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15 Hidden and Famous Hot Springs in Akita You Want to Visit at Least Once!
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Akita Prefecture is home to many hidden and famous hot springs that any hot spring enthusiast would want to visit at least once, including the renowned Nyuto Onsenkyo and Tamagawa Onsen. Soaking in these coveted hot springs while gazing at breathtaking natural scenery will refresh you and relieve your daily fatigue and stress!
No.01 Nyuto Onsenkyo
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Nyuto Onsenkyo is nestled in the rich natural environment of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It offers the refreshing comfort of summer, the splendor of the autumn foliage season, and the tranquility of the deep winter snow, allowing you to experience the charm of each season. Various hot springs with different water types are scattered at the foot of Mount Nyuto. In addition to Tsurunoyu, where you can enjoy four different water types, including sulfurous, sodium, calcium chloride, and bicarbonate springs, seven other distinctive inns are scattered around, including Myono, Kuroyu Onsen, Kaniba Onsen, Sonroku Onsen, Okama Onsen, and Hukkuma Village Nyuto Onsenkyo. We recommend staying at your favorite inn and enjoying a hot spring tour and meals featuring local mountain delicacies. For day-trip bathing, some inns offer lunch such as yam hot pot and Inaniwa udon, so be sure to check in advance.
Basic Information
■Address
014-1201 Akita Prefecture, Senbishi, Tazawako, Ikubo, Komagatake 2-1 (Nyuto Onsen Association)
■Access by Bus
Approximately 45 minutes by Ugo Kotsu bus from JR Tazawako Station
■Access by Car
Approximately 1 hour from Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Akita City
■Phone Number
0187-46-2244 (Nyuto Onsen Association)
No.02 Tamagawa Onsen
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Tamagawa Onsen, boasting one of the strongest acidity levels in Japan at pH 1.2, has long been known as a hot spring resort. Its water type is acidic-carbon dioxide-iron (II)-aluminum-chloride, and it is expected to be effective for many conditions and illnesses, including neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and skin diseases. The large public bathhouse is equipped with a variety of baths, including a 50% natural spring water bath, a 100% natural spring water bath, a lukewarm bath, and a weak acidic bath, and it is recommended to bathe in the correct order and for the recommended amount of time and other recommended methods. A hot spring consultation room is also available in the building, so please feel free to use it. Although accommodation is available, you can also enjoy a day-trip bath. When you visit, please also enjoy sightseeing at famous spots such as Tazawako, the Fudakari Valley, and Kakunodate.
Basic Information
■Address
014-1205 Akita Prefecture, Senbishi, Tazawako, Tamagawa, Shiburokizawa
■Access by Bus
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by Ugo Kotsu bus and Akita Kita Bus from JR Tazawako Station (April to the end of October)
■Access by Car
34 km from the Kakunodate-Hachimantai IC via National Routes 282 and 341
※Please note that the road between Futagami Onsen on the Tazawako side and Sumikawa on the Kakunodate side on National Route 341 may be closed at night from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the following morning due to the risk of nighttime freezing immediately after the road opens in spring and before it closes in autumn and winter.
Also, during the winter season (December to late April), the section of National Route 341 between Futagami Onsen on the Tazawako side and Sumikawa on the Kakunodate side is closed to winter traffic, and general vehicles cannot pass.
■Phone Number
0187-58-3000
※Please check in advance, as Tamagawa Onsen is closed during the winter season.
No.03 Oga Onsenkyo
Oga Peninsula in northwestern Akita Prefecture is buffeted by winds from the Sea of Japan. The land of Namahage folklore boasts Oga Onsenkyo, which features sodium chloride springs containing common salt similar to seawater. It is also called the "Hot Spring of Heat" because it is highly moisturizing and helps retain body heat. A variety of distinctive inns are scattered around, including Motoyu Yubankaku, where you can enjoy the inn's exclusive natural spring water, and the modern Japanese-style Yui no Yado Bettei Tsubaki. Whether you want to relax and stay for a while or enjoy a day-trip bath, please spend your time however you like. When you visit, we also recommend sightseeing at the Namahage Museum, where you can experience authentic Namahage, the Oga Sanzen Denju Museum, and other famous spots such as Sanzen Shrine, which is associated with Namahage.
