Towada Onsen (十和田温泉)

Introduction: The Urban Thermal Oasis and the Gateway to Modern Art

Located in the heart of Towada City, where the grid-like streets are lined with contemporary sculptures and vibrant street art, lies Towada Onsen (十和田温泉). Unlike the secluded mountain springs of the Hakkoda range, this onsen is an “Urban Oasis,” integrated into the daily life of one of Aomori’s most creative municipalities. Towada is a city that breathes art, famous for the world-class “Towada Art Center,” and its hot springs provide the essential physical recovery for those who have spent the day exploring the city’s open-air galleries. For the international traveler, Towada Onsen offers a profound encounter with the “Modern North.” It is a place where you can soak in mineral-rich waters alongside local residents, breathe in the air of a city that values both tradition and innovation, and experience the warm, unpretentious hospitality of the Tsugaru and Nanbu borderland. Whether you are an art lover seeking a high-quality “reset” or a traveler using Towada as a base for the Oirase Stream, this central thermal sanctuary is your essential urban discovery.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Urban Silk” of Towada

The water at Towada Onsen is geologically distinct, drawing from the deep volcanic veins that run beneath the Towada Basin. It is a high-quality Sodium-Chloride / Bicarbonate Spring.
The Visuals: The water is crystal clear and odorless, but notably “thick” or slippery to the touch.
The Sensation: This is a definitive “Bijin-no-yu” (Beauty Water). The bicarbonate ions act as a natural cleanser, gently emulsifying skin oils, while the salt content forms a “mineral veil” that traps body heat. It is particularly effective for those suffering from dry skin or poor circulation, providing a warmth that lasts long after you leave the bath. The primary facility, Towada Onsen, features large indoor tubs and a high-temperature sauna, offering a vibrant community atmosphere where the “Sento” (public bath) culture of Aomori is felt in its most authentic form.

Top Recommended Bases & Stays

• Towada Onsen (Inn Section): The heart of the area’s wellness. It offers simple, clean Japanese-style rooms that are excellent value for money. Staying here allows you 24-hour access to the mineral tubs and easy access to the city’s dining district.
• Smile Hotel Towada: A modern business hotel in the city center, offering Western-style comfort and proximity to the Towada Art Center. Perfect for international travelers who want easy access to cafes and shopping.
• Hotel Route-Inn Towada: A reliable, high-value choice with its own mineral baths, ideal for road-trippers and those arriving via the Shinkansen.
• Towada Guesthouses: Several small, stylish guesthouses like “Hostel Towada” offer a social alternative for solo travelers and digital nomads seeking an artistic base.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Art and Horses

Towada Art Center: A 5-minute drive from the onsen. One of Japan’s most acclaimed contemporary art museums, featuring permanent installations by Yayoi Kusama and Ron Mueck. The entire street (Kanchoga-dori) is an open-air gallery.
Kanchoga-dori (Street of Offices): A stunning boulevard lined with 156 cherry trees and massive pine trees. It is one of the “Top 100 Streets in Japan” and is the site of many local art events.
Towada Horse Park: Towada has a long history as a “Horse Town.” You can see equestrian monuments and learn about the horses that were once the pride of the Nanbu Clan.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of the “Bara-yaki”

Towada is the birthplace of one of Hokkaido/Aomori’s most famous soul foods.
Towada Bara-yaki: A savory dish of sliced beef and mountains of onions grilled on an iron plate with a sweet-savory soy-based sauce. It is the ultimate “power meal” after a hot soak.
Towada Garlic: The city is a world-class producer of garlic. Look for “Black Garlic” as a high-energy healthy souvenir.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Towada’s art district has several creative cafes. Try the local Handmade Udon. Specify “Vegetable only” for toppings and avoid the fish dashi. The local supermarkets carry fresh “Towada Asparagus” and seasonal apples which are 100% vegan snacks. We recommend buying the local “Towada Soymilk” for its rich, nutty flavor.

Cultural & Historical Context

The city of Towada was developed in the Meiji era as a major center for pioneering agriculture and military horse breeding. The grid system was designed by Inazo Nitobe, whose family was instrumental in the region’s irrigation. The hot spring was discovered during exploratory drilling in the late 20th century and was immediately embraced as a “Golden Gift” for the hardworking residents. Today, Towada Onsen stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and its transition into a modern capital of “Art and Wellness.”

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Towada Onsen is a public-facing facility and is generally very tolerant of international guests. Small tattoos are fine; for large pieces, using a waterproof cover sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local residents.
• Language Support: The Art Center and city center hotels have excellent English support. The onsen facility uses a ticket vending machine with clear icons. Have a translation app ready for the “Bara-yaki” restaurants.
• Cash & Payments: While major hotels accept credit cards, the onsen entry and local ramen shops are strictly cash-only (JPY).
• Access Advice: If you are arriving by **Tohoku Shinkansen**, get off at **Shichinohe-Towada Station**. Taxis and buses are readily available. For those with a **rental car**, this is an ideal hub for exploring both the city art and the Oirase Stream.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Towada City launched the “Art & Soak” digital pass, providing discounted entry to the Art Center and three different city onsens. For the 2026 season, new “Moonlight Art Walks” are being planned along Kanchoga-dori, ending with a midnight mineral bath at the city onsens.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water makes your skin very smooth, walk carefully on the tiled floors. When exploring the Art Center, do not touch the outdoor sculptures unless specifically permitted. Finally, respect the quiet of the residential areas; Towada is a city that values its peaceful evenings, so keep noise levels to a minimum after 9:00 PM.