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[Yamagata Prefecture] This is Japanese hot spring culture! The charm of the spa that lives on in Hijiori Onsen
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In Japan, there has long been a concept of ``toji,'' or bathing in hot springs to speed up recovery from illness or injury. In the previous article, we introduced the highlights and access to Hijiori Onsenkyo, but this time we have summarized the hot springs in detail.
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Table of Contents
- What is Hijiori Onsen? A hot spring area with a history of over 1200 years.
- Types and effects of hot springs
- Day trip hot spring resort introduction (Caldera Onsenkan, Hijiori Deyukan, Kamiyu)
- Take a break at Gensen Park
- If you want to enjoy Hijiori Onsen even more
What is Hijiori Onsen? A hot spring area with a history of over 1200 years.
Hijiori Onsenkyo is a quiet hot spring area where the 1,200-year-old hot spring culture remains, and has been designated as a national recreational hot spring area due to the effectiveness of the hot springs and the environment suitable for relaxation. It is made up of three hot spring areas: Hijiori Onsen, Kogane Onsen, and Ishiboi Onsen, and you can enjoy a total of 21 hot springs.
Hijiori, which is deep in snow, has had strict rules for the entire village since the Edo period, known as ``contract education''. Even today, some of these lectures have been passed down with great care. A representative example of this is the ``36 people'' that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Younger people are no longer familiar with the word hot spring spa, but in order to pass on Japan's hot spring culture, the Thirty-Six People are still involved in the maintenance of hot springs, the natural environment, and other activities. By the way, it continues to protect its history, climate, and culture.
In the 2023 hot spring general election, we received the Minister of the Environment Award in recognition of these efforts and the promotion of protection and proper use of hot springs.
Types and effects of hot springs
The source of Hijiori Onsen is a therapeutic spring, and the amount of water gushing out is abundant. Although it is a small village, you can enjoy all kinds of hot springs such as ``No. 2 source'' and ``No. 5 source''. The color of the hot water and the bathing experience are different, so it's fun to compare them at each inn, public bathhouse, or day trip hot spring facility.
It is also called a ``warming hot water'' due to its high heat-retaining effect, and a ``beautiful skin hot spring'' because it emulsifies dead skin cells and washes them away.
Day trip hot spring resort introduction (Caldera Onsenkan, Hijiori Deyukan, Kamiyu)
① Golden Onsen Caldera Onsenkan
Caldera Onsenkan, located in Kogane Onsen with the atmosphere of a back parlor, is a warm, wooden hot spring facility for day trips. Both a hot hot spring and a cold carbonated spring gush out from the premises, which is rare even in Japan. Take a bath in a hot hot spring! The cold carbonated spring is used for drinking.
Some of you may be thinking, “Drinkable hot springs!?? Is it possible to drink hot springs??” !
That's right. You can drink this carbonated spring.
The warning says, ``Drink one glass slowly and slowly before meals. Do not drink tea, coffee, or tea immediately after drinking the hot springs, as they can damage the stomach lining. Generally speaking, drinking hot spring water 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals is more effective. It is recommended to avoid drinking hot springs after dinner and before going to bed as much as possible.''
Carbonated springs are 5 times more effective in promoting blood circulation than regular hot springs. In Europe, it is called the "Heart Bath". It seems to activate the internal organs, have a diuretic effect, treat constipation, chronic digestive disorders, and boost immunity. There is also a cold carbonated spring in the large public bath where you can take a partial bath for your hands and feet, so we recommend that you alternate between bathing in the warm Golden Onsen and bathing in the hot spring.
② Hijiori Deyukan
Here you can enjoy hot springs while working out, which is currently trending. In other words, you can have a "hot spring vacation". In addition to meeting rooms for rent, a restaurant, a souvenir corner, and a hands-on experience painting Hijiori Kokeshi dolls, the symbol of Hijiori Onsen, there are hot spring baths for hanging and lying down.
A great hot spring cure. Do you want to know the correct bathing method that suits you? Here, you can receive treatment from a hot spring doctor who specializes in hot spring treatment. The event is free and please check the website for dates. If you have knee or lower back pain, have undergone surgery, or want to improve your health, ask for advice on diet and bathing methods.
③ Upper bath
The public bath Noue no Yu, which originated in Hijiori, is located in the center of the hot spring town.
There are indoor baths for men and women, and a Jizo statue is enshrined in the bathtub, making it a hot spring that seems to bring good luck. It is said to be effective for cuts and wounds, and is said to be frequented by locals.
Take a break at Gensen Park
If you go upstream along the river in Hijiori Onsen Town, you will arrive at Gensen Park, a place for locals to relax. There are some spots here that I would like to introduce to you.
Gensen Park has Hijiori Dam, which is designated as a registered tangible cultural property, and right next to it, you can see the ``Hatsukoi Footbath'' and the hot spring gushing out. You can't go in the winter because of the snow, but if you're going from spring to fall, be sure to stop by!
In between walks around Hijiori Onsenkyo, take a break with a footbath or sitz bath while looking at the dam and listening to the sound of the river. Eating Hotei Manju that you bought at a hot spring town will give you a sense of relaxation. Isn't this holiday wonderful? Be sure to visit Hijiori Onsen.
If you want to enjoy Hijiori Onsen even more
Check out this article for information on Hijiori Onsen's access, sightseeing spots, souvenirs, and gourmet food.
Written by
National Resort Onsen(hot Spring) Area are designated by the Minister of the Environment based on the Hot Springs Act as healthy recreation hot spring areas where the effects of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. There are 79 designated hot spring areas throughout the country. (As of October 2022) The selection of national hot spring resorts is generally based on the following criteria. Part 1 Conditions regarding hot spring quality and gushing amount Part 2 Conditions regarding the environment etc. of hot spring resorts
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
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