Basic Information
■Address
010-0687 Akita Prefecture, Oga City, Kitaura, Motoyu, Kusakihara 21-2 (Oga Onsenkyo Association)
■Access by Car
Approximately 40 minutes from the Showa Oga Peninsula IC
■Access by Bus
Approximately 40 minutes by Namahage Shuttle Bus from Oga Station (advance reservation required)
■Phone Number
0185-33-3191 (Oga Onsenkyo Association)
No.04 Tsurunoyu Onsen
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Tsurunoyu Onsen is the oldest hot spring inn in Nyuto Onsenkyo and can be considered its representative hot spring inn. Four different water types flow from four natural springs, each named Shiroyu, Kuroyu, Nakayu, and Takiyu. While you can enjoy a day-trip bath, we recommend staying overnight to fully appreciate the charm of this rustic hot spring inn. The atmosphere of the distinctive buildings and local cuisine featuring local ingredients will create an extraordinary experience. In addition to the main building with its thatched roof and several other accommodation buildings, Tsurunoyu Onsen also has the Bettei and Yamano Yado, which feature single-story, curved-roof architecture. Please choose the one that suits your taste. The surrounding area is dotted with sightseeing spots offering beautiful seasonal scenery, such as Tazawako and the Kakunodate Samurai Residences, so please enjoy them together.
Basic Information
■Address
014-1204 Akita Prefecture, Senbishi, Tazawako, Tazawa, 50 State-Owned Forest
■Access by Bus
Approximately 40 minutes by Ugo Kotsu bus from JR Tazawako Station (get off at "Tsurunoyu Iriguchi" and walk for about 50 minutes)
■Access by Car
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
■Phone Number
0187-46-2139
No.05 Kobanike Onsen
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This small hot spring resort is located in Yuzawa City, the southern gateway to Akita Prefecture, a heavy snowfall area that receives more than 100 days of snow cover per year. It is located along the Kobanike Gorge on the upper reaches of the Minase River, where a large geyser nearby vigorously ejects hot water and steam. The simple hot spring, which boasts an abundant flow, is highly regarded for helping you retain body heat even in winter. The hot spring resort, with its beautiful seasonal natural colors, is dotted with charming hot spring inns. A variety of distinctive baths are available at Ryokan Tarobe and Yuno Yado Motoyu Club, among other inns known for their baths, so please enjoy them with a day-trip bath or an overnight stay. Nearby sightseeing and leisure spots include the dramatically flowing Fudai Falls and the deep mountains where you can enjoy outdoor activities. The autumn foliage, which usually reaches its peak from mid-October to early November, is also recommended.
Basic Information
■Address
012-0183 Akita Prefecture, Yuzawa City, Minase, Yumoto 5-1 (Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association)
■Access by Bus
Approximately 55 minutes by Ugo Kotsu bus from JR Yuzawa Station
■Access by Car
Approximately 40 minutes from the Yuzawa IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
■Phone
0183-47-5080 (Yuzawa City Tourism and Products Association)
No.06 Shin-Tamagawa Onsen
Tamagawa Onsen, with its rare strong acidity primarily composed of hydrochloric acid, is one of the world's most unique hot springs. Shin-Tamagawa Onsen, an affiliated inn, was built using the same natural spring water. It features the same water type and benefits as Tamagawa Onsen, but allows you to bathe in a comfortable, barrier-free building. The large public bathhouse boasts 14 different baths, while the open-air baths offer views of the scenery in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In the indoor rock bath, you can enjoy the benefits of magma-derived components contained in the natural spring water, such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and radium, while feeling the power of geothermal energy. Overnight stays are available, but day-trip bathing is also possible, so please feel free to enjoy it. A buffet featuring local Akita cuisine and other health- and beauty-conscious dishes is also available during your stay, so please enjoy it as well.
Basic Information
■Address
014-1205 Akita Prefecture, Senbishi, Tazawako, Tamagawa
■Access by Bus
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by Ugo Kotsu bus and Akita Kita Bus from JR Tazawako Station (April to late November)
■Access by Car
34 km from the Kakunodate-Hachimantai IC via National Routes 282 and 341
※Please note that the road between Futagami Onsen on the Tazawako side and Sumikawa on the Kakunodate side on National Route 341 may be closed at night from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. the following morning due to the risk of nighttime freezing immediately after the road opens in spring and before it closes in autumn and winter.
