Okuzu Onsen (大葛温泉)

Okuzu Onsen: The Golden Waters of the Samurai Heartland

Hidden in the emerald valleys of Hinai, Odate, Okuzu Onsen is a destination where the steam of the earth meets the echoes of Japan’s imperial past. For over a millennium, this region was one of Japan’s most vital gold-producing centers; legend has it that gold from the Okuzu Mine was used to gild the Great Buddha of Nara and the iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji) in Kyoto.[1, 2] Today, the “Golden Mountain” has returned to quietude, offering a restorative sanctuary defined by its exceptionally high alkaline waters—reaching a pH of 9.0.[3] For the international traveler, Okuzu offers a rare chance to soak in the “Water of Beauty” while surrounded by the profound history of Japan’s industrial heritage and the rustic charm of Akita’s highlands.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: A Scientific “Beauty Polish”

The waters of Okuzu Onsen are a masterclass in natural skincare. Classified as a Calcium-Sodium Sulfate Spring, its most remarkable feature is its high alkalinity ($text{pH} 9.0$).[3]
The Exfoliation Effect: Alkaline water acts as a natural soap, emulsifying surface oils and gently removing dead skin cells. This leaves your skin feeling exceptionally smooth—a sensation known in Japan as “Bijin-no-yu” (Water of Beauty).
The Internal Healing: The sulfate components are medically recognized for improving circulation and aiding the recovery of external wounds and chronic skin issues.[6] The water is crystal clear and odorless, making it a gentle experience for those with sensitive skin or for travelers new to onsen culture.

Top 5 Recommended Stays & Bases

• Beniyama Nature Park Cottages: Located adjacent to the hot springs. While the main Beniyama-so inn is currently in a transition period [7, 8], the cottages provide a perfect self-catering base for families and groups who want to stay in nature and use the onsen for their daily ritual.
• Odate Sakura Onsen (Nearby): A modern facility on the outskirts of Odate city, perfect for travelers who want higher-end amenities while remaining close to the historical Okuzu area.
• Hotel Royal Odate: The premier choice for those using Odate as a central hub. It offers Western-style comfort and easy access to the Akita Inu museums.
• Oshikiri Guest House: A small, traditional inn in central Hinai that focuses on local farm-to-table hospitality.
• Yuzaka (Nearby Oyu Onsen): For those seeking a 100% Vegan experience, this sustainable inn is located about 45 minutes away and aligns with the nature-first philosophy of the region .

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Industrial Heritage and Ancient Relics

Okuzu Gold Mine Cemetery: A hauntingly beautiful site featuring hundreds of grave markers that tell the story of the mine’s 1,200-year history. It is a powerful place for photography and historical reflection.[2, 9]
Okuzu Gold Mine Museum (Furusato-kan): Houses precious records and tools used in the extraction of the gold that built Kyoto’s pavilions. *Note: Reservation required from April to October.[10]*
Mt. Beniyama Lookout: Offers a panoramic view of the Hinai basin and the Nagaki River. In spring, the “Beniyama Sakura” (red mountain cherries) paint the landscape in vibrant pinks .

Local Gastronomy & Souvenirs: The Kingdom of Rice

The Hinai area is legendary for its Hinai Jidori—one of Japan’s top three chicken breeds.
Kiritanpo: Hand-mashed rice skewers toasted over charcoal.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Request the “Miso-tsuke Tanpo” (Miso-glazed rice sticks). Ensure the miso does not contain fish stock (dashi) by asking for “Katsuo-dashi nuki”.[11] The local “Hinai Tofu” is famous for its firmness and is often used in stews. We also recommend “Iburi-gakko” (smoked pickles), which are naturally plant-based and iconic to the region.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Okuzu” refers to the deep mountains where the gold was hidden. Historically, the area was managed by the Satake clan and later by the industrial giant Mitsubishi before the mine finally closed in 1975 . The onsen culture here was established as a way for the miners and their families to maintain health in the harsh winter environment. Today, the 100-yen public bath stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience and their dedication to preserving their “Golden” heritage.

Practical Travel Tips

• Tattoo Policy: The Okuzu Chomin Yakujo is a public community bath and is very welcoming to international visitors. Small tattoos are common and ignored; for large pieces, a waterproof sticker is a polite gesture.
• Connectivity & Cash: This is a remote mountain village. Wi-Fi is non-existent at the public bath. Always bring cash—the 100-yen entry fee must be paid in coins.
• Language Barrier: Signage is primarily in Japanese. We recommend using a translation app for communication at the local market or museum .

2025-2026 Latest Updates

The Okuzu Onsen Festival is scheduled for late July 2025, where the onsen is free for all visitors and local food stalls feature the freshest “Summer Hinai Rice” products . In 2026, a new “Heritage Trekking Path” will open, connecting the gold mine remains directly to the onsen area with multilingual interpretive plaques.

Safety & Manners

When using the community bath, remember to bring your own towel and soap, as these are not provided for the 100-yen fee. In the winter, the road to Okuzu (Route 22) is subject to heavy snow accumulation; a 4WD rental car with studless tires is mandatory. Be mindful of wildlife (bears) if walking near the cemetery at dusk—wear a bear bell .