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Spas and Onsens
Toyama may not be famous for its tourist attractions or glittering lights but it is famous for its beautiful onsens. For those of you who want to get naked in public here are a few suggestions.
Thalasopia:
This is a nice spa right next to the firefly squid museum in Namerikawa. They have a smallish swimming pool with little places that massage you with water pressure. The water is deep-sea water and is supposed to be good for your skin. You can also enjoy a massage but it is quite expensive and you must make a reservation in advance. The cost to use the deep sea water pool is about 1000 yen and you must wear a bathing suit and swimming cap.
Unazuki Onsen:
This is probably the most famous onsen in Toyama. You can enjoy the spectacular sights of the Kurobe Gorge and then relax in the onsen. Just get off the train at Unazuki and you are there!
Sakuragaike Kua Garden:
There is a fantastic spa in Johana. It has a small swimming area and several pools with different types of massage jets including an outdoor Jacuzzi surrounded by mountains. It costs 1,500 and for that you can stay in as long as you like and use the hot baths. You have to wear swimwear and a swimming cap in the spa (bring your own) but obviously not in the hot baths.
The draw-back is that it is not very near to Johana station, so you really need a car. To drive there, first drive to Johana but don't go right into the centre, and then follow signs for Gokayama. At some point signs for Sakuragaike (the lake next to the spa) start appearing and you should then follow these signs. The spa is in a hotel (huge white building) and you can't miss it if you follow the signs for the lake! Tel. 0763-62-8181
Ogawa Onsen:
This co-ed, outside onsen in Asahi is famous among the Niikawa region JETs. It is not only beautiful but the water is supposed to be good for fertility.
Amaharashi Heights:
Just past Fushiki is Amaharashi Heights where you can see the Tateyama Mountain Range set against the sea. You can reserve a tatami room, eat a Japanese meal, and enjoy the onsen for about 4000-5000 per person.
Waen:
Located just below Shogawa dam in Shogawa-machi is Waen. The large rotemburo (outside baths) are spacious, hot and beautiful. This onsen costs 1300 before 5pm and only 600 after.
Yuraku:
Half way up the Shogawa Valley in Taira Village above a small lake, is Yuraku onsen. Just follow Route 156 from Shogawa and you will see signs to the left. It is an excellent place to enjoy the changing seasons. It also serves delicious soba. It costs 500 yen and is open till 9pm. Wednesday is a holiday. Tel: 0763-66-2005
Other suggested onsens: Kosieinenkin; Toyokenko Land; Kureha Heights; Omaki onsen in Shogawa; Yamada Onsen; Himi Miami Hotel Onsen; Uno Miko in Kamiichi. Also ask the JETs in your area about their favorite onsens, as this is only a very brief list!