Also, during the winter season (December to late April), the section of National Route 341 between Futagami Onsen on the Tazawako side and Sumikawa on the Kakunodate side is closed to winter traffic, and general vehicles cannot pass.
■Phone Number
0187-58-3000
No.07 Doroyu Onsen
Doroyu Onsen is located near the border with Miyagi Prefecture, along the upper reaches of the Takamatsu River in the Kumaiko Quasi-National Park. Said to have been opened approximately 1,200 years ago, two inns, Okuyama Ryokan and Ogura Ryokan, continue to preserve its traditional hot spring water in this quiet mountain area. The newly renovated Okuyama Ryokan, which reopened in 2019, is particularly noteworthy. You can enjoy four different natural springs, including a large open-air bath with simple hot spring water called "Shin-yu," a mixed-gender open-air bath with sulfurous hot spring water called "Tengu no Yu," and a women-only open-air bath with hydrogen sulfide-type hot spring water called "Kawa no Yu." Overnight stays and day-trip bathing are available. Within walking distance are famous spots such as the desolate landscape of Kawaramoe Jigoku, which ejects sulfur and steam and resembles a scene from hell, and the approximately 20-meter-high hot spring waterfall of Kawaramoe Oyu Falls. Please be sure to visit when you come.
Basic Information
《Okuyama Ryokan》
■Address
019-0404 Akita Prefecture, Yuzawa City, Takamatsu, Doroyu-zawa 25
■Access by Taxi
Approximately 45 minutes by "Komachi Shuttle" from JR Yuzawa Station (advance reservation required)
■Access by Car
Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from the Furukawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Approximately 25 minutes from the Sugawa IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
■Phone Number
0183-79-3021
《Ogura Ryokan》
■Address
019-0404 Akita Prefecture, Yuzawa City, Takamatsu, Doroyu-zawa 25
■Access by Car
Approximately 47 minutes from JR Yuzawa Station
Approximately 29 minutes from the Sugawa IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
■Phone Number
0183-79-3035
No.08 Fukenoyu Onsen
Fukenoyu Onsen is a hidden hot spring inn located on the slopes of Mount Hachimantai in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Situated at an elevation of 1,100 meters, you can enjoy three natural springs drawn from the grounds, including simple and weak acidic springs, in a rustic hot spring experience. The inn features a variety of baths, including separate indoor baths for men and women, open-air baths, outdoor baths scattered across the land where hot spring steam rises, mixed-gender outdoor baths, and some women-only outdoor baths, as well as a mixed-gender box bath literally designed after a traditional Japanese box. While day-trip bathing is available, an overnight stay is also recommended so you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients, such as "steamed hot spring-style medicinal cuisine." Trekking courses from Fukenoyu Onsen to Naganuma and the summit of Mount Hachimantai are also available, so those who are confident in their physical fitness should be sure to take on the challenge.
Basic Information
■Address
018-5141 Akita Prefecture, Daganawa City, Hachimantai, Kumazawa State-Owned Forest
■Access by Bus
Approximately 55 minutes by bus from JR Daganawa-Hanawa Station → get off at "Aspite Line Entrance" and take another bus for approximately 15 minutes
■Access by Car
Approximately 40 minutes from the Daganawa-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway
■Phone Number
0186-31-2131
※Open from late April to early November
No.09 Tazawako Kogen Onsenkyo
Tazawako Kogen Onsenkyo is located on a plateau overlooking Lake Tazawako at the foot of Mount Akita-Komagatake and is designated as a National Hot Spring Resort. It is popular for its refreshing climate and scenic location, and hotels and inns are scattered around. Why not enjoy a relaxing time at this hot spring resort and experience soothing hot springs, including simple sulfur springs? The recommended choice is Kame no I Hotel Tazawako, where you can enjoy natural spring water flowing directly from the source, along with a variety of facilities such as a large public bath and open-air baths. Please enjoy a relaxing time in the hot springs along with the beautiful scenery of Mount Akita-Komagatake and Lake Tazawako.
