Towada Pony Onsen (十和田ポニー温泉)

Introduction: The Quirky “Pony” Sanctuary and the Silkiest Waters of the North

Located on the northern outskirts of Towada City, where the urban grid meets the rolling apple orchards of the Sanpongi district, lies a destination with one of Japan’s most charming names: Towada Pony Onsen (十和田ポニー温泉). While its name—derived from a historic local pony ranch—sounds whimsical, the quality of the water here is world-class and deeply revered by thermal connoisseurs. Known as one of the “Slipperiest Springs in Tohoku,” Pony Onsen offers an incredible alkaline soak that feels like being submerged in a liquid beauty serum. For the international traveler, Towada Pony Onsen provides a profound encounter with the “True Vernacular” of Japanese bathing culture. It is a place where you can soak in mineral-rich “Beauty Waters” alongside local residents, breathe in the crisp air of the northern plains, and experience the unpretentious, warm-hearted hospitality of a community that values its volcanic heritage. Whether you are using Towada as a base for the Art Center or the Oirase Stream, this unique sanctuary is an essential and surprisingly sophisticated discovery.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Natural Soap” of the Sanpongi Plains

The water at Towada Pony Onsen is geologically distinct, drawing from deep volcanic veins beneath the Towada Basin. It is classified as a Weak Alkaline Simple Spring.
The “Nuru-Nuru” Sensation: As soon as you enter the bath, you will feel your skin becoming incredibly slippery—a characteristic of its high pH level. This alkalinity acts as a natural cleanser, emulsifying skin oils and gently exfoliating old keratin, earning it the definitive reputation of “Bijin-no-yu” (Beauty Water).
The Purity: The water is crystal clear, odorless, and used in a 100% natural flow system (Gensen Kakenagashi) for the key tubs. The facility features a spacious indoor bath and a small, peaceful outdoor Rotenburo where the crisp northern air provides a refreshing balance to the hot minerals. It is particularly effective for those suffering from dry skin, providing a moisturized “silk-on-skin” feeling that lasts long after you dry off.

Top Recommended Stay: Towada Pony Onsen Hotel

• Towada Pony Onsen Hotel (十和田ポニー温泉): The heart of the area’s wellness. Following a significant renovation, it offers modern, clean Japanese and Western-style rooms. The dining hall is famous for its **”Sanpongi Bounty”** dinners, featuring local “Towada Pork” and award-winning rice. It is the premier choice for international families and road-trippers seeking a high-value, quiet stay near the city center. The hospitality is noted for its “at-home” feel, welcoming global explorers with warmth.
• Nearby Guesthouses: Several small, friendly guest houses in central Towada City offer an alternative for those wanting easy access to the Art Center while making day-trips to the Pony Onsen.

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: Art and Horses

Towada Art Center: A 10-minute drive away. 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.
Komaki Park (Nearby): Located 20 minutes away in Misawa, this massive park features traditional thatched-roof farmhouses and spectacular seasonal events.
Sanpongi Horse Viewpoints: The area surrounding the onsen has a long history of horse breeding. You can still see equestrian monuments and statues that celebrate the horses that once built the region’s wealth.

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

Towada is the birthplace of one of Aomori’s most famous soul foods.
Towada Bara-yaki: A savory dish of sliced beef and onions grilled on an iron plate with a sweet-savory soy-based sauce. It is the perfect “power meal” after a hot soak.
Sanpongi Apples: The area is a major producer of world-class apples. Try the fresh juice sold in the onsen lobby.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Towada is a leader in Wheat and Soy production. At the onsen restaurant, request the “Vegetable Udon” and specify “Katsuo-dashi nuki” (No fish dashi). The local supermarkets carry fresh seasonal vegetables that are 100% vegan snacks. We recommend buying the local **”Towada Tofu”** for its rich soy flavor.

Cultural & Historical Context

The name “Pony” refers to the small horses that were traditionally bred on this site for the Japanese military and pioneer farmers in the Meiji era. The hot spring was discovered during exploratory drilling in the late 20th century and was named to honor the site’s equestrian heritage. Today, it remains a symbol of the city’s transition toward wellness and art, where the “Pioneer Spirit” of hard work is balanced by the “Kira” (sparkle) of the mineral waters.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Towada Pony Onsen is a municipal-style facility and is generally very welcoming. 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 tourists from the nearby Misawa Air Base and are very patient. Have a translation app ready for the “Bara-yaki” restaurants.
• Cash & Payments: The resort accepts major credit cards for room stays. However, the day-trip bath ticket machine and the casual snack bar prefer cash (JPY).
• Access: If you are arriving by **Tohoku Shinkansen**, get off at **Shichinohe-Towada Station**. A 15-minute taxi is the easiest way to reach the onsen.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Towada Pony Onsen launched the “Pony Heritage Walk,” a guided tour of the local historic horse paths followed by a specialized “Beauty Soak” at the onsen. For the 2026 season, new “Panoramic Benches” are being installed in 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 alkaline and slippery, walk carefully on the tiled floors. If you are exploring the nearby orchards, never touch the fruit without permission. Finally, respect the quiet of the residential district; Towada is a place where people value the peace of the afternoon, so keep noise levels to a minimum in the outdoor baths after 9:00 PM.