青森市の「浅虫温泉」　3つの旅館が同時にリニューアルオープンへ　館内リフォーム・展示スペース・ディナーショーなど各館で工夫　「スパイスがあるような施設目指す」　浅虫温泉地区活性化対策の一環

This is a move aimed at revitalizing the Asamushi Onsen area in Aomori City. Three inns, which have been closed for renovations since January 2024, will finally reopen simultaneously on April 19th. [Announcer Yoshiko Sakamoto] "The prefecture is in the midst of the spring tourist season, and these three inns will welcome visitors with new looks." Hotel Akitaya is popular for its relaxing hot spring therapy packages. The spacious lobby, perfect for soothing after a long day of travel, is impressive, but... Targeting families, a kids' space complete with play equipment has been completed. The large hall, which was previously covered with tatami mats, has been converted into a restaurant with wooden floors, where both adults and children can enjoy buffet-style meals. [Hotel Akitaya Representative Yasuyoshi Suzuki] "The concept is for guests to have fun during the day, then when they get tired, splash around in the rooftop pool and enjoy delicious food to their heart's content." "I hope this hotel will become a place where young couples can come and have fun." And then there's Tsubakikan, known as an inn associated with woodblock artist Shiko Munakata. Until now, Shiko's works have been displayed mainly in the entrance... Now, an exhibition gallery has been set up, almost like a museum. Surrounded by Shiko's works, guests can enjoy a cup of matcha prepared by the proprietress, which naturally sparks lively conversation. [Tsubakikan Owner Maki Ebina] "The concept is for guests to experience up close the dynamic works of Shiko." "It's like Team Asamushi, and we'd like to promote this to as many people as possible, welcoming everyone to Asamushi Onsen." The South Room Kaisenkaku boasts a panoramic bath overlooking Mutsu Bay. Every night, a Tsugaru shamisen live performance has been held in the first-floor lobby, but in addition to this... A "Live & Entertainment" dinner show themed around Tsugaru folk songs, hand dancing, and the Nebuta Festival will be held in the renovated dining room. A performance by 7th-generation Nebuta Master Hiroo Takenami, enshrined at the back of the venue, will add to the excitement. Some of the guest rooms have already been renovated, and this summer, the second phase will see the addition of more luxurious rooms. [Minamibeya/Kaisenkaku President Junichi Kobayashi] "Rather than being a stay-based facility, we aim to create a place where guests can have a little fun. It's not just a place with good baths and food, but one that adds a little something extra to the experience." Mayor Nishi of Aomori City, who inspected the three facilities, also expressed his hopes for the revitalization of the Asamushi Onsen area. [Mayor Nishi, Aomori City] "I hope this place will once again become a place where people gather in large numbers like before." "I hope that not only tourists, but also Aomori residents will continue to use it." The renovations introduced here are only a small part of the renovations. Why not come and experience the new Asamushi Onsen for yourself? Announcer Fujiwara) This is Mr. Sakamoto, who we interviewed. Announcer Sakamoto) The simultaneous reopening of the three inns is part of efforts to revitalize the entire Asamushi Onsen area. Let's recap what's happened so far. In March 2023, the Regional Economic Vitalization Corporation of Japan, a Tokyo-based public-private fund supporting regional economic revitalization, announced its support for the revitalization of the Asamushi Onsen area. The reasons for this decision were the "significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic" and "vulnerable financial foundations." The three operating companies of the three inns being reopened this time transferred their shares to the public-private fund free of charge and received a loan of over 940 million yen. Furthermore, with investment from these three companies and local businesses, the MOSPA Asamushi Co-Creation Platform, a tourism management company, was established in June 2023. MOSPA is currently consolidating and streamlining management tasks, such as personnel and cost issues, which have traditionally been handled by individual inns and businesses, as well as strengthening promotional activities, aiming for revitalization across the region rather than just individual areas. (Announcer Fujiwara) Tourism demand is beginning to return as the COVID-19 pandemic ends, so we have high hopes for this. (Announcer Sawada) Each of the three facilities is wonderful, but I'm particularly interested in Kaisenkaku's "Live & Entertainment." (Announcer Sakamoto) I believe that even as local residents, we will be able to rediscover the charms of our local area. The simultaneous reopening of all three facilities is scheduled for April 19th. Reservations are accepted at the Asamushi Onsen Joint Reservation Center, but please note that some facilities may already be fully booked.