Basic Information
《Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako》
■Address
〒014-1201 2-32 Komagatake, Ikaho, Tazawako, Semboku, Akita
■Access by bus
Approximately 40 minutes by shuttle bus from JR Tazawako Station (advance reservation required)
■Access by car
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway
■Phone number
0187-46-2131
No.10 Aknomiya Onsenkyo
Aknomiya Onsenkyo, known as the oldest hot spring area in Akita Prefecture, was founded in 1702 (the 15th year of the Genroku era). It was located at the foot of Mount Kurikoma, along the banks of the Yakuuchi River. Its nature-rich scenery, beloved by writers and artists such as Minoru Buntaro, continues to captivate visitors today. Hot spring inns are scattered throughout the village, and each accommodation offers a different hot spring source: the revived Showa-era inn “Yukemuri no Yado Inazumi Onsen” features a simple hot spring, while the charming “Takano-yu Onsen,” known for the soothing sound of its stream, offers a weakly saline hot spring. (Inazumi Onsen offers overnight or day-use plans, while Takano-yu Onsen offers overnight plans only; neither offers day-trip bathing.) The hot spring area also features the 40-meter-high Yono Waterfall and Kawara-no-Yu, where you can dig into the riverbank with a shovel and create your own footbath.
Basic Information
《Yukemuri no Yado Inazumi Onsen》
■Address
〒019-0321 11 Yamikono, Aknomiya, Yuzawa, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 20 minutes from Yūkatsu-Komachi IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
※Shuttle service is available from JR Sendai Station and Naruko-Onsen Station (advance reservation required). Available during winter only.
■Phone number
0183-58-1300
《Takano-yu Onsen》
■Address
〒019-0321 1 Denjo, Aknomiya, Yuzawa, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 20 minutes from Yūkatsu-Komachi IC on the Akita Expressway and Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
※Komachi Shuttle and shared taxis are available from JR Yuzawa Station or Yokohori Station (advance reservation required).
■Phone number
0183-56-2141
No.11 Nakadori Onsen
Nakadori Onsen allows you to easily enjoy a hot spring at a city hotel in Akita City. The top floor (11th floor) of “Nakadori Onsen Komachi-no-Yu Dormy Inn Akita” features a large public bath with an open-air bath, where you can fully enjoy its proud sodium-chloride bicarbonate hot spring, also known as a hot spring for beautiful skin. There are separate indoor baths for men and women, as well as an open-air bath, a cold bath, and a high-temperature sauna. Please enjoy it along with sightseeing in Akita City, including Chiaki Park, the former residence of the Akita clan, and the Akita Prefectural Museum of Art, which displays many works by Fujita Tsuguharu.
Basic Information
■Address
〒010-0001 2-3-1 Nakadori, Akita, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 10 minutes from Akita-Chuo IC on the Akita Expressway
■Access by train
Approximately 8 minutes on foot from the West Exit of JR Akita Station on the Akita Shinkansen
■Phone number
018-835-6777
No.12 Goshōgake Onsen
This is a single-inn hot spring resort located at an altitude of 1,000 meters in the middle of the Hachimantai highlands. It has long been said to have such a strong therapeutic effect that people would “come by horse and leave on foot,” and many people still visit today for hot spring therapy and recuperation. The cloudy hot spring, said to be effective for various ailments, is a simple sulfur spring, and you can experience seven different ways of bathing, including the famous box steam bath. In addition to regular day-trip bathing and overnight stays, there is also a hot spring therapy facility with a variety of room types, so please choose according to your needs. The local cuisine, served in colorful Akita-style lacquerware boxes, is also highly acclaimed. It is also recommended as a place to stay when sightseeing in Hachimantai. Be sure to check out the black eggs cooked in the hot spring and the mud packs, as well as other snacks and souvenirs unique to Goshōgake.
Basic Information
■Address
〒018-5141 88 Hachimantai Kumazawa National Forest, Dairakudai, Dairakudai, Akita
■Access by bus
Approximately 120 minutes from JR Tazawako Station by local bus and the Dragon bus (advance reservation required for the Dragon bus).
※Local buses are suspended during winter. Please check the details in advance.
■Access by car
Approximately 45 minutes from Dairakudai IC on the Tohoku Expressway (via the Hachimantai Aspite Line)
Approximately 60 minutes from Matsuo-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway (via the Hachimantai Aspite Line)
※The Hachimantai Aspite Line and National Route 341 have nighttime traffic restrictions around the time of winter closures. Please check the details in advance.
