Unazuki Onsen

Unazuki Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. Known as the gateway to Kurobe Gorge, it is the largest hot spring area in Toyama Prefecture. It opened in 1923 and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023, making it a historic hot spring destination. Along the hot spring town that stretches beside the Kurobe River, inns and hotels line the streets, and the area has a capacity of up to about 3,500 guests. It is a popular sightseeing destination where magnificent nature, hot springs, and a rich food culture come together in harmony.

The site where Unazuki Onsen now stands was once an uninhabited plateau covered with peach groves called Momohara. During the Taisho era, as power development along the Kurobe River progressed, a plan was made to create a hot spring resort here. After much hardship, water was successfully brought in from Kuro-nagi Onsen, located about 7 km upstream on the Kurobe River, and Unazuki Onsen was born in 1923.

The name “Unazuki” is said to have been given by Shintaro Yamaoka and Yutaka Yamada, both of whom made major contributions to the power development project. One night, while gazing at the beautiful moon and thinking of a name for the new hot spring, they are said to have chosen the kanji “宇奈月” for the existing place name “Unazuki,” with the wish that it would become a place of beautiful moonlit scenery, alongside Uji and Nara.

The spring water of Unazuki Onsen is colorless, clear, and mildly alkaline simple spring water, and is said to be among the clearest in Japan. Its crystal-clear waters, reminiscent of the pure flow of the Kurobe River, are gentle on the skin and have long been cherished as a “beauty bath” and “beautiful skin bath.” With a source temperature of over 90°C, it is extremely hot and warms the body deeply. Expert analysis has scientifically confirmed that its spring quality is excellent and meets the conditions for a beauty-enhancing hot spring.

This hot spring is said to offer a variety of benefits that are pleasing for beautiful skin. First, the ions contained in the water help moisturize the skin, while removing excess oil and old dead skin cells to leave it soft and smooth. Its mildly alkaline nature gently envelops the skin and is also characterized by low irritation. In addition, the detoxifying effect of carbon dioxide promotes circulation in the body, and mineral components bring about relaxation, making this a hot spring known for soothing both body and mind.

Many inns and hotels line the hot spring town along the Kurobe River, and from guest rooms and open-air baths, visitors can enjoy the grand scenery of Kurobe Gorge. The changing seasonal scenery of the gorge—fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter—is one of its greatest attractions. Especially during the autumn foliage season, the entire gorge is painted in vivid colors and draws many visitors.

Unazuki Onsen town also has many foot baths scattered throughout, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot springs casually while strolling through the area. Foot baths are said to warm the body, relieve coldness, and boost metabolism, making them ideal for soothing tired feet during a trip. As you walk through the town, you will find foot baths in various places, allowing you to relax and enjoy the feeling of a hot spring while sightseeing at an easy pace.

In front of Unazuki Onsen Station, there is a “hot spring fountain” where hot spring water gushes out powerfully, making it a popular photo spot. The town also has restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, allowing visitors to stroll around while enjoying the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town. Since the town is small enough to explore on foot, leisurely sightseeing is one of its charms.

Culinary appeal is also one of Unazuki Onsen’s highlights. Although it is a hot spring resort in a mountain gorge, it is relatively close to the Sea of Japan, so visitors can enjoy both fresh seafood and mountain produce. Dishes made with seafood landed in Toyama Bay and local ingredients from the mountains are served at many inns and restaurants and are popular with tourists. Guests can also enjoy local sake and craft beer made with the famous pure water of Kurobe Gorge, savoring the flavors of the region alongside the hot springs.

In this way, Unazuki Onsen is an attractive hot spring destination that combines the rich natural beauty of Kurobe Gorge, hot springs known for their beautifying effects, a historic hot spring town, and a vibrant food culture. Surrounded by magnificent nature, it is beloved by many as one of Toyama Prefecture’s signature hot spring resorts, where visitors can relax in the baths, enjoy the scenery of each season, and savor local delicacies.