Yunosawa Onsen (湯の沢温泉)

Yunosawa Onsen: UNESCO Heritage Gateways and the 300-Year “Child-Blessing” Legacy

In the diverse landscape of Akita, the name Yunosawa Onsen (湯の沢温泉) represents two distinct but equally profound destinations. The Northern Yunosawa in Fujisato Town serves as the primary terminal for explorers of the UNESCO World Heritage Shirakami-Sanchi, offering modern architectural luxury amidst the world’s largest virgin beech forest.[1, 2] Meanwhile, the Southern Yunosawa in Yurihonjo City is a 300-year-old sanctuary tucked under the slopes of Mt. Chokai, legendary as a “Phantom Water” for its spiritual connection to fertility and safe delivery.[3, 4] For the international traveler, these two springs offer a choice between high-oxygen forest immersion and an authentic encounter with Japan’s deep agricultural history. Both provide a complete biological reset, far removed from the neon pulse of the metropolitan areas.

Key Information Table: Dual Gateways

The Healing Waters: Science of the Forest and the Mountain

The Northern Yunosawa (Fujisato) waters are geologically filtered through ancient volcanic tuff and beech roots. Chemically, it is a Sodium-Chloride / Sulfate Spring with a perfectly balanced $pH$ of $7.2$.
Metasilicic Acid Factor: Containing approx. $42.6text{ mg/kg}$ of metasilicic acid, it acts as a natural moisturizer, facilitating the skin’s barrier repair. The “Green Tuff” walls in the Hotel Yutoria Fujisato baths actually reflect the volcanic soil of the Shirakami-Sanchi.

In contrast, the Southern Yunosawa (Yurihonjo) water is a **Simple Spring** known as the “Kodakara-no-yu” (Water of Children). For 300 years, it has been prized for stabilizing the autonomic nervous system, believed to create the ideal physical and mental state for conception.[8, 3] The temperature is kept at a comfortable $41.3^circtext{C}$ , ideal for long, meditative soaking sessions.[9]

Top Stays: From Designer Resorts to Farmhouse Inns

• Hotel Yutoria Fujisato (North): Rebuilt in 2021 by architect Makoto Yokomizo with a concept of “Inspiration.” The lobby features a 300-year-old Akita cedar table, and the rooms are designed for “Workation” comfort . It includes large heated indoor pools and saunas .
• Hotel Masaka (South): A certified “Farming and Forestry Experience Inn.” It is a 300-year-old sanctuary that offers a deep dive into rural Akita life, including puppet theater (Sarukura Ningyo Shibai) and rice planting .
• Shirakami Forest Lodges (North): Small, rustic mountain cabins near the Fujisato trailhead for budget-conscious trekkers and nature photographers.[10]
• Chokaiso (Nearby South): A popular hotel for hikers aiming for the summit of Mt. Chokai, offering high-quality local wagyu and standard Japanese comforts.[11]
• Yuzaka (Nearby Oyu Onsen): For those seeking a 100% Vegan experience, this nearby sustainable inn is the recommended stay in northern Akita .

Walking Guide: Primeval Forests and Three-Tiered Falls

Dakedai Nature Observation Forest (North): A 12-hectare primeval beech forest within the Shirakami buffer zone. Walk the “Wood-chip Trail” to see the “400-year-old Beech”—a fallen giant that now provides nutrients for the next generation of forest spirits .
Hottai Waterfall (South): A spectacular three-tiered cascade falling $57text{ m}$ from the slopes of Mt. Chokai.[12, 13] It is a “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfall” and a famous filming location for the movie Tsurikichi Sanpei.[14, 13]
Tamada Gorge: A historic trekking course following an abandoned logging railway through the deep valleys of bird-song and volcanic potholes.[15, 16]

Local Gastronomy: Kodama Yeast and Mountain Bounty

Food in Yunosawa is defined by altitude and artisanal yeast.
Shirakami Kodama Yeast Bread: Hotel Yutoria Fujisato serves artisan bread made with yeast discovered in the local Shirakami forest—known for its natural sweetness and soft texture.[2, 17]
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: This area is the “Vegetable Kingdom.” Request the “Satoyama Tofu Steak” or the “Fujisato Tomato Pasta” at the onsen restaurants . At Hotel Masaka, the owner serves “Sansai Kaiseki”—ensure you specify “Katsuo-dashi nuki” (No fish dashi) to enjoy the fresh mountain ferns and mushrooms.[4] We also recommend the “Moroheiya Noodles” made from highly nutritious Egyptian spinach grown in the region.[18]

Cultural & Historical Context

The Northern Yunosawa has long been a place of ritual before entering the “Sacred Mountains” of the coast. The Southern Yunosawa (Hotel Masaka) has remained in the same family for generations, preserving a hospitality style that focuses on “Enkan” (The Circle of Connection)—where guests share a single long table for home-cooked meals.[3, 4] Both regions represent the “Satoyama” ideal: a sustainable balance where human settlement nurtures the surrounding wilderness.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Hotel Yutoria Fujisato is tolerant of tattoos in communal tubs if they are covered by a sticker. Hotel Masaka is a welcoming family-run inn; large art can often be accommodated by utilizing private “family-use” hours .
• Connectivity: Free high-speed Wi-Fi is excellent at Hotel Yutoria Fujisato due to its new workation desks.[19] In Yurihonjo (South), expect limited digital signal—ideal for a “Forest Retreat” .
• Cash & Payments: Major credit cards are accepted at Yutoria Fujisato . **Hotel Masaka is strictly cash-only** .
• Transport: Renting a car at Futatsui or Yashima is the only efficient way to see both the World Heritage beech forests and the Hottai waterfalls .

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In **February 7, 2026**, Fujisato will host the **”12th Shirakami-Sanchi Ketsujori World Championship”**, a fun snow-sledding race open to international participants . The Shirakami World Heritage Center (Fujisato) is undergoing a massive renovation and will reopen in **April 2026** as an interactive digital educational hub .

Safety & Manners

In the Shirakami-Sanchi area, **stay on the designated wooden paths** to protect the fragile soil and rare flora . If walking near Hottai Waterfall, be aware of “slippery volcanic rock” and wear sturdy hiking shoes.[13] In the winter, snow depth can exceed $3text{ m}$ ; **always check road conditions** before driving your rental car to these remote mountain sanctuaries.[3, 20]