[Kurobe City] My Visit to Unazuki Onsen: Meeting Akene Unazuki, the Hot Spring's Charming "Onsen Musume" ♨️

富山県の豊かな自然に抱かれた黒部市。そこに湧き出す「宇奈月温泉」は、美肌の湯として古くから愛されてきました。この風情ある温泉街に、なんとキュートな「温泉むすめ」がいるのをご存知ですか？

動画の主役は「に会いに行ってみた｜宇奈月明嶺」で、現地ならではの魅力がぎゅっと詰まっています。

今回は、YouTube動画でも紹介された、宇奈月温泉の「温泉むすめ」こと『宇奈月明嶺（うなづきあかね）』ちゃんに会いに、富山県黒部市の宇奈月温泉へと旅してきました！明嶺ちゃんの魅力を深掘りしつつ、温泉街の楽しみ方までたっぷりご紹介しますので、ぜひ最後までご覧ください。

What's Unazuki Onsen Like? – The Hot Spring for Beautiful Skin and Scenic Wonders

First, let's briefly introduce Unazuki Onsen. Nestled in the mountainous region of Kurobe City, eastern Toyama Prefecture, Unazuki Onsen serves as the renowned gateway to the majestic Kurobe Gorge. Its appeal lies in the pristine Kurobe River flowing through it, offering breathtaking natural beauty throughout all four seasons. The contrast between the emerald-green Kurobe River and the bridges spanning it is particularly stunning.

The hot spring water is an alkaline simple hot spring. It's colorless, transparent, and boasts a wonderfully smooth feel, renowned as a "beauty hot spring" that leaves your skin feeling luxuriously moisturized after a soak. The spring produces abundant water, which is supplied to each ryokan and hotel via dedicated pipelines. The hot spring town also features scattered footbaths and drinking springs, allowing visitors to easily experience the blessings of the hot spring water.

The heart of the hot spring town buzzes with souvenir shops and eateries, creating a delightful atmosphere perfect for a leisurely stroll. It's a tranquil place where historical architecture merges with a nostalgic, quintessentially Japanese hot spring ambiance, offering a truly calming experience.

🌐 Related Link: Unazuki Onsen Official Website

Meet Akane Unazuki, the 'Onsen Musume' (Hot Spring Idol) of Kurobe City's Unazuki Onsen!

Now, for the main event: meeting Akane Unazuki, the charming 'Onsen Musume' herself!

Onsen Musume are characters inspired by hot spring resorts across Japan, born from a project aimed at revitalizing these cherished destinations. Akane-chan of Unazuki Onsen is one of the most popular characters among them.

Akane Unazuki is portrayed as the daughter of an inn at Unazuki Onsen. She's bright, energetic, and sociable, with a distinctive catchphrase, "~datcha!" While she might have a slightly clumsy side, she's also diligent, holding a qualification as a hot spring sommelier! Her earnest efforts to share the local charm are absolutely adorable.

As seen in the video, you can "meet" Akane-chan throughout Unazuki Onsen town.

• Life-sized Panels: You'll find these panels installed at Unazuki Onsen's tourist information center, various ryokan, and souvenir shops. Taking a commemorative photo with them is a popular way to enjoy your visit.
• Original Merchandise: Limited-edition goods featuring Akane-chan's design, such as keychains, clear files, and pin badges, are available. They make perfect souvenirs!
• Gachapon (Capsule Toys): The gachapon machines, also shown in the video, offer a chance to snag adorable Akane-chan merchandise! It's always a surprise what you'll get.

When you find Akane-chan's life-sized panels or get your hands on some merchandise, you'll truly feel like you've "come to meet her!", and the joy is immense. Seek out an encounter with your favorite character, Akane-chan, and explore the hot spring town!

🌐 Related Link: Akane Unazuki Character Profile

🌐 Related Link: Onsen Musume Official Website

Enhance Your Akane-chan Encounter: Explore Unazuki Onsen!

Since you've come to meet Akane-chan, why not fully immerse yourself in the other charms of Unazuki Onsen? Akane-chan would surely be delighted!

Relax and Rejuvenate at a Footbath

If you get tired from exploring the hot spring town, take a refreshing break at a readily available footbath. You'll find free footbaths in front of Unazuki Onsen Station and within Unazuki Park. Soak your feet in the warm waters to soothe your travel weariness. Enjoying a footbath while gazing at the beautiful scenery is truly exceptional.

A Scenic Journey on the Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train

When it comes to Unazuki Onsen, the Kurobe Gorge Torokko Train is an absolute must-experience. Riding this charming train as it weaves through the emerald-green clear stream and the deep V-shaped gorge allows you to truly feel the grandeur of nature. From the vibrant fresh greenery of spring to the fiery autumn leaves, the gorge reveals breathtaking scenery that changes with each season.

Experience the magic of Kurobe Gorge – a place Akane-chan surely adores – with all your senses.

🌐 Related Link: Kurobe Gorge Railway

Discover Beautiful Bridges and the Drinking Spring

Unazuki Onsen is home to several distinctive bridges spanning the Kurobe River. Especially popular as photo spots are the vermilion "Shinyamabiko Bridge," a symbol of Unazuki Onsen, and "Onsen Bridge," which carries the hot spring's source water.

You can also sample the hot spring water at Unazuki Onsen's drinking spring. This mild and slightly salty spring water is believed to be beneficial for digestion. Be sure to give it a try!

Summary

Kurobe City's Unazuki Onsen is a serene hot spring destination where you can enjoy hot springs for beautiful skin and magnificent natural beauty. And Akane Unazuki, the beloved 'Onsen Musume' who seems to live within the town, adds an extra layer of charm and vibrancy to the hot spring district.

Wander through the hot spring town searching for Akane-chan's panels and merchandise, find healing in a footbath, and be moved by the breathtaking scenery from the Torokko train... Why not experience such a wonderful journey in Unazuki Onsen? Akane-chan is surely looking forward to meeting you too!

📍 Toyama Travel Guide (Kurobe City Area)

Here is some tourist information for the area around the spots introduced in this article.

• 🏨 Find Accommodations in the Kurobe City Area: View plans on Rakuten Travel
• 🚗 Rent-a-car for Convenient Toyama Sightseeing: Find great deals on rental cars on Rakuten Travel
• 🎁 Order Delicious Local Specialties from Kurobe City: See Toyama gourmet options on Rakuten Ichiba
• 🎡 For Activities in Toyama: Find activities on Rakuten Travel Experiences