Naruko Onsen
Naruko Onsen is located inside Kurikoma Quasi-National Park, which spans Iwate, Miyagi, Akita and Yamagata prefectures. The Naruko region is known as the home of kokeshi doll production and for its beautiful mountain landscapes. In particular, Naruko Gorge, one of northern Japan's best places for autumn leaf viewing, and Lake Katanuma, one of the most acidic natural bodies of water in the world, draw visitors from around Japan.
The Naruko Volcano Group is a cluster of lava domes inside a caldera with a diameter of approximately 2.5 km. The lava domes are volcanically active and include Mt. Kurumigatake (461 m), Mt. Nakanodake (448 m), Mt. Ogatake (470 m), Mt. Matsugamine (368 m) and Mt. Toyagamori (394 m). The mountains surround Lake Katanuma, a crater lake with a diameter of 400 m and a depth of 17.5 m.
Geologically, the stone in this region is mainly quartz andesite. Around 11,800 years ago, a lake existed in the Naruko Basin. Underwater mountains erupted to the surface, becoming islands in the lake. It is thought that the shield volcanoes of Mt. Matsugamine and Mt. Toyagamori were formed after the round-topped hills of Mt. Ogatake and Mt. Kurumigatake. In addition to these volcanoes, lava flows and more than 10 explosion craters can be seen in the surrounding area. Although it encompasses only a small area, the Naruko region is rich in a variety of geomorphological and geological phenomena.
"Japan is one of the most volcanic countries in the world, but lacks underground raw materials, and therefore we must make effective use of our geothermal resources." — Shiota Ganji (1895–1983)
The Shimojigoku hot spring source was drilled here in 1952 by Shiota Ganji as part of the Tone Boring Company's Naruko Proving Ground. Shiota was the first president of the Tone Boring Company (now Toa-Tone Boring Co., Ltd.) and was involved in the testing and research of geothermal resources for hot springs, energy production and other uses.
The Shimojigoku hot spring source draws up superheated steam from approximately 100 metres underground. The steam enters the pipes at 130 °C and is drawn into the formation tower, where it is mixed with water. The steam condenses and mixes with the water, cooling to about 80 °C. This mineral-rich water is then further cooled before being used in the hot spring baths of Naruko Onsen.
Enjoy the outdoors in Naruko with minimal impact on the environment
Visitors can enjoy water sports such as SUP and packrafting on Lake Katanuma, and a path circles the lake. Hiking trails go around Mt. Kurumigatake, Mt. Nakanodake and Mt. Matsugamine. Mt. Nakanodake in particular offers views of Lake Katanuma and the Osaki rice fields beyond.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum-impact practices for anyone visiting the outdoors.
The 7 Principles
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
© Naruko Machizukuri Co., Ltd.