Experience the power of nature! An active trip to the hidden areas of Naruko, Tohoku

• Table of contents
• "Arayu Jigoku" - surrounded by the smell of sulfur and hot air
• The "Water God Monument" of the source of the Eai River found near Arayu Jigoku
• You can't get this in the city! Enjoy the bounty of the mountains at Okusa Shoten
• Naruko Dam Packraft: Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the caldera
• Hotel WAMARE Onikobe: A rental inn where you can enjoy magnificent nature and quality time
• Let's go to Naruko in Tohoku where you can enjoy nature and activities!

"Arayu Jigoku" - surrounded by the smell of sulfur and hot air

*Photo provided by SomeSpice LLC.

In the Onikobe area, the deepest part of Naruko Onsen, there are several places called "Hells." One of these is Arayu Hell. The smell of sulfur fills the air, and hot water and steam gush out, painting the earth white.

At Arayu Jigoku, you can see dynamic natural phenomena up close, such as sulfurous fumes and the barren rocky terrain. The yellowish hydrogen sulfide fumes are the iconic sight of this place, and will give you a real feel for the power of nature.

However, Arayu Jigoku is also a dangerous place where extremely hot water and toxic gases spew out. Hydrogen sulfide is particularly dangerous if it enters a depression, as it is a heavy gas. Please be careful not to enter restricted areas and to avoid burns from boiling water.

Arayu Jigoku is a precious place where you can feel the power and mystery of Mother Nature. You can also participate in an experience tour of Arayu Jigoku with a professional guide, so why not give it a try?

The "Water God Monument" of the source of the Eai River found near Arayu Jigoku

About a minute's drive from Arayu Jigoku, there is a large monument of the "Water God" and a monument with the word "Source" written on it. This is the source of the Eai River.

The Eai River originates from Mt. Arao, passes through the Onikobe Caldera and Naruko Dam, and finally flows into the Osaki Plain. It was indispensable for supplying water for crop cultivation and daily life, and was also used for transportation.

It is said that the Water God Monument was erected to express gratitude to the water that supports people's lives and to express the wish for protection from drowning.

You can't get this in the city! Enjoy the bounty of the mountains at Okusa Shoten

About 18 minutes by car from the Suijinhi monument, you will come across the Okusa Shoten, a direct sale of mountain delicacies, in Onikobe, surrounded by lush nature. Here, you can encounter many of the bounty of the mountains.

The recommended dishes at Okusa Shoten are made with safe game meat that has passed inspections by specialized institutions. Menu items that are considered to be masterpieces include the "Boar Soup Set" and "Bear Soup Set" that use boar or bear meat, and the "Oni Soba" that also contains boar or bear meat. The moment you put it in your mouth, the aroma of the wild spreads, and the more you chew, the more the delicious flavor of the meat permeates your mouth. It is a dish that allows you to directly feel the blessings of nature.

In addition, the fresh salt-grilled iwana (char) and sweetfish (ayu) have a simple yet deep flavor. The "kinoko oni soba" (mushroom oni soba) containing a large amount of wild vegetables is especially popular, and the rich aroma of the mushrooms will whet your appetite.

There are also plenty of souvenirs available, such as Okusa Shoten's original bottled wild vegetables, wild garlic, and Bakke miso, so why not pick one up as a memento of your trip? Be sure to enjoy the cuisine that you can't get in the city.

Naruko Dam Packraft: Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the caldera

*Photo provided by SomeSpice LLC.

At Naruko Dam, about 18 minutes by car from Okusa Shoten, you can enjoy a packrafting experience surrounded by magnificent nature.

Packrafts are boats developed for traveling in the Alaskan wilderness, and are inflated with air to gain buoyancy. They are lightweight and sturdy, allowing them to cross mountains, mountain passes, and rivers, and can also carry large loads.

Compared to traditional canoes and kayaks, it is more buoyant and stable. Even beginners can get started with just a little practice, and there is little risk of falling into the water.

On a packraft cruise on Naruko Dam Lake, you can enjoy the majestic scenery of the caldera and the seasonal scenery that can only be seen from the water. The packraft experience is recommended for those who want to spend an extraordinary time in the great outdoors.

The season for this experience is generally from around May to around November. Please check the dates and times before you go. We also offer tours where you can experience packrafting with a professional guide, so please contact us for more details.

Hotel WAMARE Onikobe: A rental inn where you can enjoy magnificent nature and quality time

If you want to make this trip an exceptional experience, why not stay at the entire inn, Hotel WAMARE Onikobe?

Hotel WAMARE Onikobe offers a space where traditional Japanese beauty and modern design come together in harmony. There are a total of five guest rooms, each incorporating a different Japanese design, where you can enjoy a special time surrounded by tranquility. The living space is on the first and second floors, allowing you to dine and chat in a spacious space. You can also spend a relaxing time in the cypress bath, filled with the scent of cypress. The hotel is also fully equipped with a system kitchen, microwave, electric kettle, and various tableware to accommodate long-term stays.

From the balcony on the second floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the rich natural surroundings of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. It is in a great location. There are also tourist facilities such as Okuya Shoten, Katanuma, Naruko Gorge, the former Yubikan, and the Nakabachi Museum of Art.

A stay at this facility will make your trip even more memorable. Please use it as a base for your trip to Tohoku.

Let's go to Naruko in Tohoku where you can enjoy nature and activities!

This time, we introduced the spots and activities where you can enjoy the great outdoors of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. There are many fun spots in the Naruko area where you can experience nature.

We also sell tours that allow you to enjoy an active trip to the hidden areas of Naruko in Tohoku. The tours are accompanied by knowledgeable and experienced guides, so please use them if you want to enjoy the Naruko area even more.