Owani, town in Minamitsugaru District, Aomori Prefecture, Japan
Owani is a town in Minamitsugaru District in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, known for its natural hot springs along the Hira River. The town features a mix of traditional bathhouses and modern inns set against forested mountains, offering visitors both rustic and comfortable lodging options.
The town has been a hot spring destination for around 800 years and was once under the rule of the Tsugaru Clan. A railway station opened here in 1895, starting a period of tourism growth, though later ski resorts closed and the local economy faced difficult times.
The bean sprouts grown here have been part of local farming for centuries and represent the connection between the hot springs and the land. Visitors can taste these vegetables at restaurants in town, often served as a topping on rice with a soft-boiled spring egg, reflecting how locals have lived with the land.
Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon when the baths are quieter and you can enjoy the river views more easily. The town is small enough to walk through at your own pace, with paths winding past shops, food stalls, and scenic spots along the water.
The town is home to farmers who grow a special variety of bean sprouts using hot spring water in underground pits, a technique passed down through generations but shared only with trusted farmers. These sprouts grow in about a week and require daily care, making them a rare and flavorful local product that visitors can taste at restaurants.
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