Visiting Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku Region can be a very cold experience with all that snow in the winter. That’s why you want to visit some hot springs to warm up. Here are 5 hot springs that you can go to. Unlike a bath with regular water, the water of a hot spring will really warm you up from the inside and will actually keep you feeling warm for a longer time.
Tsunagi Hot Springs
Because the water is nice and hot from all of the wellsprings, you can fully enjoy an outdoor bath, even in Iwate’s cold winter.
| Address | 2-7-1, Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi |
| Directions | 30 min. by bus (Tsunagi/Oshuku Line or Yamabushi Line or Tsunagi Onsen Line via Ota) from JR Morioka Station East Exit Bus Stop #10 |
| Website | http://www.tsunagionsen.com/english/ |
Shizukuishi Hot Springs Village
This is a group of 11 hot springs in a charming town full of traditional inns each with its own character for visitors to choose from and enjoy.
| Directions | 15 min. by taxi from JR Shizukuishi Station (JR Shinkansen Line “Komachi”) |
| Website | http://www.morioka-hachimantai.jp/eng/shizukuishi/24.html |
Hachimantai Hot Springs Village
Hot springs right at the northern foot of Mt. Iwate. This is a region with a resort-like atmosphere that has a variety of leisure options and Japanese inns.
| Location | Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture |
| Directions by Bus | Take the Iwate Kenpoku bus from JR Morioka Station bound for the Hachimantai Royal Hotel (1h 25 min) and get off at the end of the line. |
| Directions By car | Get off at the Matsuo-Hachimantai Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway and drive via Prefectural Routes 45 and 23 for 9 km. |
| Website | http://www.morioka-hachimantai.jp/eng/model-course/model2_2day.html |
Hanamaki Hot Springs
Hanamaki is a complex of 10 hot springs. It is a paradize to Soak up history, relaxation and admire the glorious views.
| Location | Hanamaki-shi, Iwate |
| Directions | Approx. 20 min. by bus to Hanamaki Onsen or Dai Onsen from JR Shin-Hanamaki Station Bus Stop #4 |
| Website | https://www.kanko-hanamaki.ne.jp/en/spa/index.html |