Natsuyu Onsen
A deep secret hot spring surrounded by virgin beech forest. In the hot spring rankings of the Edo period, it was listed as one of the most famous hot springs in the east, along with Hongu Onsen in Kishu Wakayama, which was the most famous hot spring in the west. There are seven open-air baths dotted along the Natsuaburawa River, each with different spring quality and efficacy. The 25m deep "Cave no Yu" is also attractive for its unusual steam bath inside the limestone rock and Japan's largest limestone dome "Tengu no Iwa" (a nationally designated special natural monument). Natsuyu Onsen retains its traditional atmosphere and is one of the ``100 Best Hot Springs in Japan.''
Kitakami City
Southern Iwate