■Phone number
0186-31-2221 (Inn) 0186-31-2222 (Hot spring therapy facility)
No.13 Yuse Onsen
Yuse Onsen is located in the center of Towada-Hachimantai National Park and is attractive for its location nestled in a valley. Its abundant alkaline simple hot spring is said to be a hot spring for beautiful skin and is particularly popular with women. “Yuse Hotel,” which boasts excellent facilities including an open-air bath overlooking the clear waters of the Yonedai River, and “Kamenoi Hotel Akita Yuse,” which features large public baths and open-air baths overlooking the great nature of the valley, are among the attractive accommodations scattered throughout the area. You can enjoy bathing while feeling the nature of Yuse. Also, located at the border of Aomori, Iwate, and Akita Prefectures, this hot spring area is convenient as a base for sightseeing. You can enjoy touring the Towada Lake area, the Tazawako and Kakunodate area, and the Dairakudai and Hanawa area, among other options, by planning your preferred itinerary. Don’t forget local gourmet food such as Dairakudai horumon and souvenirs like local sake.
Basic Information
《Yuse Hotel》
■Address
〒018-5141 43 Yuse, Hachimantai, Dairakudai, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 10 minutes from Dairakudai IC
■Access by train
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Yuse Onsen Station (shuttle service available)
■Phone number
0186-33-2311
《Kamenoi Hotel Akita Yuse》
■Address
〒018-5141 40-1 Yuse, Hachimantai, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 15 minutes from Dairakudai IC
■Access by train
Approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Yuse Onsen Station (shuttle service available)
■Phone number
0186-33-2011
No.14 Sugawa Onsen
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Sugawa Onsen features a hot spring source that gushes 6,000 liters per minute from a highland at an altitude of 1,126 meters. Boasting one of the largest hot spring volumes in Japan, its rare strongly acidic molybdenite green spring is said to be effective for various ailments such as gastrointestinal diseases, chronic gynecological conditions, respiratory diseases, and chronic digestive diseases. At Kurikoma Sanso, which draws water from the hot spring, you can fully enjoy bathing in its proud open-air bath with a panoramic view. The vast panorama of the plateau spreading at the foot of Mount Kurikoma, Mount Chokai, Mount Morodake, and the Iwakagami Wetlands will create a moment full of a sense of freedom. Please spend your time as you wish, whether for day-trip bathing or an overnight stay. For those who are confident in their physical strength, exploring the nature of Mount Kurikoma or hiking is also recommended. The majestic nature of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park will surely refresh your mind and body.
Basic Information
■Address
〒019-0803 1 Jin-goyama National Forest, Higashinaruse Village, Yūkatsu District, Akita (within Kurikoma Quasi-National Park)
■Access by car
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Ichinoseki IC on the Tohoku Expressway
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from Jūmonji IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
■Phone number
0182-47-5111
※Please check in advance, as there are winter closure periods.
No.15 Yamamori Isaribi Onsen
Hatahatakan in Yamamori Isaribi Onsen allows you to enjoy bathing while overlooking the stunning scenery of the Sea of Japan. You can enjoy a variety of baths featuring a sodium-sulfate-chloride spring said to be good for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain. You can enjoy day-trip bathing or an overnight stay in baths such as the “Wooden Bath,” equipped with a bathtub made from a mackerel fishing boat, and the “Rock Bath,” inspired by the beach. The proud cuisine is a luxurious flavor made abundantly with fresh local seafood. You will surely be able to enjoy the unique appeal of a seaside inn. When you visit, you may also want to enjoy sightseeing such as trekking in the Shirakami Sanchi area or riding the popular “Resort Shirakami.” It is sure to be a memorable experience in the majestic nature of Michinoku.
Basic Information
■Address
〒018-2617 51 Ogoshi, Yamamori, Yamamoto District, Akita
■Access by car
Approximately 30 minutes from Noshiro-Higashi IC
Approximately 40 minutes from Noshiro-Minami IC
■Access by train
Approximately 1 minute on foot from JR Akita-Shirakami Station
■Phone number
0185-77-2770
15 selected hot springs in Akita, full of famous and secret hot springs. In addition to the famous Nyuto Onsenkyo and Tamagawa Onsen, we have introduced many unique hot springs. How was it? They are all hot springs you would want to visit at least once. Please be sure to visit when you go to Akita.