Akayu Onsen

What it is

• A secluded hot spring area featuring three separate natural sodium and calcium chloride sources.
• The site serves as a base for hikers climbing Mount Naeba.
• The first hot spring inn opened in 1897 with the current Yamaguchikan established in 1919.
• A remote facility where lamps are used for lighting to conserve generator fuel.

What to see

• The Yamaguchikan mountain hut which provides the only accommodation in the area.
• Three distinct natural hot spring sources used for bathing.
• Rugged mountain scenery along the trail to Mount Naeba.

When to go

• The facility is closed during the winter months from November to April.

Getting there

• Reach the site via a two-hour walk from the forest road parking lot.
• The location is only accessible on foot through mountainous terrain.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.