An autumn treat and apple bath at Karuizawa’s Hoshino Onsen

This autumn, Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-Yu in Karuizawa will be bringing back their special “Apple Bath” campaign on October 17-20 and November 7-10 this year. It will feature 1,000 non-standard apples, those deemed unsuitable for sale due to blemishes or imperfections, floating in the men’s and women’s indoor baths. This initiative not only offers a novel bathing experience but also acts as an opportunity to start conversations about food loss.

The use of these apples, affected by frost and hail during their growth, addresses the popular topic of food waste and food loss in Japan. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, about 10% of harvested apples are discarded annually because they do not meet market standards for size and appearance. Tombo-no-Yu has been hosting the Apple Bath since 2005 as part of its efforts to utilize these otherwise wasted resources. This year, the event will feature more apples than ever before, following the discovery of a surplus from local farms.

In addition to the Apple Bath, this year’s event will introduce a new post-bath treat: desserts made from Shinano Sweet apples grown using “Apple Soil,” a compost created from the used apples. This initiative, now in its fourth year, involves composting the apples after the event and using the nutrient-rich soil to cultivate new apple saplings. The first apples from this compost will be harvested this year, a significant milestone for the project. These apples, though limited in quantity, will be made into chips and served as a topping on soft-serve ice cream, offering guests a taste of sustainability.

The indoor baths at Tombo-no-Yu are known for their spacious design, featuring a 7.6-meter-high ceiling and large windows that provide a serene view of the surrounding pond and forest. The addition of 1,000 apples floating in the warm, hinoki-scented water promises to be a visually and aromatically rich experience for visitors. The creative repurposing of non-standard apples offers a delightful and sustainable way to enjoy the natural beauty and seasonal flavors of the Shinshu region.