Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya in Misawa City showcases local culture and customs through the concept of “Noresore (“full” in the local Tsugaru dialect) Aomori-Hitomonogatari” – the full experience of Aomori culture.

Covering a vast 54 acres (22 hectares), the spring’s surroundings can be enjoyed in all seasons.

The main hall has a lively atmosphere with the feel of a summer festival night as decorations from the Nebuta Festival give visitors a taste of Aomori life.

The spring itself is a simple alkaline hot spring. Flowing freely from its source, the deep, warm water effectively treats neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, etc.

The indoor bath, called “Hibayu,” bears both the texture and scent of hiba (cypress), while the open-air “Ukiyu” bath looks almost like a bathtub floating in a pond.

From December 4, 2024 through March 30, 2025, the pond surrounding Ukiyu is decorated with two Nebuta Festival floats. Guests are invited to write personal wishes on small lanterns before sending them afloat in the pond.

The practice of “Neburi Nagashi” – floating lanterns in rivers and seas to prevent epidemics – is said to be the origin of the Nebuta Festival. The unique combination of summertime tradition and the snowy landscape is breathtaking.

One of the pond’s two large floats depicts Bishamonten, the guardian of the north and the god of wisdom and good luck. He wears his characteristic glaring expression while wielding a spear in his right hand and holding a treasury pagoda in his left.

The other float is a representation of Zhong Kui, a god who combats plague and evil. According to Chinese mythology, when Emperor Xuanzong of Tang fell ill with a fever, he dreamt of a man named Zhong Kui vanquishing a small demon. When he awoke, the emperor had recovered from his illness and attributed his health to Zhong Kui.

At Hoshino Resorts Aomoriya, guests can submit their written wishes from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and the fantastic “Neburi Nagashi Toro” hot spring can be enjoyed from 6:00pm to midnight.

・Spring source: Komaki Onsen
・Spring type: Simple alkaline hot spring
・Effective for: Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, poor circulation, fatigue, general health, etc.
・Number of baths: Two indoor baths (one for men and one for women) and one outdoor bath
・Open to hotel guests. It may be canceled depending on the weather.

Oirase Gorge is a popular destination you won’t want to miss when visiting Aomori. The natural monument, designated as a special scenic site, is located in Towada-Hachimandaira National Park.

Along 14km of the Oirase Stream’s course from Yake-yama to Nenokuchi as it flows into Lake Towada, the gorge features multiple water-falls, interesting rock formations, and the otherworldly beauty of the mountain stream.

A popular autumn destination for its colorful foliage, the white of winter snows also gives the gorge and air of wonder. If you plan to stay at Oirase Gorge, Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel, the only resort hotel in the area, is recommended.

The hotel’s winter-only “Hyobaku-no-Yu” bath allows guests to enjoy the natural art created by the cold weather while taking an open-air bath.

In Japanese, a frozen water-fall is called an “icefall,” and there are 14 falls in the Oirase Gorge. Reflected sunlight gives the icefalls a fascinating blue. The Oirase Keiryu Hotel has been recreating ice-falls in its open-air bath since 2017.

Work on the artificial icefall begins in late November as a mist of water is sprayed on the walls on both sides of the bath to create the desired shape.

Oirase’s mid-winter temperatures are sub-zero, and by gradually adding more water, the bath’s icefall grows to 3.5 meters high and 16 meters wide by mid-January with a shape that changes daily depending on wind direction and temperature.

Open to guests from December 9, 2024 to March 24, 2025, a blissful soak in the open-air bath while gazing at the mountain stream and the icefall will create an unforgettable memory.

・Spring source: Sarukura Onsen mixed spring
・Spring type: Simple spring (hypotonic, neutral, and high hot spring)
・Effective for: Chronic muscle and joint pain, decreased gastrointestinal function, poor circulation, fatigue, depression, etc.
・Number of baths: 1 indoor and 1 outdoor bath (both unisex)
・Open to hotel guests.

Hoshino Resorts’ popular hot springs are attracting attention this winter as they incorporate both the nature and culture of Aomori. The relaxing open-air baths not only heal the body but also soothe the eyes. With a variety of activities available, they’re great places to warm your frozen body and enjoy a unique winter hot spring experience!

Text by: Masakazu. Translated by: Gabriel Wilkinson.

*Information accurate as of January 2025. Please check the Hoshino Resorts website for the latest information.