Awazu Onsen

Awazu Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the city of Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the four hot spring towns that make up Kaga Onsen.

History

The hot springs at Awazu Onsen are said to have been discovered over 1300 years ago by the shugendō monk Taichō, who founded the resort under the command of the mountain deity Hakusan Daigongen. Taichō was a native of neighboring Echizen Province and is said to have been the first person to have claimed Mount Hakusan, from which the hot springs have their source.

Features

Awazu Onsen is home to Hoshi Ryokan, which was founded in 718 AD and is one of the world's oldest hotels and longest continuously operating companies. The town is also known for its natural sulfuric hot spring waters, which are said to help with circulation, ease chronic disease, and rejuvenate the skin.

Activities

Visitors can enjoy the hot springs at the town's ryokans and at the Soyu, a recently rebuilt public bath house frequented by both residents and visitors. Two kilometers outside central Awazu lies the Yunokuninomori craft village, where tourists can purchase or try their hand at making various traditional handicrafts from the region.