Awara Onsen

Awara Onsen is a hot spring resort town located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. It has a long history dating back to 1883 when a farmer discovered an 80°C saline hot spring while digging an irrigation well.

Key Facts About Awara Onsen

  • It has a total of 74 hot spring sources, with the water ranging from 30-80°C in temperature. The spring water is neutral to slightly alkaline chlorinated earth salt and is expected to be beneficial for skin diseases and joint pain.

  • The town developed rapidly after the opening of nearby railway lines in the early 1900s. However, it suffered damage from the 1948 Fukui earthquake and a fire in 1956.

  • Awara Onsen is known for its refined elegance and has been popular with writers and artists over the years. It's located near the Kansai region's major cities like Osaka and Kyoto.

  • There are around 20 ryokan inns with onsen baths in the town. Many offer open-air rotenburo baths. Some top ryokans include Grandia Housen, Awara Grand Hotel, and Seifuso.

  • Visitors can enjoy free public footbaths (ashiyu) and a nostalgic food stall area called Yukemuri Yokocho at night. The town is easily accessible by train, just a 40 minute ride from JR Fukui Station.

In summary, Awara Onsen is a charming hot spring resort town in Fukui with a long history, high quality mineral springs, and a variety of ryokans and attractions to enjoy the onsen culture.

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