The "sister hot spring" of Beitou Hot Springs—Tamagawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture, Japan

By Chi Bing-hui, compiled and reported

Taiwan and Japan both boast vibrant hot spring cultures, and Beitou in Taiwan and Tamagawa Onsen in Akita, Japan are the only places in Asia where the mineral Beitouite can be found. Recently, the two hot springs announced an official alliance, marking a new milestone for the hot spring tourism industries in both areas. The Governor of Akita Prefecture also came to Taiwan especially to take part in the signing ceremony, bearing witness to the historic moment as sister hot springs.

During the “Beitouite – A Century of Connection” alliance ceremony between Beitou Hot Springs and Tamagawa Onsen, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-pin stated that Beitou Hot Springs is the birthplace of Taiwan’s hot spring culture, and the most famous hot spring mineral crystal in the area, “Beitouite,” was first discovered in 1905 by a Japanese technician named Okada Yōhachirō who was working in Taiwan. Therefore, Beitou Hot Springs has witnessed over a century of close interaction between Taiwan and Japan.

Also present at the event, Akita Governor Keiji Satake noted that since the launch of direct chartered flights between Taiwan and Akita in 2004, around 12,000 Taiwanese tourists have visited Akita for sightseeing each year. With the new alliance, he believes exchanges between the two sides will be further strengthened. Governor Satake pointed out that after the 311 earthquake in Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was the first country to donate a substantial amount of relief funds to Japan and to dispatch a rescue team to assist in disaster relief efforts