Okushiri Onsen Hokkaido

Okushiri, a remote island 60 kilometres off the southwestern Hokkaido coast in the Sea of Japan, is known both for the devastating 1993 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of the island and for the remarkable community resilience and rebuilding effort that created a new model of disaster recovery in Japan, the island's extraordinary revitalisation earning international recognition as a model of community reconstruction. Okushiri Onsen Hokkaido draws on chloride-rich thermal waters from the geothermal resources of the volcanic geology beneath this remote Sea of Japan island, offering warming baths in the only significant community on the island where the memories of the 1993 disaster, the extraordinary rebuilding story, and the pristine Sea of Japan island scenery of rocky coves, kelp forests, and lighthouse-topped headlands create a profoundly moving and naturally beautiful spa setting. The 1993 Okushiri earthquake and tsunami reconstruction heritage, the pristine Okushiri Island coastal scenery accessible by ferry from Setana or Esashi, and the exceptional fresh sea urchin and abalone diving culture of this remote island make Okushiri one of Japan's most emotionally resonant and naturally isolated thermal spa destinations.