Perched at an altitude of 925 meters at the base of Mt. Hakkoda-Odake in Aomori City, Sukayu Onsen is a historic therapeutic bathhouse, steeped in over 300 years of tradition. Its crowning glory is the awe-inspiring “Hiba Sen Ninburo” (bath for a thousand people). This 160-tatami-mats mixed bathing bath, crafted from Aomori hiba (cypress), exudes an inviting, open atmosphere. The bath water, a potent acidic sulfur spring, carries a unique sourness that is surprisingly gentle on the skin.

The “Hiba Sen Ninburo” is a mixed bath, which has already become rare in Japan. There is no washing area, just a bathing area. If you want to shower or use soap, go to the “Tama-no-yu” baths, which are separate for men and women, to enjoy the hiba bath atmosphere. The hot spring water at Sukayu Onsen is not just a treat for the senses; it’s a balm for the body. Its therapeutic properties are known to alleviate fatigue and neuralgia, while its comfortable temperature gently warms you, even during a leisurely soak.

The Onsen Ryoiku Counseling Room is staffed by a qualified nurse, which is reassuring. Food is also a source of enjoyment, such as “Touji-shoku,” a traditional Japanese cuisine full of flavor, and “Onimen-an,” a soba (buckwheat noodle) restaurant serving buckwheat noodles with wild vegetables made with spring water from Mt. Hakkouda and its specialty, buckwheat pudding.

From night to morning, the silence of the mountains, the chirping of birds, the sound of insects, the sound of rain, the soft, faint light through the shoji screens, and the shadows of trees shimmering in the wind all sharpen the senses.

While day-trip hot springs are top-rated among the local residents, we recommend staying overnight to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while.