Shitohira Onsen

Situated in a valley surrounded by rich nature, Shitohira Onsen is known for its beautiful landscape. Taking a walk through the valley from the hot spring area, you'll be greeted by a transparent stream and lush green forests. The scenery changes with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring and the opportunity to cool off by the river in summer. In autumn, the mountains are painted in vibrant colors of autumn leaves, and in winter, the landscape is covered in snow. Walking along the river on the promenade or walking path, you can refresh your mind and body in the midst of rich nature. Enjoy the beautiful valley scenery in a serene atmosphere.

Shitahira Onsen is known for its famous hot springs, which flow directly from the source and can heal both the mind and body. Relax in the bath and let the hot water soothe away your daily fatigue. There are two types of hot springs available: sodium, sulfate, chloride springs and simple hot springs. These types of hot springs are said to be effective for symptoms such as neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness, bruises, sprains, and chronic digestive diseases. Wrapped in the warmth of the hot springs, soak in the pleasant hot water and release the fatigue from your body. You can spend a blissful moment feeling the blessings of the famous hot springs.

Located along the Toyosawa River, where cool sounds can be heard, Shitahira Onsen is known as a resort area filled with moisture. Surrounded by lush green mountains, this area is enveloped in tranquility and natural beauty. Here, you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a pleasant time with nature. A day spent here will be a special experience that cannot be found elsewhere. By relaxing in nature, letting go of your stress, and facing your true self, your mind and body will be liberated. While being healed by the rich natural environment and the babbling of the stream, you can soak in the hot springs and enjoy delicious meals. In addition, activities such as valley walks, fishing, and hiking are also available. Shitahira Onsen is a special resort where you can feel the harmony with nature as a place to heal your mind and body. You will be able to spend a simple yet fulfilling time here!

The Usuboroi Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located near the Shitahara Hot Springs, on a tributary of Matsukura Mountain's Toyosawa River. It has a drop of about 20 meters and takes on the form of a direct waterfall. After a 5-minute walk on a promenade from the parking lot, you will arrive at the waterfall. You can also descend the rocky area and get closer to the waterfall while feeling its spray. Furthermore, just upstream from the Usuboroi Waterfall is another waterfall called Tengu Waterfall, which is a tiered waterfall, allowing you to enjoy both waterfalls at the same time. It's a spot worth visiting, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the refreshing sound of the waterfall. We recommend visiting it as part of a set when you visit the Shitahara Hot Springs!

The Kotaro Takamura Memorial Hall, located near the Shitodaira Hot Springs, displays the works and materials of Kotaro Takamura, a sculptor and poet. In Exhibition Room 1, you can see his representative works, such as "Hands" and "Maiden Statue - Medium-sized Prototype," and feel his artistic world view. In Exhibition Room 2, various materials left behind during the seven years of mountain living in Hanamaki, such as Takamura's writings and original manuscripts, and Chieko's paper paintings, are also on display. On the other hand, Takamura Mountain Lodge is a cabin where Kotaro Takamura spent his last seven and a half years. In 1945, he evacuated to the Miyazawa family in Hanamaki City, through his connection with Kenji Miyazawa, but later, the Miyazawa family was destroyed by the Hanamaki air raids, and he moved to the Yamaguchi district of Ota Village. At Takamura Mountain Lodge, you can catch a glimpse of the contemplative life of the period when he focused on poetry and writing. The building was originally a 7.5-tatami-mat cabin, but after Takamura's death, it was preserved by local villagers and renovated into its current form, with a second floor and a third floor. Some of the writings he wrote at the lodge are also on display at the Kotaro Takamura Memorial Hall. By visiting these facilities, you can touch on Kotaro Takamura's art and his seven years of mountain living. You will be able to feel the world woven by his poetry and sculpture, inspired by his creativity and spirituality.