A sightseeing trip to Koganezaki “Furofushi Onsen”: The rough waves and sunset of the sea of Japan seen from an open-air seaside bath

“Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen” is a hot spring located along the coast of Aomori Prefecture’s western shore, offering sweeping views of the Sea of Japan. The town of Fukaura, where Koganezaki is located, has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Sunset Spots in Japan,” and the open-air baths where you can enjoy the sea bathed in sunset colors are extremely popular! Many tourists visit even on weekdays, drawn by this breathtaking “seaside open-air bath.”

The area around Furofushi Onsen is also rich in sightseeing spots, including the Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Whether you're exploring the Shirakami Mountains or enjoying a scenic train journey aboard the “Resort Shirakami,” this is a hot spring you’ll want to visit at least once—even if you’re not a hot spring enthusiast.

The Secret to the Popularity of “Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen”!

The biggest charm of “Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen” is, without a doubt, its liberating open-air bath by the sea! Soaking in the gourd-shaped tub set on the rocky shore at the water’s edge, you'll find the deep blue sea spreading out so close it feels like you could reach out and touch it.

Don’t miss the signboard near the main building either. This is a perfect photo spot that captures the symbolic scenery of “Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen.” Be sure to preserve your travel memories with the open-air seaside bath and the Sea of Japan as your backdrop.

Bathing in the hot spring while listening to the sound of the waves and feeling the sea breeze on your cheeks is pure bliss. On clear days, you can even watch the sun set over the horizon—another reason for its popularity.

Furofushi Onsen is also known for the excellent quality of its water. Its distinct golden-colored water is a strong saline spring containing iron, sodium, and magnesium chlorides. It warms the body from within and is also expected to have beautifying effects on the skin.

1. Enjoy the “Seaside Open-Air Bath” on a Day Trip

For day-trippers, in addition to the seaside open-air bath, both the indoor baths in the main and new buildings are available for use. Since there are no washing stations at the open-air bath by the sea, guests are expected to wash in the main building’s indoor bath, change back into clothes, and then walk along the outdoor path to the open-air bath.

The open-air bath standing on the desolate shoreline creates an unforgettable travel atmosphere! It opens as early as 8 a.m., so enjoying a morning soak in the fresh sea breeze is highly recommended. You can relax in the large hall and enjoy the stunning seaside views from the bath as many times as you’d like until the usage limit at 4 p.m.

2. Stay Overnight and Soak Leisurely in the “Seaside Open-Air Bath” While Watching the Sunset

The greatest benefit of staying overnight is being able to use the seaside open-air bath from sunrise to sunset. Since you don’t have to worry about time, you can fully enjoy the evening scenery at a relaxed pace until the sun goes down.

As the sunset turns the sky a vivid red and then gradually bathes the surroundings in golden light, the scene is breathtaking! Many guests find themselves awestruck by the almost divine beauty.

The water in the seaside open-air bath is slightly lukewarm, making it perfect for leisurely relaxation. Immersing yourself in this liberating open-air bath that feels united with the sea melts away both physical and mental tension—you’ll lose track of time. Enjoy the slowly shifting colors of the sky and sea, from bright blue to warm orange hues at dusk.

3. Is It Okay That the “Seaside Open-Air Bath” Is Mixed-Gender?

At the Furofushi Onsen front desk, special bathing garments (yūami) for women are available. They are free for overnight guests and cost 300 yen for day-use visitors. Wearing a yūami allows women to bathe comfortably in the mixed-gender area without worrying about being seen, making it easy to enjoy the bath with family or a partner.

The seaside open-air bath has the left side designated for mixed bathing and the right side for women only, so men should proceed to the left. Women can first change into their yūami in the changing room on the right, then either enter the mixed-gender bath or enjoy the women-only section.

4. It's Not Just the “Seaside Open-Air Bath”! All of Furofushi Onsen’s Baths

The new building’s large bath, called “Furofushi-no-Yu,” features both an indoor bath and an open-air bath, positioned slightly elevated with a view overlooking the Sea of Japan. The indoor bath has large glass windows facing the ocean, so guests can enjoy the view regardless of the weather. Right next to it is the “Japan Sea Panorama Open-Air Bath,” where you can fully take in the expansive seascape while feeling the ocean breeze. With jacuzzi baths and a sauna also available, guests of all ages can enjoy a full onsen experience.

From the large bath in the main building, called “Golden Bath,” you can also view the ocean. It’s available until relatively late even for day-use guests, so it’s a great option to enjoy after visiting the seaside open-air bath.

5. Gaze at Japan’s Most Beautiful Night Sky from the Stargazing Deck

Fukaura Town, where Furofushi Onsen is located, was recognized as having the most beautiful starry sky in Japan during the 2000 National Starry Sky Observation Survey. It’s an ideal location for starwatching. Why not enjoy not just the hot springs, but the shining night sky as well?

Within the grounds of Furofushi Onsen, a free “Stargazing Deck” is located near the parking lot. Mats are available to borrow, so why not lie down and watch the sky filled with stars, as if they were raining down upon you? And after stargazing, treat yourself to another soak in the hot spring—true bliss.

6. Sightseeing in the Scenic Area of Koganezaki

The area around Koganezaki, where Furofushi Onsen is located, is a scenic site known for its cliffs, rugged coastline, and unique rock formations. Facing the Sea of Japan, it is also a popular spot for its stunning sunsets. At Tsubakiyama, in addition to breathtaking sea and sunset views, you can enjoy blooming camellias during the Yabutsubaki season.

For an easy sightseeing stroll, we recommend walking a short distance along the coast from Furofushi Onsen. You’ll be able to enjoy dynamic scenes of the Sea of Japan’s wild waves crashing against bizarre rock formations, and even landscapes reminiscent of the famous “Senjojiki” rock terraces.

◎ Access to Furofushi Onsen

To get to Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen, take the JR Gono Line, such as the popular Resort Shirakami train, and get off at the nearest station, “WeSpa Tsubakiyama.”

Furofushi Onsen operates a shuttle bus that coincides with the arrival and departure times of the Resort Shirakami at WeSpa Tsubakiyama Station. Shuttle service is also available for local trains with a reservation. The shuttle can be used even for day-use bathers, so be sure to stop by while sightseeing around nearby spots like the Twelve Lakes (Juniko).

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