Onsen by the Sea

Onsen by the Sea

Philip Vyas

In the mood for some respite from the cold. I decided to head up to Furofushi Onsen, to once again enjoy a beautiful ocean view while relaxing in an onsen.

I met up with my Onsen friends for the day at the usual Aeon parking lot in Noshiro. We gathered into one car and off we went up the coast of Akita bordering the Sea of Japan, past Happo town and further north, over the border into Aomori and up close near the town of Fukaura famous for carrots, then we arrived at Furofushi onsen. Important to note that this trail is littered with Michinoekis boasting various and interesting flavors of ice cream one of which I regard as the best. More on that later.

The Onsen is connected to a hotel and costs 500\. Towel rental is possible. The lobby staff were very friendly particularly one man who could speak English. He instructed us that we first need to shower at the hotel, before venturing out toward the outdoor bath.

The hotel complex features a regular Onsen attached to the hotel where one is able to shower. Soap and shampoo are provided. This part of the Onsen also includes an elevated outdoor bath which has a spectacular view of the ocean. However, we were looking for the true smell, sound and feel of the ocean, so onward we went out onto the coast side.

The walk to the outdoor bath from the hotel takes about 15 minutes and includes a short elevator ride.

Once we got outside, we were greeted by a fresh cold blast of coastal wind. We headed toward the baths eagerly down a long narrow concrete path. The outdoor baths are separated into two. One mixed side and one female only side. Upon entering the mixed side there is a small section where shelves and baskets are provided for

your clothes and belongings. In, we went.

The water is an earthy light brown, with the trimmings of the bath being calcified minerals. The ocean view, sound and smell truly provide a spectacle as long periods of silence ensued as everyone meditated on the ocean waves. The temperature of the water on the mixed side was perfect that day. We heard from our friend that the women’s side was too hot. Each to their own, however as the water is brown and not at all transparent, I feel that the mixed bathing section is not too awkward.

On the way back we enjoyed a hot meal at one of the many Michinoekis followed by my favourite sesame seed ice cream. A great trip as a whole, I would highly recommend it for anyone seeking a good Onsen to visit. The drive and Onsen combine to provide a lovely experience. The road is a coastal road and provides views of the snowy Shirakami mountains. Oh yes! I nearly forgot. We saw wild Japansese macaques too!

Towada Illuminations