Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku

Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku is a modern Japanese-style ryokan in the Hanamaki Onsenkyo area, famous for its secluded hot spring atmosphere and some of Tohoku’s most celebrated open-air baths. Osawa Onsen is steeped in legend: it is said that around 1,200 years ago, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro—Japan’s first Seii Taishogun—bathed here to heal wounds from battle. The onsen is also known as a hidden hot spring, with the Toyosawa River flowing nearby; the outdoor baths let you soak while fully taking in the gorge stream, lush greenery, and surrounding nature. Sansuikaku is equipped for a range of stays, featuring banquet halls, meeting rooms, karaoke boxes, a late-night snack corner, and relaxation facilities. Popular highlights include the hot springs enjoyed with sweeping natural views and kaiseki meals packed with seasonal ingredients. There are also Japanese-Western rooms with beds, which are recommended for guests who find sleeping on tatami or sitting on floor chairs tiring. The location is convenient for exploring nearby attractions, including Hiraizumi, a major Iwate sightseeing destination registered as a World Heritage site, as well as many local gourmet spots.