Katahara Onsen

What it is

• A hot spring resort located on the slopes of Mount Sangane in Aichi Prefecture.
• The current spring source emerged following the 1945 Mikawa earthquake.
• The resort features alkaline simple thermal water from both old and new deep sources.
• The area is known for hosting approximately 50,000 hydrangea plants.

What to see

• Massive displays of 50,000 hydrangea plants blooming across the resort grounds.
• Hot spring facilities utilizing alkaline simple thermal water for visitors.
• Scenic views from the slopes of Mount Sangane overlooking the surrounding area.

When to go

• Visit during the month of June for the annual hydrangea festival.
• Local branch buses operate specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Getting there

• Take a fifteen minute taxi ride from Sangane Station to reach the resort.
• Walk twenty-five minutes from Mikawa-Kashima Station to the hot spring area.
• Use temporary buses running from Gamagori Station during the June festival.
• Access the resort via the Otowa-Gamagori Interchange for those traveling by car.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.