Relaxing at the foot of Mt. Iwaki - A travel diary of Dake Onsen and the trailhead

#0YenTravel2025Autumn
Mount Iwaki towers over western Aomori Prefecture. Also known as Tsugaru Fuji, its majestic beauty is apparent from every angle. Located at the base of Mount Iwaki is Dake Onsen, the perfect hot spring resort for a night's stay before a hike or to soothe your fatigue after descending.

■Excellent Access to the Trailhead!
Dake Onsen is just a 10-minute drive from Mt. Iwaki's main trailhead, the Hyakuzawa Trailhead.
The perfect distance for starting your climb even if you leave your hot spring inn early in the morning.
When I asked the inn staff about the hiking route, they patiently unfolded a map and explained it to me. It was a moment when I felt the warmth of the locals.

■Strong Hot Springs with a Sulfur Scent

Dake Onsen's waters are milky white with a distinct sulfur scent. The slightly warm water, directly from the source, soaks comfortably into the body. When I took a bath after hiking, my tired feet instantly felt lighter.
With the silhouette of Mt. Iwaki visible from the bath, I felt as if I was being embraced by nature.

■ A simple yet memorable hot spring town
Dake Onsen town exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. The rows of wooden inns and the steam rising from them are reminiscent of a hot spring postcard from the Showa era.

Nearby, there's a direct sales store for the famous **Dakekimi**, where you can enjoy freshly picked corn on the spot. It's intensely sweet, a true natural dessert!

■ Summary: The perfect place to enjoy both hiking and hot springs

Dake Onsen is highly recommended as a base for hiking Mt. Iwaki. It's worth a visit not only for hiking enthusiasts, but also for the hot springs alone.

The nature, the scent of sulfur, and the warmth of the people—all of this made for a memorable hot spring resort.

🏔 Recommended Points
• Close to the Mt. Iwaki trailhead and easy access
• Famous hot springs with a sulfurous aroma
• The local specialty "Takekimi" is also delicious!