Tohoku diaries. May 2025. Part 2. Juniko Lake and Furofushi Onsen.
Ponds of Juniko, ocean hot springs, but still staying with... trains.
Part 1 is here.
Next day we went to Juniko Lake area. Again, with pleasure, taking Gono Line train. From Higashi-Hachimori where we stayed it was only 40 minutes ride. All glued to the train window I somehow singled out the view of approaching Iwadate village. You know, similar to the way you like someone’s face or voice, I liked the view of Iwadate.
Actually, the train stopped at Iwadate for a few minutes, so I jumped out for a reconnaissance.
Behind the tracks I spotted an old sign saying that the station was opened on December 7, 1926!
Another good piece of information was a hiking map around Iwadate. Can be a nice walk through ravines, beech trees and a seashore.
The train whistles, and I am running back. More nice views through the window, especially near Omagoshi.
Another mental note to possibly visit (including Omagoshi Kagenohama beach).
Finally, Juniko station. This station being a mini-tourist hub is more “civilized” - here you can buy hot coffee, rice balls, other snacks and pick up some brochures. There is an infrequent bus from the station to the Lakes area. By the way, it is only 3 km from Juniko station to Juniko Lake park, so walking is an option too.
The area is very well internet-documented. Basically, you can do an easy stroll around the ponds, the only must-see, if we need to choose such, being the surreal Blue Pond (Aoike).
Relaxing, calm, green and full of birds.
This map I found useful if you are after an easy 1–2-hour stroll.
There is a path to a more challenging hike to Mount Shirakamidake I mentioned in Part 1 which you can start from Juniko park as well.
Juniko tip: If you missed your bus and see the one coming to you, even if it not a bus stop, raise your hand and board, provided this is the direction you need.
OK, what is next? We are taking bus from Juniko to Furofushi Onsen. It is my second time here after 2016. Nothing changed much, just nearly all facilities (museum, cafe, hotel) located near Wespa Tsubakiyama station - a pick-up point of hotel’s shuttle bus - are now closed. Probably, the echo of Covid.
Again, one Google shakehand and you will find a lot of information, one unique point being a hot spring just right on the seashore.
In my case I preferred the bath on the hotel’s 3rd floor - hot and rich in minerals.
Views from the room and sunsets are other “woo”tractions.
I roamed around the area a bit. Traces of previous volcanic activities everywhere.
Mount Tsubaki.
Probably 30 minutes or so walk from the hotel on a highway I found another large hot spring facility, but apparently dead. A few cars parked nearby but otherwise no signs of life. And a sad wheel wanting to spin again…
Although there is a small grocery store close to nearby Henashi station, there are no places to eat around, so most people book accommodation at Furofushi with meals. The dinner course is a bit on a heavy side (especially on day two, as they “upgrade” the longer stayers in calories) but being it only breakfast and dinner - manageable. Inside the hotel restaurant I found another “chef-d'oeuvre” of Japanese public notices.
“Please speak in a low voice while dining without mask. (In red) Especially, people under the influence of alcohol tend to speak loudly, so please be respectful to others”.
I am all for a quiet eating, but although Japanese tend to increase their voice volumes in the direct proportion of their faces getting from pink to red to crimson, I believe this notice was more aimed at the foreigners. So, next time I will offer the translation.
Furofushi tip. During the low season, January-February, especially, the hotel can pick you up even at the Akita airport or JR station. Call to check. If you use Gono line, get off at Henashi station and walk 20 minutes to hotel - is another option. Otherwise, call them and they will pick you up Wespa Tsubakiyama station.
(To be continued).
More useful information, thanks Igor. I can't wait to go.
Fabulous location and view from the 3/F bath ! Love the 'drinking' sign too, I wonder how many foreigners they serve in this location.