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Much of the Shimokita Peninsula is sparsely inhabited due to its remote, rugged terrain. No exception, the Yagen Valley (–òŒ¤Œk—¬, Yagen Keiryū) in the middle of the peninsula is a quiet, isolated area offering hiking, hot springs and little else.
Two of the Yagen Valley's hot spring baths are named after the kappa, a mythical Japanese animal, that lives in ponds, rivers and lakes and tends to be somewhat devious; its favorite snack is small children. However, kappa are not really evil, just a bit mischievous. They can be persuaded to exchange a meal of children for a cucumber, another favored snack. In fact, the Japanese word for a sushi roll filled with cucumber is kappamaki due to the kappa's love of the vegetable.
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The two kappa baths are located in the Oku-Yagen area ("Inner Yagen Valley") in the back of the valley, facing the river and offering pleasant views. The Meoto Kappa no Yu offers open-air, gender-segregated baths and comes with changing room facilities and a small restaurant. The Kappa no Yu is equipped with a roof and changing room facilities. Formerly mixed, the pool now changes between women-only and men-only every two hours.
Hiking is also possible in the Yagen Valley. Easy paths take hikers along the riverside and through some of the old growth forest. There are only a few lodging options in the valley, and they include small ryokan and minshuku (small inns).
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Getting there and around
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There exists no public transportation to the Yagen Valley, and the only way of accessing the valley is by rental car.
How to get to and around the Shimokita Peninsula
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Hours and Fees
Meoto Kappa no Yu
Hours
9:00 to 17:00 (April and from September to early November)
10:00 to 17:00 (mid November to March)
Closed
Admission
Kappa no Yu
Hours
Closed
Admission
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