The Historical Transition of Hot Springs in Towada-Hachimantai National Park

Abstract

This paper aims to examine the historical transition of hot spring in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Japan. The findings show that the national park system had identified hot spring inns as a recreational activity base from the early stage of its designation. Although the area experienced tourism development following the national park designation, the inns, which continue hot spring cure culture (toji), have widely remained. These hot springs and inns have been recently appreciated as cultural landscape of the park. However, as the awareness of toji culture has faded across the country, the study area faces a challenge: how to convey the historical/cultural background and the value of toji to the next generation.