15 must-visit hot spring towns and areas in Akita! Learn about their spring qualities and recommended ryokans/inns

Akita Prefecture is a hot spring paradise with numerous hot spring areas blessed with abundant nature and beautiful scenery. Akita's hot springs are attractive for their highly effective spring qualities, charming hot spring towns, and beautiful seasonal landscapes. From secluded, hidden hot springs that are irresistible to hot spring lovers, to historic hot spring towns and resorts with excellent accommodations, there are many places worth visiting. This time, we've picked out 15 must-visit hot spring towns and areas in Akita for your trip, introducing their spring qualities, effects, and recommended hot spring ryokans and inns. Enjoy an Akita trip where your mind and body are healed by the hot springs.

 

Here are Akita's famous hot springs! 15 recommended hot spring areas ♪

Introducing each hot spring's characteristics, water quality, and efficacy.

Akita Prefecture has numerous hot spring areas, many of which are secluded in deep mountains and are known as "secret hot springs," making them irresistibly appealing to hot spring enthusiasts. We recommend Nyuto Onsenkyo, known for its open-air baths surrounded by rich nature, Akita Onsenkyo, where you can enjoy historic inns and beautiful scenery, and Oga Onsen, which offers hot springs with the spectacular views of the Oga Peninsula. Furthermore, unique hot springs such as Tsurunoyu Onsen, Tamagawa Onsen, and Fuke-no-yu Onsen are available. This time, we'll introduce 15 must-visit hot spring towns and areas in Akita, along with their spring qualities, and recommended hot spring ryokans and inns.

*This information is current as of September 2024. We recommend checking the official website of each facility for the latest information before visiting.

〈Akita City〉 Akita Onsen

Hot spring located in Soegawa, close to JR Akita Station

Akita Onsen is a hot spring located in Soegawa, Akita City, close to JR Akita Station. The spring water is a rare sodium chloride spring nationwide, with a thick, smooth texture that provides a comfortable relaxation. When you bathe, your skin feels incredibly smooth, truly making it a beauty hot spring. The hot spring inns feature open-air baths where you can relax while enjoying views of the city or nature, allowing you to forget the hustle and bustle of urban life and refresh yourself.

〈Semboku City〉 Tamagawa Onsen

One of Japan's leading hot springs known for therapeutic bathing

Tamagawa Onsen, located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is one of Japan's premier hot springs, characterized by its strongly acidic hot spring water and abundant mineral content. The hot spring town is surrounded by beautiful nature and is also known as a place for therapeutic bathing. The source spring is also called "Sukayu," and its strong acidic water is believed to have various health benefits. Many people visit for purposes such as treating rheumatism, skin diseases, and stress relief. You can also enjoy ganban'yoku (hot stone bathing) utilizing geothermal heat and drinking naturally flowing spring water, making it ideal for a trip seeking healing and health amidst the seasonal scenery.

〈Semboku City〉 Shin Tamagawa Onsen

Mildly acidic, skin-friendly hot spring surrounded by rich nature

Shin Tamagawa Onsen is located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, a new hot spring area close to Tamagawa Onsen. The spring water is mildly acidic, characterized by its gentleness on the skin. Surrounded by abundant nature, it offers a relaxing space. The hot spring town features spacious open-air baths and private baths, allowing for a leisurely time. Additionally, beautiful seasonal landscapes spread out in the surrounding area, making it an ideal place to refresh mind and body with hiking and nature walks.

〈Semboku City〉 Tsurunoyu Onsen

Hot spring with four different spring sources gushing forth

Tsurunoyu Onsen is a historic hot spring located amidst the beautiful nature of Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. Four different spring sources gush forth within a 50-meter radius, each named White Hot Water, Black Hot Water, Naka-no-yu, and Taki-no-yu. The springs are abundant in various qualities and rich in volume. The area around the hot spring inn offers seasonal scenery, with autumn foliage being particularly spectacular. The open-air baths at Tsurunoyu Onsen provide a luxurious experience of feeling at one with nature.

