Footbaths For the Disabled , the Able-bodied, the Poets, and Everyone Else in Murakami, Niigata

Five unique footbaths, ashiyu (足湯),  located with views of the sea, beaches, and traditional Japanese ryokans that hang locally caught salmon to dry in the salty wind are some charming points of Murakami, Niigata（村上新潟).

The Cutest Footbath (足湯) in Japan

Murakami, far from any major city, is along the Sea of Japan, where strong winds, heavy rains, deep snow, and powerful surf make life challenging and invigorating for the residents. Visitors to this remote city can experience traditional Japanese culture and a variety of excellent hot springs. For today, though, I will introduce the superlative footbaths of Senami Onsen (瀬波温泉), a village within Murakami city. An introduction to other hot springs will come later.

The Cutest and the Hottest Foot Bath in Japan

The one shown above earns two superlatives: the cutest footbath I've ever seen and the hottest one that my feet have soaked in. To facilitate the healing of my injured left knee, I put my leg in the bath. Within a second, the extreme heat caused me to yank my leg out. I found the spigot for cold water and opened it, decreasing the water temperature. Then, I could soak my knee. You can see how the hot water caused my skin to turn boiled-lobster red.

It Was So Hot; My Skin Quickly Turned Bright Red

Senami Hospital has the first footbath I have seen which was designed to be enjoyed by both disabled and able-bodied bathe rs. T ake a close look at bottom of the photograph. You can see the same symbol used in parking lots for cars with disabled drivers or passengers.  In the case of this footbath, the symbol indicates where wheelchairs should pull up to the bath.  Senami Hospital has earned my respect for providing such a wonderful service to the community!

The First Bath I've Seen For Disabled People

Bathing Directions for Wheelchair Users

The designation of the best literature-related footbath is awarded to a wonderful one in front of the Sunset Inn Shiomiso, called Akiko's Footbath due to its prior use by Akiko Yosano (7 December 1878 - 29 May 1942), a prolific author, feminist, pacifist, and social reformer. Yosano-san reportedly spent many nights and days bathing and writing poetry in Murakami. Like many lovers of hot springs, she clearly was a sensualist. Here is one poem that expresses how she felt after bathing:

Did Akiko-san Soak Her Feet and Write Poetry Here?

My skin is so soft
Fresh from my bath
It pains me to see it touched
Covered by the fabric
Of an everyday world
ゆあみして泉を出でしやははだ
にふるるはつらき人の世のきぬ

Click to read a short biography and more of her poetry.
 

 








The longest footbath that I have ever set foot in is right on the beach in front of the Taikanso Hotel. It is about thirty meters long. This is an excellent place to rest your feet and watch the sunset, waves, and local fishermen trying to catch dinner. If your hungry, but don't want to fish, you could bring your eggs and place them in a special box designed for preparing onsen tamago, boiled eggs, which is provided free of charge. While the eggs are cooking, heat your feet and chill out.

Longest Footbath on a Beach in Senami Hot Spring

Add Eggs, Relax, Wait, and Eat

The last of the superlative foot baths is the one that is closest to the beach. From here, you are within walking distance of shady huts, which are set up every summer. All five of these footbaths are within walking distance from one another. My recommendation is to stroll slowly, look around the town, stop for a bath, walk a little more, have a snack, and enjoy the ambiance of Senami Hot Spring. At the end of the day, your feet will say, "Domo Arigato Gozaimashita." And you thought your feet couldn't speak Japanese!

Your Feet Will Thank You After Soaking At All of the Footbaths in Senami Hot Spring

To learn more about foot baths in Japan, including steam baths for feet, click here.