Gonohe Makiba Onsen (五戸まきば温泉)

Introduction: The Equestrian Sanctuary and the Saline Warmth of the Nanbu Heartland

Located in the rolling green hills of Gonohe Town, a region historically celebrated as the “Kingdom of Horses” in northern Japan, lies Gonohe Makiba Onsen (五戸まきば温泉). This hot spring destination is the ultimate embodiment of Hokkaido/Aomori’s pastoral soul. While the mountainous sulfur springs of the west offer volcanic intensity, Makiba Onsen provides a sophisticated, high-volume saline spring that reflects the fertile agricultural richness of the Nanbu plains. For the international traveler, Gonohe Makiba Onsen offers a profound sensory journey: soaking in “ancient seawater” mineral baths while surrounded by the heritage of samurai horse-breeding, tasting the world-class “Sakura-niku” (horse meat) cuisine, and witnessing the unpretentious, warm hospitality of a community that lives by the cycles of the earth. It is a sanctuary of rural peace, culinary depth, and a restorative warmth that penetrates the body core far better than any standard resort.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Salt Pack” of the Nanbu Hills

The water at Gonohe Makiba Onsen is geologically intense, classified as a Sodium-Chloride Strong Saline Spring. Pumped from deep subterranean layers, this is ancient “fossil seawater” enriched by the volcanic energy of the northern Tohoku belt.
The Warming Effect: Because the mineral concentration is hypertonic (higher than human bodily fluids), the salt forms a microscopic “veil” on your skin surface. This veil acts as a natural insulator, preventing the evaporation of sweat and body heat. This is the definitive “Netsu-no-yu” (Heat Water) of the region, capable of warming the body core even during the sub-zero blizzards of the northern winter.
The Sensation: The water is crystal clear with a faint, pleasant oceanic aroma and a noticeably “thick” or slippery feel. The primary facility, Makiba Onsen Hotel, features a wide variety of tubs, including a high-temperature sauna and an outdoor Rotenburo where you can breathe in the crisp air of the surrounding apple orchards and horse pastures.

Top Recommended Stays & Bases

• Gonohe Makiba Onsen Hotel (五戸まきば温泉): The heart of the area’s wellness. It offers modern Japanese and Western-style rooms. The dining hall is world-class, serving the legendary **”Gonohe Horse Meat”** and local “Aomori Beef.” It is the premier choice for international families and foodies seeking a high-value, quiet stay near Hachinohe.
• Hachinohe City Hotels: Located 20 minutes away, modern hotels like Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hachinohe offer a more urban alternative for those wanting to explore the city’s famous “Yatai Village” while visiting Makiba as a day-trip.
• Local Farmstays: Several nearby agricultural guest houses offer an “Agri-stay” experience, where you can help harvest apples or garlic before heading to Makiba for your evening soak.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Horses and Heritage

Historic Gonohe Street (O-magari): A short drive away, featuring well-preserved merchant houses and traditional sake breweries that reflect the town’s Edo-period wealth.
Gonohe Horse Center: Learn about the history of the Nanbu horse, which were once the most prized steeds for samurai across Japan. You can often see traditional horse events here.
Hachinohe “Miroku Yatai” Village: A 20-minute drive to the city center reveals a vibrant alleyway of small food stalls, perfect for exploring Aomori’s social drinking culture.

Local Gastronomy: The Kingdom of “Sakura-niku” (Horse Meat)

Gonohe is world-famous for its high-quality Horse Meat.
Basashi (Horse Sashimi): Incredibly lean, tender, and nutritious. Try the “Red Meat” or “Marbled” varieties at the onsen restaurant.
Gonohe Nabe: A savory horse meat hot pot with mountain vegetables and local tofu.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival: Gonohe is a major producer of Garlic and Soybeans.
For Vegans: Try the local Handmade Udon made from Aomori wheat. Specify “Vegetable only” for toppings and avoid the fish dashi. The nearby farmer’s markets sell fresh seasonal corn and the famous “Gonohe Garlic” which are perfect 100% vegan treats. We recommend buying the local “Nambu Senbei” (wheat crackers)—ensure you check for meat extracts in the savory versions.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Gonohe” literally means “The Fifth Gate,” referring to the historic defense system of the Nanbu Clan. Historically, this area was the frontier for breeding the “Nanbu-uma,” the elite horses that carried generals into battle. Makiba Onsen was developed to provide a place of rest and health for the hardworking farmers and breeders who built the town’s legacy. Today, it remains a symbol of rural Aomori’s resilience—a place where the prehistoric past and the equestrian traditions of the present exist side-by-side.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Makiba Onsen is a public-facing facility and is generally very welcoming to international guests. Small tattoos are ignored; for large pieces, using a waterproof cover sticker is recommended as a courtesy to the local residents.
• Language Support: Basic English signs for the bath rules are available. The staff are used to visitors from the nearby Hachinohe Shinkansen hub and are very patient. Have a translation app ready for the beef and horse-heavy menu.
• Cash & Payments: The onsen entry is paid via a cash vending machine. However, the hotel section and modern city restaurants accept major credit cards and Apple Pay.
• Access Advice: If you are arriving by **Tohoku Shinkansen**, get off at JR Hachinohe Station. A 20-minute taxi or local bus is the easiest way to reach the onsen. A **rental car** is highly recommended to see the horse centers and distant farm viewpoints.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Gonohe Makiba Onsen launched the “Nanbu Heritage & Soak” package, providing discounted entry for those who visit the local horse center or sake breweries. For the 2026 season, a new “Orchard Viewing Deck” is being added to the outdoor area to allow bathers to see the apple blossoms while they soak during the spring season.

Safety & Manners

In the onsen, always rinse your body thoroughly before entering the tub. Because the water is highly saline, rinse off well at the end to prevent the salt from irritating your skin. When visiting the horse centers, never enter the enclosures without permission and do not use camera flashes. Finally, respect the quiet of the rural district; Gonohe is a place where people value the peace of the afternoon, so keep conversations in the outdoor bath to a respectful whisper.