TEL: 017-738-6400 (Japanese only)
Web: http:www.sukayu.jp
Entry: 600 yen
Mixed bathing
Sukayu nestles into the base of a wonderful hiking trail on the Hakkoda mountain range south of Aomori city about 70 minutes by car. It is a grand and traditional onsen that has been in operation for at least 300 years. The grand bathhouse pays tribute to its history, with majestic cedar beams and a giant fluted ceiling with a central skylight.
Sukayu is famous for being capable of holding 1000 people at once. When we were there, there were about 35 people in the bath, and there was still plenty of room. I dare say 1000 people would be a sardine soup, but it may be possible.
Regardless, the ambience of the onsen is wonderful. With totally white water with a high sulphur and lime content, and at least 3 baths to choose from for either sex, it is a wonderful way to relax.
The giant room housing the baths is continuously misty with steam, giving the whole room a dream like quality that adds to the experience.
The view fromt the ladies sideThe grand bath is open exclusively to women from 8pm to 9pm to allow those who don’t want a mixed bathing experience access to the big bath hall.
A sign inside the women's change room
The onsen waters can sting the eyes as they really do have a high sulphur content, so be careful. Unlike many other onsens, it is not recommended that you drink the waters from Sukayu.
The history of this onsen, and the wonderful location at the base of the many beautiful hiking trails, make this an onsen really worth visiting.
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