Yagen Valley
Yagen Onsen (薬研温泉) is a hot spring located in former Ohata-machi, which is now part of Mutsu, Aomori in northern Japan.
Description
The onsen consists of multiple ryokan surrounded by old growth forest are located along the Ohatagawa river within the Shimokita Hanto Quasi-National Park. The area includes a nationally run campground called 'Kokusetsu Yagen Yaeijo'.
Oku-yagen Hot Spring is located 2 km upriver and an outdoor bath (露天風呂, rotenburo) called 'Kappa-no-yu' . The outdoor baths 'Oku-yagen Onsen Rest House' and 'Fufu-kappa-no-yu' (Wedded Kappa Bath) are run by the municipality and are both located along the riverside.
Kappa-no-you Hot Spring is located next to an abandoned Inn. With little to no upkeep this hot spring is closed and drained during the winter months (not locked). Clogging the drain will fill the pool in 7–8 hours, but the pool will need to be cleaned by removal of leaves and twigs prior to use. The water is extremely enjoyable during the winter months. During the summer it can be too hot to get into.
History
The onsen was discovered in 1615 by an ally of Hideyori Toyotomi, who retreated here after the defeat of the Toyotomi forces at the summer siege of Osaka Castle. The onsen was named after a tool used in the making of traditional herbal medicine, which it resembled.
Oku-yagen Onsen claims an even older history. In 862, Jikaku Daishi, who discovered Osorezan, suffered a great injury after he got lost. The story is that he was saved by a kappa (water imp) who immersed him in the waters of the 'Kappa-no-yu' bath, thereby healing his injury.
Access
Shimokita Kotsu bus to Ōhata from Shimokita Station on the Ōminato Line of East Japan Railway Company takes roughly 30 minutes. It takes another 25 minutes after transferring buses in Ōhata.
External links
Yagen_Valley travel guide from Wikivoyage