Morioka Tsunagi Onsen

Located along the shores of Lake Gosho—formed by damming the Shizukuishi River—Morioka Tsunagi Onsen is a historic hot spring town with a legacy stretching back over 1,000 years. According to legend, it was discovered by General Minamoto no Yoshiie during the Late Heian period. During the Former Nine Years' War in Mutsu Province, he made camp here and tethered his horse to a stone with a hole in it while bathing—hence the name “Tsunagi” (meaning "to tie").

Fed by six natural springs, the onsen gushes forth at around 2,000 liters per minute, offering a mildly alkaline sulfur spring known for boosting circulation and metabolism. Rich in metasilicic acid—a natural moisturizing ingredient—it leaves the skin smooth and silky. The town features three free footbaths, perfect for casual relaxation, but staying overnight at a local ryokan offers a truly immersive experience.

The scenery is equally rewarding, with stunning views of Mt. Iwate and the Ou Mountain Range across the lake. Enjoy seasonal beauty throughout the year—from lush greenery in early summer, to brilliant fall foliage, to snow-covered landscapes in winter (often with graceful swans gliding by). The area also makes a great base for sightseeing, with attractions like Koiwai Farm, Morioka Handmade Village, and the lakeside statue known as "Shion", one of the "Three Great Lakeside Sculptures of Michinoku."