Naruko Onsenkyo

Naruko Onsenkyo consists of five areas: Naruko, Higashi-Naruko, Kawatabi, Nakayamadaira, and Onikobe.
There is a record in the "Shoku Nihon Koki (Later Chronicle of Japan )" that the hot springs gushed out due to a volcanic eruption in 837.
Naruko Onsenkyo is characterized by its unique hot springs. It is known as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan with seven of the ten types of hot spring qualities (according to the Ministry of the Environment's "The ABCs for the Safe and Secure Use of Onsen”).

The area around Naruko Onsen Station, which serves as a base for travel, is home to a cluster of hot spring inns, as well as footbaths, handbaths, and public bathhouses.
To reach other areas, you can take a train or city bus, but the number of buses is limited, so it is recommended to rent a car if you want to visit hot spring resorts in a short period of time (Reservations are required for car rentals).

The Naruko Gorge area in Naruko Onsenkyo is a deciduous broad-leaved forest, beautifully green from spring to summer and famous for its beautiful red and yellow autumn leaves from mid-October to early November every year.
Onikobe is famous for its two geysers, "Benten," which erupts about 15 meters every 10 minutes, and "Unryu," which erupts 2 to 3 meters every 10 to 20 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy making onsen tamago (onsen eggs) and footbaths on the premises.

Naruko kokeshi dolls are a popular souvenir. Naruko kokeshi are made with a special technique that produces a squeaking sound when the doll's neck is turned. There are also small hand-held sizes available, making them perfect as souvenirs.
At the Japan Kokeshi Museum, visitors can watch a demonstration of kokeshi doll making and try their hand at painting.