Hamasaka Hot Spring Fountain

Shin-Onsen Town has four hot springs. Excluding Yumura Onsen, which has a high-temperature spring, there are three in the Hamasaka district. Of these, Hamasaka Onsen was discovered when people were drilling in search of a water source to melt snow. The area had long been a source of clear, fresh water, but no one expected a hot spring to emerge. The hot spring water from this location is distributed to part of the former Hamasaka district, and hot spring water comes out in every household by simply turning on the tap.

When I searched for Yumura Onsen, I was intrigued by the "Hot Spring Source Tower," so I went to check it out. As expected of a hot spring source, it's incredibly hot. It must be over 50 degrees Celsius! There's also a bathing facility nearby called "Utopia Hamasaki." Apparently, you can make hot spring eggs there.

Beside the corner of the road, a lovely and impressive stream of hot water overflows. It seems you can draw as much as you like, and they've even provided a ladle, so I've been drawing water to take home and use in my cooking. There was no one else there, but it was sparkling clean, which was very pleasant.

We use Utopia Onsen on days when the town-run Shichikama Onsen, which is located close to the prefectural road and has a natural hot spring, is closed, but the lack of an open-air bath is a bit disappointing. I wish people from outside the prefecture could enjoy a more leisurely bath.

I stopped by on a walking course along the Ajihara River. The hot springs have an abundant supply of water, so apparently every household has their own hot spring. Just turn on the tap and hot spring water comes out. "Thank you, hot springs," is exactly what they say, and I'm envious!