Relax & Unwind in Hotaka Onsen

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For visitors heading into the North Alps along any of the trails leading to and from Azumino, staying locally before or after your hike is the perfect way to relax, unwind and enjoy the experience. Located only 10-minutes drive from Hotaka Station and 40-minutes drive from the Nakabusa Trailhead, Hotaka Onsen-kyo boasts multiple hot spring guesthouses offering comfort and traditional Japanese service. Information regarding accommodation in the area can be found through our ‘Hotaka Onsen-kyo Area’ hotel page.

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The town is home to a number of excellent ‘ryokan’ (traditional guesthouses) and a public onsen, Shakunagenoyu including open-air footbath while the surrounding region is home to many cafes, restaurants, museums and galleries. The ‘Azumino Art Line’ is made-up of eighteen galleries and museums showcasing a broad range of artistic styles. For many visitors, starting at the Rokuzan Art Museum – dedicated to the life and work of acclaimed sculptor, Rokuzan Ogiwara.

Born and raised in Azumino, Rokuzan studied art in Tokyo before movin to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, and within a few years, onto to France where the discovered the work of Rodin. Deeply moved by his work, Rokuzan shifted his focus from painting to sculpture. Over the next 4 years, Rokuzan would move again between the United States, France and then a return journey to his homeland via Italy, Green and Egypt.

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In Tokyo, he would continue his work until is sudden and untimely death at the age of 30. As such, only 15 works survive to this day. Rokuzan’s strong Christian beliefs are reflected in the fact that the museum mimics a church, a tranquil setting in which to appreciate his life and work.

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For further suggestions of things to do and see in Azumino, see our ’20 Things To Do In & Around Azumino’ page.