Dai Onsen

Dai Onsen is about 1km away from Hanamaki Onsen, where large hot spring hotels line the mountain road along the Dai River. This area is truly snowy in winter. The densely-lined inns give off the atmosphere of a historic hot spring resort. All of the inns have simple sulfur springs, which are a little hot, but they are directly sourced, and many also offer day-trip bathing. The hot springs at each of Hanamaki Onsen's hot spring hotels are plentiful and of excellent quality, and the hot springs vary greatly. However, the circulation and disinfection of the large public baths, which trade off comfort for capacity, are unavoidable, as safety is the top priority. With these two hot springs close to each other, we recommend taking advantage of both facilities for a relaxing stay. Be sure to stop by and stay overnight. Great (^^)

Dai Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Hanamaki Onsen area of Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture. It features free-flowing sulfur springs and a tranquil hot spring town with small inns lined up in a circle, giving it a therapeutic hot spring resort feel. In contrast to the bustle of urban Hanamaki Onsen, it is popular with solo travelers looking for a quiet escape in a retro townscape. Many inns accept day-trip bathers. It is said to have been discovered by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro around 1,200 years ago, but historical evidence suggests the hot springs were first discovered around 600 years ago. The lord of the Nanbu clan is said to have visited the area frequently. Hanamaki Onsen was created by drawing water from Dai Onsen, but now secures its own source through drilling.

About 45 years ago, four of us friends and I stayed here after staying at Yagen Onsen at the foot of Mt. Osore. At Yagen Onsen, we were students, and we managed to negotiate a room for 500 yen (room only), and they let us stay for 500 yen again! Of course, it was room only! We were all pretty broke after driving all the way back to Tokyo from Hokkaido. Around 10 pm, just as we were about to go to sleep, a woman who seemed to be the proprietress brought us about 20 rice balls. Tears welled up! I was so happy! I've forgotten the name of the inn, but you'll recognize it by its exterior. We said we'd come back together, but two of us couldn't make it. Unlike Hanamaki Onsen, it was a quiet hot spring. I definitely want to go back before I die. Thank you so much, proprietress!

Good for a relaxing getaway. It's a beautiful loop of Onsens, tucked into the side of a mountain. The hotel had a rustic but comfortable atmosphere. The staff spoke limited English but were very friendly and helpful. They come to get you for every meal and set up the futon at dinner and clean up while at breakfast. The food was delicious! The Onsen was down in the basement and was like a beautiful underground hot spring. However, the hot spring was HOT. I enjoy hot, but this was a little too much. Luckily they have a cold water faucet right next to the hot water.

A retro, old-fashioned hot spring resort located deep within Hanamaki Onsen. ♨️ The roads are narrow. 😓 Mainly small inns. ❗️ I drove around, and there was a parking lot just before the tunnel... I wonder if overnight guests park there? There's a clean restroom 🚻 at the entrance to Dai Onsen. 😃 The larger accommodation facility at the entrance was abandoned. 😨 This was my first time in Iwate Prefecture, so I came here to see it for inspiration for my next trip, but if you like good old-fashioned, retro hot spring resorts, ♨️ this might be a good choice.