Located around the middle between Suiren-numa Pond and Tsuta-numa Pond, Yachi Onsen (谷地温泉), which has a history of more than 400 years, is one of Japan’s Three Secret Onsen (日本三秘湯). The other two are the Iya Onsen (祖谷温泉) in Tokushima and Niseko Yakushi Onsen (ニセコ薬師温泉) in Hokkdaidō.
The good thing about Yachi Onsen is there are two onsen pools with different temperatures. Both have a sulfur-based hot spring. What most Japanese do is, jump between the two hot spring pools. The one with a lower temperature is basically for them to cool down a bit after it gets too hot in the 42 degrees onsen pool.
The hot spring pools are generally open 24 hours a day except between 9 am to 10 am when cleaning takes place.
Important: Each day between 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm is when you can head to the hot spring pools that are normally for the opposite gender. So keep an eye on the clock to fully enjoy Yachi Onsen!
Tip: As the hot spring of the ryokan is open for day visitors from 10 am to 5 pm, heading to the onsen pools at another time slot can mean enjoying the entire bathing space to yourself. If you are a day visitor, it will cost you 800 yen to bathe at Yachi Onsen.
Taking a Stroll to Yachi Wetlands and Yachi River
As one of Japan’s most famous Three Secret Onsen, Yachi Onsen is hidden in the mountains of Hakkōda. The ryokan is surrounded by a massive beech forest. And close to it, you can observe many native-grown wetlands plants at Yachi Wetlands (谷地湿原).
Along the promenade in the beech forest, there are also a couple of observatories that give you a wide view of the Hakkōda mountain ranges and the wetland. You can also stroll along the Yachi River, where you can see trouts (岩魚) swimming freely.
From December to April, when the area is covered by thick snow, instead of trying to spot a trout, you will find a cute wild marten that is somehow commonly seen at the riverside of the ryokan.
Things to Watch Out for at Yachi Onsen
As a hidden hot spring resort with a long history, some might find the facility old and outdated. But, isn’t that what we go to Japan to experience? For the fashionable and modern bath, one of the high-class hotels in our own country can fulfil the desire.
One thing to be aware of is the walls in this ryokan are thin. This means if you, unfortunately, have a noisy neighbor, it might affect your sleep.
Also, the floorboards are quite old. They will produce some loud sounds when you walk on them.
Regarding the toilet and shower facility, they don’t have a private onsen pool you can rent out. And, except for their Genshi no Ma (源氏の間), all their rooms don’t come with a private toilet and washing basin. You will have to use the communal toilets and washing basin. It goes without saying, none of their rooms has a shower facility.
Lastly, there is almost no mobile reception in the area. But you can use the free Wi-Fi in the ryokan.
Tip: Let the hotel know in advance of your special dietary requirements. They will try their best to cater.
How to Get to Yachi Onsen
There are two ways you can get to Yachi Onsen without having to drive.
- Take the JR Bus Mizuumi-go from late April to early November and get off at Yachi Onsen. The ryokan is just a 6-minute walk from the bus stop.
- Reserving a spot with the hotel for its free pick-up and drop-off service
- From April to November: the service departs from JR Aomori Station at 1:30 pm and at 1:45 pm from JR Shin-Aomori Station (where the bullet trains stop at)
- The returning service departs from the ryokan at 10 am
- From December to March: the service departs from JR Hachinohe Station at 1:40 pm
- To reserve, please call them at least 3 days in advance at +81-176-74-1181. If you don’t speak Japanese, you can ask your hotel’s staff to call on your behalf after you land in Japan.
- From April to November: the service departs from JR Aomori Station at 1:30 pm and at 1:45 pm from JR Shin-Aomori Station (where the bullet trains stop at)
Traveling South to Oirase Gorge
Your visit to Hakkōda shouldn’t just end around the northern part of the Hakkōda Mountains. Further down south is where Aomori Prefecture‘s most beautiful destination, Oirase Gorge, is located.
And before you reach there, there are a couple more breathtaking attractions that you might want to stop by.
For more information, please refer to our Hakkōda Ropeway to Yakeyama, the Prelude to Oirase Gorge article!
