Tohoku · Osaki, Miyagi

♨ Naruko Onsen

A kokeshi doll town with seven of the ten main spring types in one area.

Quick facts

Location: Osaki, Miyagi (Tohoku region)
Water type: Sulfur spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

The water

Seven different spring types are found here, including chloride, hydrogen carbonate and sulphate springs. The Taki-no-yu public bath has acidic sulphur water, while the inn next door has strongly alkaline 'eel water'.

History

Naruko is one of the 'three Ou famous springs', along with Akiu and Iizaka. The Waseda Sajikiyu public bath uses a spring struck by seven Waseda University engineering students on a drilling exercise in 1948.

Getting there

From: Sendai
Route: JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa, then JR Rikuu East Line to Naruko-Onsen
JR Pass: Covered.

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Naruko kokeshi (craft): wooden dolls with turning heads that squeak
Naruko lacquerware (craft): a traditional Miyagi craft
Zunda mochi (food): rice cakes with sweet edamame paste

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Naruko

Find Naruko tours on GetYourGuide

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