〈Semboku City〉 Nyuto Onsenkyo

A hot spring area where seven inns have different spring qualities

"Nyuto Onsenkyo" is a hot spring area scattered at the foot of Mount Nyuto in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. Known as a therapeutic hot spring since ancient times, seven inns each offer hot springs with different qualities. Open-air baths enjoyed with seasonal scenery and dishes made with local seasonal ingredients are attractive, allowing for a peaceful time. The spring qualities vary from acidic to alkaline, and there are many skin-friendly hot springs. Within the hot spring village, a "Yumeguri-cho" (hot spring hopping pass) can be purchased by staying guests, allowing them to enjoy one-day bathing at each inn in the village.

〈Semboku City〉 Kakunodate Onsen

Hot spring gushing forth in Shimonakamachi, Kakunodate Town, which retains the townscape of Little Kyoto

"Kakunodate Onsen" is a hot spring located in Shimonakamachi, Kakunodate Town, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, which retains the townscape known as Little Kyoto. The hot spring is a sodium chloride spring, known for its ability to warm the body to the core and its effects on fatigue recovery, making the skin smooth and earning it the nickname "beauty hot spring." Surrounded by lush green scenery, you can relax in a quiet and calm atmosphere, enjoy dishes that utilize local specialties, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. It is a hidden gem of a hot spring tourist spot that offers a moment of healing for both mind and body while soaking in the hot spring.

〈Semboku City〉 Tazawako Kogen Onsenkyo

Highland hot spring area at the foot of Mount Komagatake

"Tazawako Kogen Onsenkyo," which offers a panoramic view of Lake Tazawa, is a highland hot spring area spread out at the foot of Mount Komagatake in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture. It is surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Lake Tazawa, which boasts Japan's deepest and clearest waters, and abundant nature. The spring quality is alkaline, characterized by its gentleness on the skin and pleasant bathing sensation. In the crisp highland air, you can relax in open-air baths and private baths, enjoying the seasonal beauty of nature.

〈Kazuno City〉 Yuse Onsen

Hot spring town stretching along the Yoneshiro River

"Yuse Onsen" is a hot spring area in Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, with a hot spring town stretching along the Yoneshiro River. The name of the hot spring is said to originate from hot water gushing forth from the riverbed. The spring water is a sodium chloride spring, which warms the body to the core and is believed to have skin-beautifying effects. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and clear streams, you can enjoy open-air baths that allow you to relax while taking in the seasonal scenery. It is an ideal hot spring area for healing mind and body in a tranquil environment.

〈Kazuno City〉 Fuke-no-yu Onsen

A hot spring nestled quietly in a mountainous area rich in nature

Fuke-no-yu Onsen is located in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, a hot spring nestled quietly in a mountainous area rich in nature. You can enjoy the distinctive steam baths, which gently warm your body to the core. The spring water is a sodium chloride spring, gentle on the skin and excellent for relaxation. In the beautiful natural surroundings and peaceful atmosphere, you can refresh both your mind and body. It's an ideal hot spring area for spending a leisurely time amidst the seasonal scenery.

〈Kazuno City〉 Oyu Onsen

Historic hot spring area appearing in documents from 1469

Oyu Onsen, located in Towada, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, is a historic hot spring area that first opened 800 years ago and appears in documents from 1469. The spring water is a sodium chloride spring, characterized by being gentle on the skin and warming the body. In the hot spring town nestled in a quiet mountainous area, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery from the open-air baths. It is a recommended hot spring area for those who want to relax and spend a leisurely time in a historic hot spring.

〈Yuzawa City〉 Oyasu-kyo Onsen

A hot spring area gushing from a gorge formed by deep erosion on both banks

"Oyasu-kyo Onsen" is a hot spring area located at the end of a rock-climbing staircase leading down to the Oyasu Gorge, a gorge formed by the deep erosion of both banks by rushing river currents over many years. The white smoke erupting from the cracks in the cliffs, symbolizing the breath of the earth, is truly impressive. The spring water is a sulfur spring, characterized by being gentle on the skin and having a refreshing feel. In the open-air baths along the gorge, the spectacular views of the gorge and the murmuring of the river make you forget the passage of time, making it a highly recommended hot spring area where nature and hot springs merge.

