Sukayu Onsen

**Women-only hour is 8:00 to 9:00 AM.** For that hour men are excluded from the Sennin-buro entirely. If mixed bathing is not for you, this is the window, and the annex bath is gender-separated all day as an alternative. **Mixed bathing etiquette here is specific.** There is a designated women's side of the room, people move to and from the water without lingering, and staring is the one thing that is not tolerated. Follow what the regulars do. **The water is strong.** Highly acidic sulphur; it will sting broken skin and will discolour silver. Rinse afterwards and do not soak for long stretches. **Winter is spectacular and demanding.** Five-metre snow accumulation is normal and the road through Hakkoda closes in bad conditions. The bus from Aomori is the sensible way up in the cold months. **Bring nothing.** Day bathing includes towels, which removes the usual scramble. ¥1,000 covers it.