Located just a ten-minute drive from Ofunato’s downtown city center, Ofunato Onsen has been the pride and joy of the local area ever since it opened in 2014. Owned and managed by the two Shida brothers, Toyoshige and Yoshitaka, the facility was originally built by the elder Toyoshige in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. At first, Toyoshige had only intended to construct a simple public bath affordable to everyone, in order to boost the townspeople’s spirits after the disaster. He quickly realized, however, that in order to charge entry prices as low as he had wanted (originally only 430 yen, and even today only 480 yen), he would need to seek revenue from elsewhere – namely by operating as a ryokan (a Japanese-style hotel). Thus, from his wish to give back to his hometown, Ofunato Onsen was born.

Ofunato Onsen is perhaps most famous for its spectacular view of Ofunato Bay, especially when the sun rises from the vast stretch of the Pacific Ocean. At specific times throughout the year, the sun will rise right between the breakwater walls, creating a view so beautiful that it’s led to Ofunato Onsen’s view of the bay to be voted Japan’s No. 1 onsen hotel view for four years in a row. Both the facility’s lobby and hot springs provide amazing views of the bay, as do the ocean-facing rooms upstairs. Right outside the building is also an open-air foot bath, which anyone can use for free and gaze over the bay as they sit. Whether it’s just a stop on a day trip or the main event for the weekend, Ofunato Onsen is perfect for relaxing after a long day (or week!) of work. I can only imagine the joy of letting yourself sink into the hot baths while gazing out at the Ofunato coast, after a week of being cooped up in the office or lab.

The south-facing side of the bay, under a faint layer of clouds.

One of the biggest draws of staying at Ofunato Onsen, however, is the food. Many of the most popular hot spring resorts throughout Japan are located in mountainous areas relatively far away from the ocean, such as Kyoto, Hakone, or the Mt. Fuji area. As such, these areas often come with their own amazing mountain views and luxurious baths – but in terms of seafood, Ofunato Onsen still has them beat. Located just minutes away from a major fishing port and surrounded by numerous farms for a wide variety of shellfish, Ofunato Onsen gets first pick from the finest seafood in the region, and they spare no expense in procuring the highest quality ingredients to serve to their guests every morning and every night. As part of a tour I was lucky enough to take part in, we were served a full course meal, accompanied by a careful selection of wine and sake, where each and every dish (and every drink too!) was made from locally sourced ingredients and special ingredients. I really cannot stress how much effort was put into crafting such an extravagant meal.

Sashimi assortment featuring bream, skipjack tuna (katsuo), and the rare sea cucumber (namako).

A rich fishcake soup, topped with salmon roe (ikura).

Ofunato Onsen’s signature dish, braised swordfish head.

Ofunato Onsen truly is a gem to be found on our Sanriku coast. I sincerely hope some of you will have the time to come down and enjoy all it has to offer some day! It’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.