〈Yuzawa City〉 Doroyu Onsen

An ancient onsen town at the foot of the Mt. Kamuro mountain range

"Doroyu Onsen" in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, is an ancient onsen town that springs up at the northern base of the Mt. Kamuro mountain range near the border of Akita and Miyagi Prefectures. There are two onsen ryokans founded in the Meiji era in the valley of the mountainous area. The onsen water, which comes in a variety of muddy types such as simple sulfur spring, simple hot spring, and sulfide spring, is rich in minerals and is said to be good for the skin, making it popular among many people. From the open-air bath surrounded by beautiful nature, you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

〈Yuzawa City〉Akinomiya Onsen Village

A luxurious hot spring village where each inn has its own source spring

Akinomiya Onsen Village in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, is a hot spring resort located on the banks of the Yakuuchi River at the foot of Mount Kurikoma. It is a scenic hot spring village loved by literary figures such as Saneatsu Mushanokoji, and each inn has its own luxurious hot spring source. The onsen water is a sodium chloride spring, and the warm water gently envelops the body. True to its name, it has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, and bathing in the open-air bath while listening to the sound of the stream is an exquisite hot spring experience.

〈Oga City〉Oga Onsen Village

A hot spring resort where you can experience the magnificent nature and sea bounty of the Oga Peninsula

"Oga Onsen Village" in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, is a hot spring resort centered around the Kitaura district on the east side of Nyudozaki, located in the northwestern part of the Oga Peninsula. It is a hot spring resort where you can feel the magnificent nature and bounty of the sea of the Oga Peninsula. The onsen water is a sodium chloride spring, containing salt components similar to seawater. The salt remaining on the skin after bathing prevents the evaporation of sweat, resulting in high moisturizing effects, earning it the nickname "Hot Water" and making it popular as a "beauty onsen". In Oga Onsen Village, regular performances of "Namahage Daiko," a local performing art that combines Oga's "Namahage" with traditional Japanese taiko drumming, are held and are a must-see for sightseeing in Oga City.

〈Kosaka Town〉Lake Towada Nishikohan Onsen

Relax and unwind while gazing at the magnificent scenery of Lake Towada

Lake Towada Nishikohan Onsen in Kosaka Town, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture, is a beautiful onsen resort spread along the western shore of Lake Towada. It is located on the grounds of Towada Prince Hotel and is available not only for hotel guests but also for day-trippers. The onsen water is a bicarbonate spring, and the pleasant hot water slowly warms the body. From the lakeside open-air bath, you can relax while enjoying the magnificent scenery of Lake Towada through the trees beyond the lawn garden. In a quiet environment, you can also savor dishes made with fresh local ingredients, allowing you to enjoy healing for your mind and body and a luxurious time.

5 Recommended Hot Spring Ryokans in Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture is an attractive area with beautiful nature and abundant hot springs. There are many hot spring ryokans that offer a healing experience that hot spring lovers can't resist. This time, we have picked out 5 highly recommended hot spring ryokans in Akita Prefecture. We will introduce the charms of each ryokan, such as hot spring water flowing directly from the source, cuisine using local ingredients, and inns where you can relax while gazing at a tasteful Japanese garden. Find your favorite ryokan and enjoy the hot springs of Akita.

【Yuze Onsen】Shikisai Akita zukushi Yuze Hotel

A luxurious reward trip to enjoy the seasonal beauty of the valley and Yuze Onsen

"Shikisai Akita zukushi Yuze Hotel" is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of the valley, such as fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes, along with the famous Yuze Onsen. The guest rooms include rooms with open-air baths and a special room limited to one per day, offering a space suitable for special moments with loved ones. The inn is well-equipped with various bathhouses, including large public baths and private reservable baths, allowing you to fully enjoy the gentle Yuze Onsen. For dinner, a buffet serving Akita's local cuisine and seasonal delicacies is provided. Shuttle services are also available, making for a comfortable hot spring trip.

【Oyasukyo Onsen】Ryokan Taro Hyoe

A hot spring inn surrounded by beautiful valleys and abundant nature

"Ryokan Tarobee" is a hot spring inn located in Oyasukyo Onsen, surrounded by beautiful valleys and abundant nature. The hot spring features a large public bath made of Akita cedar trees over 100 years old, where you can enjoy the soft-textured, free-flowing hot spring water. The sulfur-containing water is gentle on the skin and provides thorough warmth. From the open-air bath, you can enjoy a luxurious time relaxing while admiring the magnificent scenery of Oyasukyo.

