The Hot Spring By the Sea - Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen

The view of the Pacific Ocean from Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen

Located on the very tip of the rias coast - a distinctive geographical trait of the Sanriku region - is the Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen, where you can get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. The sea views of the Sanriku coast can drastically change according to the season, weather and time of year, making every visit a fresh one with a different view. You can enjoy as much of these views as you want within the bathing and common areas. For those who want to check out the Kurosaki Senkyo, a beautiful gorge with its unique rock formations, the Kurosaki Senkyo Observatory Deck is a 5-minute hike from the onsen facility (the forest pathway to the deck can be easily spotted when you reach).

The Kurosaki Senkyo gorge and the mysterious rocks on top of the rock walls

Kurosaki Senkyo's iconic scenery is that of its gorge - a narrow valley with rock walls on each side. See the mysterious rocks on top of these walls? Seems impossible for a human in ancient times to move that rock there... Legend has it that a tengu, which is a flying Japanese demon that looks like a mix between a human and a crow, played with these rocks as if they were beanbags.

The entrance of Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen

After taking a stroll around Kurosaki Senkyo, taking your time and relaxing in the hot spring bath is one way you can fully enjoy the power of the nature of Sanriku. There is also a restaurant that is known to be a hidden gourmet spot of Rikuzentakata, where you can order fresh seafood and seasonal dishes (just like sea urchin 'uni'' rice bowls that you can get in summer). Many of the locals come here to rest and gather with their friends to chat.

The inside of the onsen facility

The stunning view you can get from inside the bath

The restaurant within the onsen facility

Sea urchin 'uni' set meal (available only in the summer)

Seafood ramen (available all year round)

Mixed vanilla and strawberry-flavored soft serve ice cream (available all year round)

View of the Pacific Ocean from the Kurosaki Senkyo Observatory Deck

To me, Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen is by far the best place to relax and relieve stress in Rikuzentakata. Some of the more popular onsens in Japan have strong sulfur smells, but this one does not smell at all - all while containing minerals that helps us attain smooth skin. To top it off, there is amazing scenery of the rock formations of Kurosaki Senkyo, and the foamy waves that are created due to them. The Pacific Ocean also spreads out before you - you can gaze at the beauty of the waters from inside the onsen while you are having a soak. If you are feeling hungry after your bath, you can grab a meal from the restaurant located in the onsen facility. You can get the freshest of seafood that are in season no matter when you visit! If not, you could always lounge in the common area with a bottle of fresh, delicious milk before heading off on your journey. I have been to Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen countless times, but going there always makes me feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the upcoming challenges of the week.

The view from another angle at the Kurosaki Senkyo Observatory Deck

Information

Official website: http://kurosaki-onsen.com/ Please note that their website is only available in Japanese.

l Address: 9-41 Kurosaki, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate, Japan 029-2208

l Contact No.: +81-192-57-1126

l Facility Opening Hours*: 10am - 7pm (last entry at 6.30pm)

l Restaurant Opening Hours*: Weekdays: 10.30am - 2pm, 4pm - 7pm (last order at 6pm)

Weekends and Public Holidays: 10.30am - 7pm (last order at 6pm)

l Closed on Wednesdays (If a public holiday falls on a Wednesday, the facility will be open that day)

*Information is accurate as of February 2022. Please note that opening hours might change depending on the Coronavirus situation.

For the Kurosaki Senkyo Observatory Deck, you can visit at any time and any day of the year. Please do not attempt to go there on bad weather days.

Address: Kurosaki, Hirota-cho, Rikuzentakata-shi, Iwate, Japan 029-2208

For any inquiries regarding Kurosaki Senkyo / Kurosaki Senkyo Onsen in general, please contact the Rikuzentakata City Hall at this email address: visit@city.rikuzentakata.iwate.jp.