Enjoy Japanese culture and Japanese style relaxation at any of the popular onsen, or hot springs, in Aichi. The properties of the various springs are said to be good for the skin and a variety of ailments. All are a great way to relax year round, soaking away the aches, the pains and the stress in the steaming hot waters.
For over 1,200 years Gamagori’s seaside Miya Onsen hot spring spa has been one of the most popular of Gamagori’s many resorts. Every October, the 300 year-old Miya Festival, featuring huge 6m high gold and lacquered Yama festival floats that are carried into the sea, is staged nearby.
Located high above the beach in the middle of the Nishiura Peninsula, Nishiura Onsen hot-spa and hotel offers great views of the ocean and surrounding area. The springs were discovered in 1953, and fast became popular across Japan.
In the late 1500’s a hot spring appeared at the foot of Mt Sangane, west of Gamagori. Some years later, the spring suddenly stopped, however, it re-appeared following the 1945 Mikawa Earthquake, as has since gone on to become a popular resort. In June every year the Ajisai Matsuri, or Hydrangea Festival takes place with over 50,000 hydrangeas bursting into colorful bloom.
The hot springs of Shinshiro’s Yuya Onsen are found deep in a picturesque valley along the Ure River, with stunning traditional Japanese views of the mountains and river. The hot springs have been enjoyed since the priest Sennin of the nearby Horai-ji Temple discovered them over 1,300 years ago. Healthy spring water is bottled and sold, and relaxing footbaths are available too.
The Kira region is famous for being the domain of Lord Kira, antagonist of the 47 Ronin story. It is also known as the Waikiki of Japan, with palm trees swaying along the sandy shores of the Miyazaki Beach, surrounded by resort hotels and the annual Hawaiian Festival staged every August. The relaxing, healthy hot springs simply add to the enjoyment of Kira’s history and culture.
The town of Minamichita on the beautiful Chita Peninsula is another of Aichi’s popular year round beach and hot spring resort areas. Close to Utsumi and Yamami Beaches, the views are magnificent, the hot springs are many and varied, and the fresh seafood taken from the bountiful Ise Bay is delicious!
Ancient Inuyama’s newest attraction is the Inuyama Onsen Hot Spring, discovered in 1995 from sources 1,200 meters below the ground. The large open-air bath is very popular, and the hot alkaline water is said to be gentle and therapeutic for the skin.