Local cuisine utilizing seasonal ingredients

The inn's cuisine prides itself on Japanese dishes that generously use fresh local ingredients. The local dishes, featuring seasonal ingredients, include the proprietress's proud "Kiritanpo hotpot" and Yuzawa's famous "Inaniwa udon," offering a taste of local culture. Along with the meals, guests can relax in the calm atmosphere of their rooms, providing a fulfilling sense of relaxation. It is an ideal hot spring inn where you can enjoy heartwarming hospitality and the beauty of nature.

【Oga Onsen】Oga Onsen Yuinoyado Bettei Tsubaki

A inn in Oga Onsenkyo where you can enjoy magnificent nature and free-flowing hot spring water

"Oga Onsen Yuinoyado Bettei Tsubaki" is an onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) with a rich landscape, nestled on a hill overlooking the Oga Peninsula. From the lobby and guest rooms, you can enjoy a superb view of the Sea of Japan, and on clear days, you can see the World Heritage Site Shirakami-Sanchi in the distance. In the large public bath, you can luxuriate in the free-flowing hot spring waters known for their warming properties, providing a comforting escape from daily fatigue. For dinner, in addition to local cuisine made with fresh seafood caught nearby and seasonal ingredients, the live performance of stone-grilled dishes is also a highlight. This is an inn where you can fully enjoy Oga's rich nature and hot springs.

【Lake Towada Nishikohan Onsen】Towada Prince Hotel

Resort Hotel with Spectacular Views of Lake Towada

"Towada Prince Hotel" is a resort hotel located at Towadako Seikohan Onsen, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the lake. From the spacious guest rooms, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Towada and have a comfortable stay. The hot spring is a sodium chloride spring that gently warms the body, and the open-air bath overlooking the lake is particularly appealing. In a relaxing space surrounded by nature, you can refresh both your mind and body.

Enjoy a sophisticated stay with French cuisine

At the hotel's restaurant, you can enjoy creative cuisine made with seasonal local ingredients. Dinner features French cuisine incorporating "Towadako Hime Masu," a rare ingredient, and ingredients from the three Tohoku prefectures. While admiring the beautiful lake view, you can savor a wide variety of dishes, including Japanese and Western cuisine, and enjoy a luxurious time with your meal. The hotel also offers extensive relaxation facilities such as spas and esthetic treatments, creating an environment where you can spend comfortable hours and enjoy an elegant stay with warm hospitality.

【Sarukura Onsen】Yurihonjo City Recreation and Accommodation Facility "Chokaiso"

A superb onsen inn overlooking Mt. Chokai from the bath

Chokaiso offers a relaxing bath experience with views of Mt. Chokai, including sunsets over the mountain and a fantastic snowy landscape. Surrounded by scattered traditional Japanese houses, the area boasts a nostalgic countryside scenery. Guest rooms are available in "Japanese-style Room Type A" with a private toilet and washbasin, and "Japanese-style Room Type B" which utilizes shared facilities. Both types exude a tranquil Japanese aesthetic. From the natural hot springs, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Chokai, allowing you to feel at one with nature.

Savor a blissful Akita meal in a tranquil mountain village

At this inn, nestled in the quiet mountains, you can enjoy Akita's proud "Akita Yurigyu" beef and flavorful horse sashimi. The aroma of dashi wafts through the air at dinner, and the steam rising from the freshly cooked white rice adds warmth to the meal. The local sake in your cup accompanies the afterglow of your bath, deepening the evening hours.

Visit a hot spring resort that suits your preferences!

Find the perfect hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture that suits your taste and enjoy a truly relaxing time! Whether you seek a quiet environment surrounded by beautiful nature, wish to relax in a historical hot spring resort, or want to enjoy a hot spring while admiring the spectacular views of nature, Akita's hot spring resorts all offer warm hospitality unique to the region, beautiful scenery, and healing waters. Choose a hot spring resort that suits your preferences and enjoy a wonderful Akita trip that will refresh both your mind and body!