Ōsawa Onsen

What it is

• A hot spring resort in Hanamaki City featuring weak alkaline simple spring water.
• The site consists of three main buildings including a traditional thatched hall.
• Reportedly discovered by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during the Heian period.
• A historic retreat for Nanbu clan lords and famous literary figures like Kenji Miyazawa.

What to see

• Five different bathing locations including a famous mixed-gender open-air bath.
• The Kikusui-kan building where Edo period lords once stayed.
• A four-story wing at the Sansuikaku building added in 1986.
• A 150-kilogram wooden phallus deity kept at the Konsei shrine.
• Views of the Toyosawa River from the outdoor bathing area.

When to go

• The Konsei Festival is held annually at the end of April.
• Watch women bathe the wooden deity in the hot spring during the festival.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.