Most of the inns here have their own hot springs bath since the waters were directed here about 50 years ago from the Matsukawa Geothermal Power Plant near Matsukawa Onsen.
This is a rare type of hot spring, called “magma water” because the steam that erupts from 2,000 meters underground is used as hot water. The spring is a simple sulfur hot spring, colorless with a faint scent of sulfur. In addition to one public day spa facility in the center of the area, there are many hot spring inns that welcome day bathers scattered throughout the area.
Whether it’s an open-air bath with a view of Mt. Iwate, a cypress bath, 100% free-flowing spring water, a private bath, or a hot spring for 300 yen, you’re sure to find a hot spring just right for you.
There are three inn with hot springs along the Matsukawa Gorge in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The spring is a simple hydrogen sulfide spring, and the colorless water at the sources changes to milky white the moment it comes into contact with air, becoming deep milky white water. The flow of water is strong and constantly gushes up to the surface.
The three hot springs inns, Shofuso, Matsukawaso, and Kyounso, have a variety of distinctive baths, including a cave bath, a bluish milky white bath, and a mixed bath for both sexes, all of which you can experience!
