The spring season at Matsukawa Onsen begins in April once the two scenic highland routes, the 17-kilometer Hachimantai Jukai Line and the 27-kilometer Hachimantai Aspite Line, are cleared of the long months of heavy snow. A drive through these famous snow corridors with their towering white walls of plowed snow leads to mountain valleys where sprouting plants and the calls of bush warblers announce spring’s arrival. Summer brings the spreading green canopies of oak and beech leaves and the fun of watching fireflies at night. Fall, of course, is all about the trees’ brilliant tapestry of reds and golds. And soaking in a steamy hot-spring bath in the quiet hush of winter with snow all around is surely one of the best Zen moments to be experienced in all of Japan. The restorative hot springs here are welcome respite for hikers and skiers, too. Three trailheads are located at Matsukawa Onsen. One leads to Mount Iwate via Ubakurayama. Another goes directly to Mitsuishi after passing the Mitsuishi Lodge. A third takes a circular route, with jaw-dropping views of Mount Iwate from the peaks of Gentagatake, Ofuka, and Mitsuishi before heading back to Matsukawa Onsen.

Three lodgings in the Matsukawa Onsen area welcome visitors for day use as well as overnight stays. The milky-white waters in this volcanic zone come from sulfur springs. They have the typical mineral deposits known as yubana and the characteristic scent reminiscent of boiled eggs. It is no surprise, either, that fresh eggs boiled for you courtesy of Gaia herself are on the snack menus. Called onsen tamago, these eggs cooked with geothermal energies are a popular treat and souvenir found in hot springs throughout Japan. You can bring home the yubana minerals, too, and recreate some of the authentic hot-spring experience right in your own bath.