Asamushi Onsen

Asamushi Onsen (浅虫温泉) is the site of a hot spring, on the eastern edge of the city of Aomori in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.[1] It was developed as the downtown beside the onsen town and is sometimes known as "Atami in Tohoku" after the famous Atami Onsen in Shizuoka, central Japan.

Asamushi Onsen
浅虫温泉
Asamushi Onsen from Aomori Bay
LocationAomori, Japan
Coordinates40°53′21″N 140°51′41″E
Elevation0 meters
Typesaline
Temperature30-78 deg C

History

According to tradition, the hot spring was discovered by Ennin in 876, during the Heian period. It was first used for steaming (mushi) hemp (Cannabis or asa), leading to the name, though the kanji character used for the name differs.

When Hōnen visited in 1190, he popularized the custom of bathing in the hot spring. During the Edo period, a honjin for use by the daimyō of Hirosaki Domain during his sankin kōtai trips to Edo was developed at Asamushi. During the Shōwa period, Asamushi is mentioned in the 1944 novel, Tsugaru (often titled Return to Tsugaru: Travels of a Purple Tramp) written by Osamu Dazai.[2]

Onsen town
Yunoshima from Asamushi Onsen
Aomori Bay Asamushi Onsen

About 30 hotels and Japanese-style inns are in the town.

Attractions include the Asamushi Aquarium and the Wonderland Asamushi amusement park.

The Matsu no Yu communal onsen and Michi no Eki Asamushi Onsen are among the bathing facilities. There are hiking trails on the mountains behind the onsen town, with an overlook providing views of Mutsu Bay and the island of Yunoshima.[3]

Events
  • Yunoshima Katakuri Festival in April
  • Asamushi Nebuta Festival in mid-July, August 14
  • Fireworks on August 1

Transportation

The resort is served by Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Aoimori Railway Line, which connects to the JR East network at Aomori Station, Noheji Station, and Hachinohe Station. Bus access is provided as well at Michinoeki Asamushi-Onsen Station for Aomori City buses and Shimokita Kotsu buses. Visitors traveling to the resort by automobile can take National Route 4 east from the center of Aomori; the trip takes about 30 minutes on average.[4]

  • Matsunoyu
  • Drinkable onsen water
  • Live performance of Tsugaru-jamisen
  • Asamushi Onsen Nebuta Festival

References
  1. Campbell, Allen; Nobel, David S (1993). Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Kodansha. p. 64. ISBN 406205938X.
  2. "Book review of Return to Tsugaru: Travels of a Purple Tramp". 15 April 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
  3. "浅虫温泉 高森山" [Asamushi Onsen Takamoriyama]. www.yamap.co.jp (in Japanese). Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  4. "Central Aomori to Asamushi by car". Retrieved 6 December 2018.
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