Amazing AOMORI

The Oku-Yagen Onsen hot spring is located about two kilometers up the mountain from the Yagen Onsen hot spring.

Two open-air baths, Ganso-Kappa-no-Yu and Fufu-Kappa-no-Yu, can be found about a five-minute walk from one another.

Both are natural free-flowing hot-spring baths built along the mountain stream.

Although the hot spring is in a secluded location, many tourists come from outside Aomori to soak in these open-air baths with views of seasonal foliage and the stream.

The Ganso-Kappa-no-Yu bath is free of charge, with men and women bathing at different times.

*In order to protect the natural environment, please refrain from using soap or shampoo.

■Legend of the Kappa’s Bath

Kappa-no-Yu means “bath of the kappa” (a water sprite in Japanese mythology). This refers to an old legend that has been passed down about Oku-Yagen Onsen.

It is said that over 1,100 years ago, Jikaku Daishi, the priest who founded Osorezan Temple, fell from a cliff on his way to visit Yagen and hurt himself badly. A kappa wearing a giant butterbur leaf on its head appeared out of nowhere and carried the priest away on its back. When Jikaku Daishi awoke the next morning, he found himself in an open-air bath with his pain completely gone. He was so grateful that he named the bath “Kappa-no-Yu.”
 
 

Temperature: 59 degrees

Quality: Mildly alkaline simple hot spring

Indications: Gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, gynecological disorders, etc.