“Furutobe Onsen” in Aomori (Ikarigaseki, Hirakawa City) is currently recruiting business successors.

Founded in 1984, this hot spring inn is located in a mountainous area near the prefectural border with Akita. Known by hot spring enthusiasts as a secret hot spring where you can sleep with sea lions, in 2012 it won a special jury prize in the "100 Japanese hotels and inns selected by professionals" sponsored by Travel Newspaper Shinsha. was selected for

According to Tatsuo Kimura, the facility's president, it was built by his father as a vacation home more than 55 years ago, and the hot springs erupted during exploratory mining. After working as a company employee in Tokyo, Mr. Kimura made a U-turn at the age of 40 and decided to open a ryokan. The villa was renovated and started as a hot spring inn.

Kimura is currently 79 years old. In 2021, he had a traffic accident and began to feel the limits of his body, which was the catalyst for his decision to quit the inn. "I was going to close the hot spring business, but many people said, 'I don't want you to quit,'" Kimura said.

Kotobe Onsen to be transferred has a site area of 100 tsubo, a three-story building with seven guest rooms. The hot spring discharges 500 liters per minute. "We've been in business for about 40 years, and the amount of hot water is always stable. We have people who want to heal themselves, but there are also people who feel so good that they don't come out for a long time," he said.

The transfer price of the hot spring inn is 15 million yen. Mr. Kimura says, "For example, if a husband and wife can start a family business, they can manage it well. I've been involved with this inn for over 40 years. I'd like to give advice and help even after the transfer."

The store was originally scheduled to close in March, but will remain open until the end of May. Mr. Kimura said, ``I've been strict with my age, so I've been continuing for another year. ', he says.

For inquiries, please contact the Aomori Prefecture Business Inheritance/Handover Support Center (TEL 017-723-1040).