Shizukuishi’s Hot Springs (Onsen)

The Shizukuishi valley near Morioka has several distinct hot spring areas. Oushuku, the oldest, has welcomed visitors for over 450 years; local legend says it was discovered when a bush warbler was seen soaking an injured leg in the water. Amihari, at 760 meters on Mt. Iwate's base, suits skiers with an outdoor bath and mountain panorama. Kunimi, reachable only by small vehicles with no cell service, has unusually emerald-colored water and draws visitors wanting quiet. Takinoue, in a beech forest near the Torigoe waterfall, is the most remote. Both Kunimi and Takinoue close in winter due to heavy snow.