Geto Onsen

Summary

Geto Onsen is an onsen town with traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) and natural hot spring baths. It was founded in 1134, and is one of the oldest establishments in Japan.

Geto Onsen
夏油温泉
Geto Onsen is located in Japan
Geto Onsen
Location within Japan
General information
StatusOperational
Architectural styleJapanese architecture
LocationKitakami, Iwate Prefecture
CountryJapan
Coordinates39°12′45.05″N 140°53′11.217″E / 39.2125139°N 140.88644917°E / 39.2125139; 140.88644917
Opened1134
Website
mizuki.sakura.ne.jp/~geto/

History edit

The onsen town was founded in 1134 and is located in Kitakami, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.[1][2]

Location edit

The hot springs area is located in the center of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, an area of natural beauty in Iwate Prefecture that includes beech tree forests,[3] waterfalls, lakes and hiking trails.[4] Upstream from the hot springs, the Tengu no Iwa is located. At 17.6 metres (58 ft) x 25 metres (82 ft) , it is the largest natural travertine dome located in Japan.[5]

The onsen is reached by bus via the JR Kitakami Station Susumago/Semi Onsen/Geto Onsen Line.[5]

Accommodations edit

The onsen inns are located near the narrow and shallow river with crystal clear water. Accommodations are simple, but comfortable with traditional tatami and can be rented for a few hours to rest after the bathing. Some tourists come not only for springs, but to spend more days and enjoy one of Japan's most beautiful nature spots.[6] Some rooms have facilities to cook one's own meals.[3]

Access to the hot springs are limited in winter due to road closures from the beginning of November until May.[3][5]

Description edit

The hot springs emerge from seven spring sources, and flow into outdoor soaking pools overlooking the river.[3]

There are five open-air baths with hot water and also colder water emerging from underground thermal springs. Water temperatures can fluctuate in times of seismic activity.[6]

A short walk from the main onsen ares leads to a cave bath fed by a hot spring. The mineral content of the water is high in calcium sulfate.[4]

There are different access times for men and women; only one of the soaking pool accommodates both men and women together.[6]

Gallery edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Four Seasons in Japan".
  2. ^ 震災・戦争を生き抜いた「老舗企業」、全国に 2 万 5000 社 [25,000 established companies nationwide that survived the earthquake and war] (PDF) (in Japanese). Teikoku Databank, Ltd. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 23, 2013. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c d "Geto Onsen". Guide Very Japanese. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  4. ^ a b Manning, Jeff (18 February 1994). "Geto Onsen". Tokyo Weekender. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  5. ^ a b c "Geto River". Visit Iwate. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Denfield, Aric. "Geto Onsen". Japan travel. Retrieved 27 January 2024.