inn, and the surrounding area is surrounded by tranquility. It really looks like a secret hot spring. If you go near the waterfall and take a bath, you can feel its power. Since it is surrounded by trees, the sunlight filtering through the trees is pleasant.

There are times when there is a lot of gravel near the basin of the waterfall. It is recommended that you bring sandals.

Points to note about Takiyu

Since it is natural, if it rains the day before, the water may become lukewarm or cold. Check the weather forecast in advance.

Also, in July and August, there are many insects such as horseflies. The best times are around June, September and October. It would be a good idea to aim for a time like this.

Hot water that warms you from the core of your body

The water is alkaline, soft, and very easy to soak in. Like a far-infrared stove, you can feel your body gradually warming up from the core.

Even after getting out of the bath and returning to the room, the warm feeling continues for a long time.

Day trip bathing is also possible.

Even if you cannot make a reservation because the rooms are full, you can easily take a day trip bath (500 yen). However, in this case, it is limited to 10:00 to 13:00. Time is short and fast, so be careful.

It is also a good idea to enjoy the waterfall bath first and then visit the geysers and other attractions. You can get a free ticket to Onikobe Geyser at the reception, so it's economical in that respect as well.

Mineunkaku＜Information＞

• Name: Mineunkaku
• Address: 16 Onikobukiage, Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 0229-86-2243
• Official URL: http://www.naruko.gr.jp/shukuhaku/spa/03/

Google Map

Onikobe Jigokudani Promenade

There is Jigokudani Promenade, a 10-minute walk from Onikobe Geyser. From the parking lot, go down the stairs and head towards Jigokudani.

Walk through quiet nature

There are well-maintained promenades, and you can walk through nature surrounded by peaceful trees. There is a river flowing slowly next to it, and the sound of the murmuring sounds is pleasant.

As you walk through such a peaceful landscape, you will soon hear a disturbing sound that sounds as if something is coming up frequently.

What spreads out in your field of vision is hot water and steam rising from the rugged rock surface. This place is called Jigokudani.

Hell with purple clouds

There are also many small geysers gushing out, making it look like hell. In particular, the spot called Shijigoku is constantly shrouded in smoke, giving the impression that the clouds are receding.

This is called Shiun. Purple clouds refer to the clouds that exist in paradise in the Buddhist world.

As you walk, hot water and high-temperature smoke come pouring out from right next to you. It is a place where you can really feel the power of nature.

It looks different every time I go

The atmosphere of Jigokudani varies considerably depending on the weather, season, and time of day. When it's relatively calm, the gentle sunlight shines through the faint steam, creating a scene that's too beautiful to be called hell, but more like heaven.

It's a spot with many repeat visitors because it has a different look every time you go.

Jigokudani also has a promenade at its feet, about 1km long. Even if you walk slowly, you can see everything in about 30 minutes one way.

Jigokudani promenade <Information>

• Name: Jigokudani Promenade
• Address: 16 Naruko Onsen Onikobukiage, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
• Phone number: 0229-82-2191 (Naruko General Branch Regional Promotion Division)
• Official URL: Osaki City Homepage (Jigokudani Promenade)

Google Map

Summary about Onikobe Onsenkyo

This time, we introduced Onikobe Onsenkyo, a famous spot in Miyagi that is only known to those in the know. It is a place where you can particularly enjoy the charms of nature, such as geysers that rise up, hot springs that can be soaked in waterfalls, and hell where purple clouds recede.

You can feel the calmness of nature and the powerful power at the same time. Take your time to look around and let the energy flow into your body.