TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Nyuto Onsenkyo is a hot spring resort in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture (around Lake Tazawa), and is a hidden hot spring village that has long been popular as a therapeutic hot spring resort. Surrounded by surrounding mountains and streams, it offers beautiful views of snowy winter landscapes, fresh greenery, and autumn leaves, and its many historic hot spring inns is a major attraction. Each of the multiple inns and therapeutic hot spring resorts has a different spring quality and bath atmosphere, so you can enjoy bathing in different baths (hot spring hopping). Other attractions include quaint wooden architecture and open-air baths dating back to the Edo to Meiji periods, as well as food (local cuisine) unique to the countryside.
Highlights
- Each inn has its own unique hot spring: The quality of the spring water, the temperature, and the design of the bathtubs vary from inn to inn, and there are a variety of options, including mixed bathing, deep wooden indoor baths, and open-air baths.
- The atmosphere of a hidden hot spring: The rustic atmosphere blends in with nature, and the scenery shrouded in steam makes for great photos (there are restrictions on photography in the bathing area).
- Seasonal scenery: The contrast between the snowy scenery and the open-air bath in winter, the fresh greenery in spring, and the colorful leaves in autumn are particularly beautiful.
- Hot Spring Tour: Some inns accept day-trip bathers, so you can enjoy visiting several inns and experiencing the different qualities of the hot springs (we recommend checking in advance).
- Nearby nature walks: There are plenty of spots to enjoy nature, including walking trails, nearby mountain hikes, and valleys.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train + bus (public transportation recommended)
- The nearest stations are JR Tazawako Station and JR Kakunodate Station. From either station, you can take a local bus or a shuttle bus to Nyuto Onsenkyo.
- There are limited buses from Tazawako Station and Kakunodate Station, so it's best to check the timetable in advance and, if your accommodation has a shuttle service, request it when you make your reservation.
- Private car/rental car
- Access the area via the Tohoku Expressway, Akita Expressway, etc. Please be sure to use winter tires (chains) as there may be snow and ice in winter.
- Parking is available at the accommodation or shared parking spaces. If you are not used to driving on narrow mountain roads or snowy roads, we recommend using public transportation or the accommodation's shuttle service.
- Air
- If you are using Akita Airport, you can either rent a car or take the airport bus and train to get to Lake Tazawa (please check in advance as there will be transfer times).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip to enjoy the baths and stroll around the area: 3-5 hours (excluding travel time). It is realistic to visit one or two baths.
- Accommodation (1 night, 2 days): If you stay 1 night, you can enjoy bathing in the evenings and mornings and meals at the inn at your leisure. If you want to leisurely visit multiple inns and bathe in the hot springs, we recommend staying 2 nights or more.
- If you plan to visit the surrounding area, including Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, consider adding an extra 1-2 days (for a total of 2-3 days).
Nearby spots
- Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake): Enjoy scenic views, sightseeing boat rides and lakeside strolls.
- Kakunodate (Samurai Residence Street): Famous for its weeping cherry blossoms and historical buildings. Easily accessible by car.
- Dakigaeri Valley: A natural spot where you can enjoy the walking trails and beautiful valley.
- Tamagawa Onsen: Another famous hot spring resort (known for its therapeutic springs) that can be reached by car from Nyuto Onsenkyo.
- Hiking trails around Mt. Nyuto: For those who want to enjoy mountain walking and the view.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Famous inns (such as Tsuru no Yu) are particularly crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the winter season. We recommend making reservations and checking in advance for overnight stays and day trips to the baths.
- Bathing etiquette: Please rinse yourself off with water and wash your body before bathing. Using towels in the bathtub and washing your hair are prohibited. Taking photos in the bathroom is against etiquette and is prohibited in many facilities, so please follow these rules.
- Regarding tattoos: Some accommodations may refuse entry to guests with tattoos. Please check with the accommodation in advance.
- Bring cash: Smaller lodgings, shops, and day-trip baths may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand.
- Winter clothing and transportation: In winter, there is heavy snowfall and frozen roads, and the area around the inn is also covered in deep snow. Please be sure to bring winter tires, chains, and cold weather gear. Local buses may be suspended due to snowstorms, etc.
- Preservation of the natural environment: Please be considerate of the surrounding environment by taking your trash home with you and keeping noise to a minimum.
We recommend checking the latest information on each accommodation and transportation facility (business hours, availability of day-trip bathing, timetables) on their official website or by phone before your visit. Enjoy a relaxing hot spring treatment and the beautiful nature.
