Nishiwaga Town

• Iwate
• Area Info
• Sightseeing
• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Nishiwaga Town, located on the border with Akita Prefecture in Iwate, is a town characterized by rich nature, hot springs, and a unique culture born of its status as a heavy snowfall area. The main tourist attraction is the Yuda Onsen Gorge, which is steeped in the atmosphere of a secluded hot spring (hitō). Inns are scattered along the river, offering distinctive hot springs such as the historic Yukawa Onsen and Sawauchi Onsen, where the culture of hot spring cure (tōji) still remains. Kinshūko Lake, located in the center of the town, creates a particularly beautiful landscape as the fresh greenery of spring and the autumn leaves reflect on its surface. In spring, melting snow raises the water level, sometimes revealing a submerged forest. Due to its heavy snow and isolation, the town has developed its own unique food culture, including the local dish "Hecchoko Dango." It is a place where visitors can enjoy seasonal nature and quiet hot springs.