8 Recommended Onsen Day Trips in Akita
8 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Akita! From Natural Hot Springs to Private Open-Air Baths
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Akita Has Many Charming Day Trip Hot Springs!
Day trip hot springs in Akita Prefecture offer a healing space surrounded by abundant nature. They are characterized by a variety of water qualities, many of which are excellent for skin beautification and fatigue recovery. From the open-air baths, you can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery, and your soul will be cleansed by the majestic mountains and valleys. Local cuisine made with regional ingredients is also a major attraction, allowing you to enjoy both the hot springs and the food that Akita has to offer. Additionally, there are many historic hot springs that have been cherished as therapeutic retreats for centuries, and experiencing the traditional hot spring culture is another charm of Akita's day trip hot springs.
8 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Akita
"Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen" - A Secluded Hot Spring with an Untouched Atmosphere!
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen is a secluded hot spring in Akita Prefecture's Nyuto Onsenkyo, founded in the Edo period. Known as a pioneer of the secluded hot spring boom, it is a historic hot spring where you can enjoy four different springs (Shiroyu, Kuroyu, Naka-no-Yu, and Taki-no-Yu). The milky-white Shiroyu (white hot spring) is particularly popular as a "beauty spring," and you can enjoy the seasonal scenery from its expansive mixed-gender open-air bath. The water quality is sulfur-containing sodium/calcium-chloride/bicarbonate, effective for neuralgia and muscle pain. Furthermore, the thatched-roof "Honjin" main building is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the Edo period. The local specialty dishes include yam potato hotpot and wild vegetable dishes enjoyed around a traditional irori hearth. In winter, the snow-viewing open-air bath creates a fantastical, breathtaking scene that captivates visitors. It is a highly recommended secluded hot spring where you can enjoy an authentic hot spring experience surrounded by history and nature.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin, Tazawako Tazawa, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | From JR Akita Shinkansen Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu Nyuto Ganiba Onsen-bound bus for 37 minutes, get off at Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen Iriguchi, then a 5-minute taxi ride. |
| Parking | Available (free) 50 spaces |
| Business Hours | – |
| Fees | Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 300 yen |
"Tamagawa Onsen" - Heal from the Core with Highly Acidic Water
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Tamagawa Onsen, located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a famous hot spring known as Japan's most highly acidic spring. It boasts an astonishing acidity of pH 1.05, with 98°C hot water gushing out at a rate of 9,000 liters per minute from the "Obuki" geyser. The strong bactericidal properties of the hot spring are said to be effective for skin diseases and neuralgia, and it has been cherished as a therapeutic hot spring since ancient times. In the 100% natural hot spring bath, you'll feel a strong sensation at first, but once you get used to it, you'll experience a unique comfort. Furthermore, there is rare Hokutolite in the hot spring area, making it popular for natural bedrock bathing. Here, 5 types of hot spring therapy (quality stimulation, climate stimulation, physical therapy, thermal therapy, and mental care) are offered, and a hot spring treatment facility to enhance natural healing power is also well-equipped. It is one of Japan's leading authentic hot spring therapy spots where you can feel the effects even with a short soak.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Tamagawa Shibukurozawa, Tazawako, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | From JR Akita Shinkansen Tazawako Station, take the Hachimantai Summit-bound bus for 1 hour and 20 minutes, get off at Tamagawa Onsen. |
| Parking | 30 spaces (free parking) |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last admission 2:30 PM) |
| Fees | Adults 800 yen, Children 400 yen |
"Kawarage Oyutaki" - A Wild Waterfall Hot Spring in Nature
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Kawarage Oyutaki is a rare "waterfall hot spring" in Japan, located in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. Hot spring water cascades from a height of approximately 20 meters, forming a natural open-air bath at its base. The waterfall splits into two, with the left side suitable for bathing and the right side for a waterfall massage, making it unique. The water quality is highly acidic, and the optimal bathing season is from early July to mid-September. Swimsuits are required for bathing, and care should be taken to prevent water from entering the eyes. Nearby is "Kawarage Jigoku" (Kawarage Hell), where volcanic gas erupts, offering a desolate and dynamic landscape. Access is a 15-minute walk from the parking lot, but the road is closed in winter (early November to early May), so it's advisable to check in advance. This is a perfect secluded hot spring for those who want to experience a dynamic hot spring experience amidst grand nature.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Takamatsu Aza Takamatsuzawa, Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 45 minutes by car from "Sugawa IC" on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway |
| Parking | Kawarage Jigoku parking lot (approx. 20 spaces), Kawarage Oyutaki parking lot (approx. 50 spaces) |
| Business Hours | Optimal bathing period is from early July to mid-September. From early November to late May, the road is closed for winter, prohibiting entry. |
| Fees | Free |
"Oku-Oku-Hachikuro Onsen" - A Secluded Inn Deep in the Mountains
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Oku-Oku-Hachikuro Onsen is a secluded hot spring popular among hot spring enthusiasts, located deep in the mountains of Kosaka Town, Akita Prefecture. Accidentally discovered in 1974 during black ore drilling, it remains a natural wild hot spring. Its most distinctive feature is the natural jacuzzi effect caused by carbon dioxide gas vigorously bubbling up from the bottom of the bath. The water quality is calcium/sodium-chloride/bicarbonate/sulfate, with a temperature of approximately 44℃. There are multiple baths, allowing you to choose the temperature and strength of the carbonation. However, access requires driving about 4km on a gravel road, and caution is needed for horseflies in summer. There are no changing rooms, and bathing is at your own risk, so changing in your car is common. This spot is recommended for those who want to experience a wild hot spring unique to a remote area.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Hachikuro, Kosaka-machi, Kazuno-gun, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | 13km from Kosaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway via R282 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 24 hours |
