Asamushi Onsen
Asamushi Onsen (浅虫温泉) is the site of a hot spring, located in Aomori City in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It was developed as the downtown beside the onsen town and is sometimes known as "Atami in Tohoku" after the famous Atami Onsen in mid-Japan.
History
According to tradition, the hot spring was discovered by Ennin in 876, during the Heian period. The hot spring was first used for steaming (mushi) hemp (Cannabis or asa), leading to the name, though the kanji character used for the name differs. When Hōnen visited in 1190, he popularized the custom of bathing in the hot spring.
Onsen town
About 30 hotels and Japanese-style inns are located in the town. Two attractions include the Asamushi Aquarium and the Wonderland Asamushi amusement park. The Matsu no Yu communal onsen and Michi no Eki Asamushi Onsen are among the bathing facilities. There is a hiking trail on the mountain behind the railway station, with an overlook providing views of Mutsu Bay and the island of Yunoshima.
Events
- Yunoshima Katakuri Festival in April
- Asamushi Nebuta Festival in mid-July, August 14
- Fireworks on August 1
Transportation
The resort is served by Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Tōhoku Main Line, as well as by Michinoeki Asamushi-Onsen Station for Aomori city buses. Guests arriving by automobile can take Route 4; the trip from the center of Aomori takes about 30 minutes.
Gallery
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Matsunoyu
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Drinkable onsen water
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Live performance of Tsugaru-jamisen
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Asamushi Onsen Nebuta Festival
Coordinates: 40°53′21″N 140°51′41″E / 40.88917°N 140.86139°E