Numajiri Wild Onsen Hike

Experiencing an onsen in Japan is on almost every travellers bucket list and for good reason! It’s a huge part of Japanese culture to clean up, refresh, relax, and catch up with family and friends.

But did you ever consider seeking out the source of the hot spring water?

This is an awesome short hike to experience beautiful scenery and be rewarded with bathing in pristine free flowing hot springs!

this blog post will quickly cover some background on the geological activity in Japan and provide details of the hike :)

Geological activity

In Japan, hot springs, known as "onsen," are closely tied to the country's location along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This region is characterized by intense geological activity, including tectonic plate movements and volcanic eruptions. As a result, Japan has numerous geothermal areas.

Beneath the Earth's surface in these areas, water seeps into the ground and descends to depths where it encounters the Earth's internal heat generated by the active geothermal processes. The water then becomes heated and, due to the lower density of the warmer water, starts to rise back towards the surface.

Japan's unique geological setting, with its many volcanoes and geothermal zones, contributes to the abundance of hot springs. These natural hot springs are not only a product of Earth's internal heat but are also deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, attracting locals and tourists alike for relaxation and therapeutic benefits.

The hike!

Numajiri Motoyu is considering to have THE MOST hot spring water flowing from the earth within Japan! How awesome is that??

Of course this is a wonderful place to add to your itinerary to check it out!

The start and end of the hike is in Fukushima Prefecture and found here on Google maps:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vpkK52fNyjQx9JQx7?g_st=ic

You will need a car to reach the trail head which is about an hour drive from Koriyama Station.

It’s a 3.5KM each way return trail and takes around 40 minutes to arrive to the hot springs. This time will depend on the weather conditions and skill level. The trail can be tackled in all seasons but only the most seasoned hikers should attempt this during winter where you’ll need ski or snowshoe equipment to navigate the snow. Plus a high level of navigation skills.

Want to try this hike but not sure you can do it on your own?

I can guide you!!

Get in touch and email me at mattguy.mail@gmail.com

Happy travels! ✌️