The appeal of Sukawa is the pristine mountain and its unique waters. You can walk to the moun-tain from the resort even at mid-day, and thoroughly enjoy the alpine plants, the summer skies and greenery, and the autumn leaves as the seasons change. After strolling on the mountain, the unusually acidic hot spring waters that have been praised by connoisseurs will help you unwind.
The waters at the foot and peak of Mt. Kurikoma (1,126 m) have been well known since the days of Michinoku Province. The unusually acidic water is particularly effective for treating rheumatism and chronic poisoning. Sukawa Hot Spring is near the mountaintop of Mt. Kurikoma that straddles the three prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, and Akita. The old crater about 500 m to the south of the Sukawa hot spring, with a distant view of Mt. Kurikoma’s summit. Located at altitude 1,100 m on Mt. Kurikomayama (Mount Kurikom), 1,126m above sea level. It is a popular rest place for hikers and offers iron sulphated, aluminium springs.
There are two inns – Kurikoma Sanso on the Akita side and Sukawa Kogen Onsen on the Iwate side. Both inns are located 1,100 meters above sea level and are surrounded by many different types of alpine plants. An open-air bath with abundant amounts of water directly drawn from the source and a free foot bath are available at each of the inns. In summer, you will be greeted by various alpine plants, and in fall, you can enjoy the beautiful foliage. Climbing is easy and leisurely, taking only about 2 hours. Along the way, you will see a crater lake with emerald green water; the peak is about 1 hour away from the lake.
The hot spring was discovered in ancient times; its name was even mentioned in a history book that was written in the 9th Century. People began using the spring’s water for therapeutic bathing approximately 300 years ago. This hot spring water is highly acidic; 180 min. by car from Ichinoseki Station. This sodium chloride spring is effective for rheumatism, diabetes, itchy skin, etc. Sukawa Hot Spring is closed during winter.
Sukawa’s secret is to bring you within reach of the montain waters and Mother Nature under its own electricity.
Water Quality: Highly acidic, with sulfuric acid as the main ingredient. (Sulfur saline spring) / pH 2.2.
Note: Closed in winter (early Nov. to late Apr.)
Location and Contact: Sukawa Kogen Onsen (Hot Spring Spa)
Genbi mountain/ Genbi-kei (Gembikei) Gorge, Genbi-cho, Ichinoseki-shi (Ichinoseki City), Iwate Prefecture (Iwate-ken) ０２１－０１０１, Japan [Latitude: 38.980207, Longitude: 140.770793]
TEL: 0191-23-9337, 0182-55-6060, 0182-47-5111 (Kurikoma Sanso) FAX: 0191-23-2550 Access: 90 minutes by bus from Ichinoseki Station on the JR line.
Website: http://www.sukawaonsen.jp/
or
At Ogachi-gun, Akita-ken, Visit: http://www.akitakurikoma.com/
