About Awara To the happiest town in the happiest prefecture Located at the northernmost tip of Fukui Prefecture, Awara borders Mikuni Town in Sakai City to the west, Sakaicho and Marukacho in Sakai City to the south, and Kaga City in Ishikawa Prefecture to the northeast, while its northwest faces the Sea of Japan. Covering 116.98 square kilometers, Awara features Lake Kitagata and the northern Sakai hilllands in the north, two urban centers centered on JR Awaraonsen Station and Awara Onsen town in the center, rural countryside in the southwest, and forested mountains rising 500–600 meters in the east. Major north–south transport routes—the JR Hokuriku Main Line (Awaraonsen Station), the Hokuriku Expressway (Kanazu Interchange), and Japan National Route 8—cross the city. The area includes paddy fields north of the Kuzuryu River, hilllands known for abundant vegetable and fruit production, mountain communities with satoyama landscapes, the coastline and Lake Kitagata within the Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park, and Awara Onsen, which will soon mark its 140th year—together creating a diverse, rich environment. History of Awara Awara Onsen is known for the rice-field scenery visible from many inns. It began in 1883 (Meiji 16) when an irrigation well dug in a paddy unexpectedly produced warm, slightly salty spring water. Villagers subsequently dug many wells, and hot springs sprang up in many places; today their number is limited to 74. The hot-spring town is divided into three areas, each with its shrine, and these communities continue to protect the springs. Each ryokan features elaborate gardens, fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, and warm, attentive service to soothe travelers’ fatigue. About 30 lodging facilities now operate in a variety of styles. Guests can choose accommodations to suit their preferences and travel companions. Spring quality and benefits of Awara Onsen At Awara Onsen, the hot springs are not managed jointly; each facility owns several wells. As a result, mineral contents vary subtly by facility, so visitors can enjoy slightly different feels from each bath. This lesser-known hot-spring area, famous for many beautiful proprietresses, is called a “beauty-skin hot spring.” [ Spring quality ] Neutral to slightly alkaline saline earth chloride spring containing sodium and potassium [ Spring temperature ] 33.5–77.5°C [ Benefits ] Bathing: rheumatism, chronic dermatitis, neuralgia, atopic dermatitis Drinking: chronic catarrh of the stomach, chronic hypochlorhydria