Akakura Onsen becomes a fashionable destination

In 1912, lawyer Goro Koide and physician Dr. Tatsukichi Irisawa established the Myoko Club, building a villa in Akakura Onsen and working to develop the area. The Myoko Club soon became a gathering place for the notables of the time, as the area became a high-end summer resort. All the fashionable activities of the time—including horse riding, tennis, billiards and even mahjong—were enjoyed here.

In turn, this triggered the development of individual villas equipped with hot spring water from a source high on Mt. Myoko, furthering established the area as a fashionable destination.

In 1888, railway service had come to the area with the construction of Taguchi Station, today Myokokogen Station. A direct road from Akakura to the station area was completed in 1923, with direct bus service on the road beginning in 1927, further enhancing the area’s attraction.

Later on, Akakura led the country as skiing became popular, with the first officially certified ski lift being constructed here.

Today, another major wave of tourist development has come to Japan. Akakura Onsen today has positioned itself as a four-season destination, nestled within the Myoko-Togakushi Renzan National Park and its beautiful natural setting.

 

A poster from the late Meiji Period (1868-1922), featuring the popular attractions of the time including horse riding and tennis. The location is near today's Taki no Yu, at the very top of Akakura, and the foot bath just below it.