Iwate Morioka Tsunagi Hot Spring, Onsen in Morioka, Japan
Iwate Morioka Tsunagi Hot Spring is an onsen in Morioka, Japan, known for its sulfur-rich waters. The spring sits in a wooded valley near a lake, with several bathing facilities and inns scattered along the slope.
The spring was discovered in the 17th century and first used by local farmers for healing. In the Meiji era, it grew into a small resort with simple inns, and it has remained a local retreat since then.
The name Tsunagi comes from the Japanese word for connecting, and locals say it refers to the way the hot spring waters link the surrounding communities. Bathers often move between the different baths, following a custom of trying several springs in one visit.
The onsen is a short bus or taxi ride from Morioka Station, and the area is small enough to explore on foot. Visitors should bring a towel and follow the usual bathing etiquette, as some facilities do not rent towels.
The water is unusually rich in sulfur, and the smell of eggs hangs in the air around the outdoor pools. A small shrine near the main bath is said to protect the source, and visitors often leave a coin there before bathing.
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