Asamushi Onsen

Asamushi Onsen (浅虫温泉) is an onsen (hot spring) resort in the city of Aomori, Aomori Prefecture.

Transportation

The resort is served by Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Tōhoku Main Line. Guests arriving by automobile can take Route 4; the trip from the center of Aomori takes about 30 minutes.

Resort

Two attractions include the Asamushi Aquarium and the Wonderland Asamushi amusement park. The Matsu no Yu communal onsen and Michi no Eki Asamushi Onsen are among the bathing facilities. Asamushi has the nickname "the Atami of Tohoku."

History

Asamushi Onsen is said to have been discovered by Ennin in 876, during the Heian Period. The onsen was used for the steaming ("mushi") of flax ("asa"), leading to the name. When Hōnen visited in 1190, he popularized the custom of bathing, and the onsen took that purpose. During the Edo period, a "honjin" was located here, and during sankin kotai, the daimyo of the Tsugaru han stayed here. Dazai Osamu is said to have a connection to Asamushi Onsen.