Guide
Sukawa Kogen Onsen is a hot spring destination located within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, on the border between Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, and Higashinaruse Village, Akita Prefecture. Situated in a highland area at an altitude of 1,126m, it serves as a gateway to the hiking trails of Mt. Kurikoma (Mt. Sukawa). The greatest feature is the abundant natural spring water, boasting a discharge of 6,000L per minute. The water is a highly acidic sulfur spring, characterized by its milky-white appearance, and is served as a pure, undiluted, and unheated source (genzen kakenagashi).
This area has a long history as a site for medicinal hot spring bathing (toji). Historical records from the year 873 (Jogan 15) mention the name "Sukawa," and the area has served as a healing destination since the mid-Edo period. While the flow of the hot spring once moved toward the Akita side, it currently flows from Yujirizawa in Iwate Prefecture toward the Iwai River. During the Edo and Meiji periods, sulfur mines were also present in the surrounding area.
There are only two main facilities in the area: the privately owned "Sukawa Kogen Onsen" on the Iwate side and "Kurikoma Sanso" on the Akita side. Sukawa Kogen Onsen features the large public bath "Sukawa-no-yu," the high-temperature bath (approx. 45°C) known as "Reisen," and the large open-air bath "Daihitayu." Additionally, about 100m from the accommodation, there is the unique "Oiran Bath," which utilizes natural steam and requires the use of a dedicated straw mat (goza).
Around the area, you can explore the Sanuma Nature Observation Course, which passes through scenic spots such as Sainori and the Nagarigahara Wetlands.
The scenery around Sukawa Kogen Onsen changes beautifully with the seasons. From spring to summer, lush vegetation spreads along the Mt. Kurikoma hiking trails, and the area offers stunning autumn foliage. However, please note that during the winter season (early November to late April), National Route 342 and Prefectural Route 282 are closed to traffic. Access from the Akita side (Prefectural Route 282) is particularly prone to long-term closures due to avalanche and landslide risks. The operating hours for the hot springs are 8:00–20:00 during winter and 9:00–17:00 during the regular season.
Beyond soaking in the hot springs, visitors can engage in various outdoor activities. Because it is located at the trailhead of Mt. Kurikoma, it is common to visit the hot springs after hiking. The surrounding nature observation paths offer views of unique wetlands like the Iwakagami and Shiratamanoki wetlands. The water is a highly acidic, iron-containing, sulfur-type spring (pH 2.3), and its unique properties have been known since ancient times to be beneficial for digestive health.
Nearby areas include the Ichinoseki Onsen-kyo region, as well as Shinu Hot Springs, Oyu Onsen (Oku-Oyasu Gorge), and Kosayasu Onsen. On the Akita side, you can find the Kurikoma Bird Sanctuary and various facilities within the natural park.
Please keep the following in mind when visiting: