Tarapokki Onsen, a public bathhouse located near JR Tsurugasaka Station (Tsurugasaka, Aomori City), is currently calling for financial support to resume operations.

This public bath was opened in 1984 by Sanko Foods, a food manufacturing company. It began when hot springs began to flow out while the company was digging a well for construction water. "Tara Pokki" is named after the company's signature product, "Tara Pokki," a delicacy made with cheese and cod, but production of this product was discontinued in March 2019.

In August 2024, the temperature of the free-flowing hot spring water, which had been 45 degrees, dropped to 38 degrees, causing the facility to temporarily close. After making repairs to the equipment, the facility reopened in September, but the temperature of the hot spring water did not rise, and the facility was closed from October 8. Third-generation president Yoshiyoshi Nagauchi said, "In discussions with the contractor, we came to the conclusion that there was a cause other than the piping, and that the cause was the aging of the well."

The hot spring gushes out from 931 meters underground, and although they considered drilling further, they faced problems with the budget and risks. After consulting with Forte (Furukawa), an Aomori-based IT company working on snow power generation, they were able to set up a temperature control machine called a "Stirling engine" to heat the hot spring, which would allow them to resume operations.

They will be calling for financial support through a crowdfunding website until February 16th. According to Osanai, the funds raised will be used to purchase and install a Stirling engine. If they reach 50% of their goal by mid-January next year, they will begin preparations to reopen. They aim to reopen between February and April next year.

The rewards include postcards, T-shirts, bath towels, and the right to have your name displayed as a supporter near the reception desk in the store. The Nebuta art is done by Nebuta artist Haruichi Kitamura. Kitamura is the provider of the Nebuta displayed in the store, and has known Osanai for over five years.

Nagauchi says, "With everyone's support, we can bring back the hot water. We want to continue preserving this hot spring with its 40-year history."