Ootaki Onsen (大滝温泉)

Ootaki Onsen: The 1,300-Year “Medical Spring” and the Legend of the Wounded Crane

Perched along the Yoneshiro River in Odate City, Ootaki Onsen (大滝温泉) is one of the most historically significant springs in northern Japan. Founded in 807 AD following an eruption of Mt. Hachimantai, it has served as a prestigious “Medical Spring” for over a millennium. Once the private retreat of the Satake samurai lords, Ootaki is celebrated for its exceptionally high concentration of Metasilicic Acid ($498.6text{ mg/kg}$ ), earning it a global reputation as the “Natural Skincare Spa”.[20, 21] For the international traveler, Ootaki offers a quiet encounter with “Old Japan”—a place to discover the origins of the Akita Inu dog and the traditional Kiritanpo rice cuisine while healing the heart and skin in soft, multi-mineral waters.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Heart’s Spa” born of Magma

The waters of Ootaki are scientifically unique, classified as Sodium-Calcium Chloride / Sulfate Springs. Balneologically, this provides a powerful “Vascular Restoration” effect.

The Skin-Beautifying Acid: With a $pH$ of $8.7$ and $498.6text{ mg}$ of Metasilicic Acid per kilogram, the water acts like a natural cosmetic, softening old keratin and promoting skin metabolism.[20, 21]
Vascular Health: The sulfate ions promote the expansion of peripheral blood vessels, reducing heart burden and lowering blood pressure—earning it the nickname “Heart’s Water”.[25, 21] At Chitose Hotel, the tubs overlook the Yoneshiro River, providing a meditative “Negative Ion” therapy alongside the mineral soak.[26]

Top 5 Recommended Stays & Bases

• Chitose Hotel (千歳ホテル): A historic inn that **allows pets** for free. It features river-view baths and traditional Japanese suites.[22, 26]
• Little Ootaki Onsen: A cozy, small facility perfect for travelers seeking a private, home-like experience with 100% natural water.[26]
• Akita Northern Welfare Center (Senior Area Onsen): A large, barrier-free public facility with medical-grade spa therapy and natural hot springs.[26]
• Nikkei Onsen (Nearby): Located nearby, known as the “Kusatsu of Tohoku” for its sulfur-rich cloudy waters, great for “Onsen Hopping”.[28]
• Yuzaka (Nearby Oyu Onsen): For the 100% Vegan traveler, this sustainable inn is just 20 minutes away and highly recommended.[29, 30]

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Samurai Art and Loyal Dogs

Kakuyu no Ashiyu (Crane Footbath): Located at the entrance of the Yakushi Shrine. Legend says a wounded crane healed its wing in the steam here, discovering the spring 1,300 years ago.
Odate Magewappa Experience: Try bending cedar into beautiful bento boxes—a 400-year-old samurai craft born in the Odate region.
Akita Inu no Sato: Meet real Akita dogs and learn the history of Hachiko, the world’s most loyal dog, near Odate Station.[31, 32]
Tenku no Matsu (Pine of the Sky): A massive, 600-year-old pine tree standing 31 meters tall within the Ootaki area.

Local Gastronomy: The Origin of Kiritanpo

Odate is the undisputed home of Kiritanpo.
Kiritanpo Nabe: Hand-mashed rice skewers grilled over charcoal and served in a rich Hinai Jidori chicken broth.[19, 33]
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Request the “Miso-grilled Kiritanpo” at the Yoki Kasan no Mise (Cheerful Mother’s Shop).[34, 35] Specify “Konbu-dashi nuki”. They are experts in vegetable-centric meals. The local “Ootaki Tofu” is exceptionally rich and high in protein.[36]

Cultural & Historical Context

Ootaki gained nationwide fame during the Edo period due to its location on the Kazuno Highway. The traveler Sugae Masumi recorded the village’s customs in 1803, naming the area Susuki-no-yu (Bath of Miscanthus). The medicinal status of the water was so high that the Satake clan established a villa here for diplomacy and healing in 1866.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Chitose Hotel and the Ootaki area are tolerant. Covering small tattoos with a sticker is recommended for communal baths.
• Connectivity & Cash: Wi-Fi is standard in major hotels [26], but cash is essential for JR Hanawa Line tickets and local markets.[37, 38]
• Rail Accessibility: The JR Hanawa Line offers one of the most scenic snowy valley views in Tohoku, connecting Odate to Morioka.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In **February 14-15, 2026**, the **”Odate Ame-kko Ichi”** festival will feature 400 years of candy-making history and “Akita Inu Parades,” easily accessible from Ootaki. For the 2025 season, a new “Medical Spa Seminar” will be held at the welfare area for international guests interested in balneology.[26]

Safety & Manners

When bathing, **be respectful of the elderly locals** using these baths for therapy. Because the water is alkaline and slippery, **walk slowly** on the tiled floors. In winter, stay under the Gangi (covered walkways) in town to avoid falling snow from roofs.[33, 38]