| Fees | – |
"Alpa Komakusa" - Enjoy Akita's Four Seasons in an Open-Air Bath with a Superb View
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Alpa Komakusa is a day trip hot spring facility in Tazawako Kogen, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, boasting an open-air bath with a superb view. From the panoramic open-air bath overlooking Lake Tazawa, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of all four seasons. Inside the facility, there are a Hiba wood bath and a stone rock bath, where you can indulge in the free-flowing sulfur spring (hydrogen sulfide spring). The water quality is expected to be effective for high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis, warming the body from the core. The bathing fee is reasonable at 550 yen for adults and 300 yen for elementary school students (free for children under elementary school age). Access is approximately 35 minutes by bus from JR Tazawako Station, or about 75 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC. There are also hiking trails for Mt. Akita-Komagatake and ski resorts nearby, making it a scenic hot spring spot that can be enjoyed in conjunction with sightseeing and activities.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-16 Komagatake, Obonai, Tazawako, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu Bus "Nyuto Line" or "Komagatake Line" and get off at Alpa Komakusa (approx. 35 minutes). Approx. 75 minutes from Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC via National Route 46 and National Route 341. |
| Parking | Free (200 spaces) |
| Business Hours | – |
| Fees | Adults 550 yen, elementary school students 300 yen, children under elementary school age free |
"Hokutolite and Natural Hot Spring Choju-no-Yu" - Promote Health with Rare Hokutolite!
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Hokutolite and Natural Hot Spring Choju-no-Yu is a facility in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, where you can enjoy bedrock bathing using the world's rare Hokutolite and natural hot springs. Hokutolite is a specially protected natural monument containing radium and emitting radon, a valuable mineral found only in Tamagawa Onsen in Japan. At this facility, by warming the body while inhaling radium vapor emitted from Hokutolite, you can expect improved immunity and accelerated metabolism. The hot spring is a chloride spring/sulfate spring, complete with open-air baths and saunas. With the synergistic effects of bedrock bathing and hot springs, it is ideal for fatigue recovery and health promotion. This hot spring spot is gentle on the mind and body, allowing you to relax while promoting your health.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 12-1 Mukonagato, Komori, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture 018-3451 |
| Access | 20 minutes by car from JR Takanosu Station |
| Parking | Available (approx. 30 spaces) |
| Business Hours | – |
| Fees | – |
"Ue-no-Yu Public Bath" - A Traditional Public Bath Loved by Locals
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Ue-no-Yu Public Bath is a historic public bath located in the center of Hijiiori Onsen in Akita Prefecture. It is a hot spring loved by local residents and tourists alike, where you can enjoy 100% free-flowing hydrogen carbonate spring water. This hot spring, also known as "Hie-no-Yu" (cold-reducing hot spring), is characterized by its pleasant water temperature and gentle quality, offering a refreshing bathing experience. The fee is reasonable at 300 yen (free for overnight guests). It maintains a traditional atmosphere, with no lockers or hair dryers. Operating hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It also serves as a place for interaction with local people, making it a valuable spot where you can experience the hot spring culture of Hijiiori Onsen firsthand. This retro hot spring is recommended for those who want to experience the quiet atmosphere of a therapeutic hot spring.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 27-9 Onoyu, Towada Oyu, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 6.79km from JR Towada-Minami Station |
| Parking | – |
| Business Hours | 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Fees | Adults 200 yen |
"Tonami Kosen" - A Rare Mineral Spring You Can Enjoy Both by Drinking and Bathing
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Tonami Kosen is a rare hot spring in Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, characterized by its strongly alkaline water with a pH of 9.3. You can not only bathe in it but also drink it, offering a unique experience of enjoying the hot spring both internally and externally. The bathwater is a slightly cloudy yellow, and you'll feel your skin become smooth after soaking. Furthermore, hot spring water flows from the faucets and showers, and when you drink it, you can taste a sulfurous, egg-like flavor and a pleasant sulfur aroma. The water quality is alkaline simple hot spring (pH 9.3), expected to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, sensitivity to cold, gastrointestinal disorders, and bruises. Operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with day trips also available. It is cherished as a simple hot spring facility loved by locals. Approximately 25 minutes by car from Yokote Station, it is a recommended hot spring for those who want to enjoy the skin-beautifying effects of alkaline water.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 9-3 Yoshigazawaguchi, Tonami, Masuda-machi, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture 019-0714 |
| Access | 10 minutes by taxi from Jumonji Station, 15 minutes by car from Yuzawa Yokote Road Jumonji IC |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 09:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Reservations required for private use from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM) |
| Fees | – |
Enjoy Akita's Popular Day Trip Hot Springs!
Akita Prefecture is a region blessed with abundant nature and diverse hot springs. The 8 day trip hot springs introduced in this article each possess unique charms. Akita's hot springs are characterized by various ways to enjoy them, such as free-flowing natural springs, open-air baths, and private baths. You'll be able to spend time relaxing your mind and body while gazing at the beautiful seasonal scenery. Combined with local cuisine and strolling through hot spring towns, your hot spring trip will be even more fulfilling. To soothe your fatigue and gain new vitality, why not visit Akita's hot springs? Experience the rich hot spring culture and fully savor the charms of Akita.