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Thanks to its dense volcanic landscape, Japan boasts over 27,000 natural hot spring resorts. Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture is a tranquil hot spring village nestled amidst the majestic mountains of the Tohoku region. The village is situated within Towada Hachimantai National Park, in Tazawako District of Semboku, a city in eastern Akita Prefecture known for its picturesque old-growth oak forests. With its charming natural scenery and classic beauty, this village is considered a "hidden gem" of Japan.
Japan is considered one of the countries with the most abundant hot springs in the world.
Nyuto Onsen derives its name from the evocative image of Mount Nyuto. All the hot spring baths in Nyuto Onsen belong to ryokan (traditional inns), each possessing its own unique beauty. The Nyuto Onsen hot spring village comprises eight inns: Ogama Onsen, Ganiba Onsen, Kyukamura Nyuto-onsen-kyo, Taenoyu, Tsurunoyu Onsen, Tsurunoyu Onsen - Yamanoyado, Magoroku Onsen, and Kuroyu Onsen. All boast unique hot spring sources and varying water quality.
These inns not only welcome overnight guests but also offer day-trip access to the bathrooms at designated times at a lower cost. While some allow guests to bathe together in outdoor tubs, many also feature gender-separated areas.
Nyuto Onsen has eight traditional inns located close together, with the oldest ryokan having a history of over 300 years.
Onsen is a distinctive form of hot spring bathing in Japanese culture, dating back thousands of years. Bathing in an onsen is when your body is most relaxed; the water pressure and beneficial minerals stimulate your internal organs to function faster and more efficiently.
Whenever you visit this beautiful resort, you'll be able to enjoy the changing seasons around you while bathing, plus it's a perfect place to warm up in the winter. Each ryokan has rooms for overnight stays, where you can also enjoy traditional Japanese dinner and breakfast, making your stay a truly memorable experience. You can purchase a Nyuto Yumeguricho (hot spring jumping passport) to enjoy all 8 hot springs, allowing you to take advantage of the different waters and minerals. There is also a free shuttle bus to the hot springs.
Most ryokan have outdoor baths for men and women, in addition to separate baths for different genders.
With its secluded location deep in the mountains and far from the city, before becoming famous with tourists from Japan and around the world, Nyuto Onsen was once a "secret hot spring area" for the local people.
In the 1980s, when the "hot spring" craze swept Japan, Nyuto Onsen suddenly became famous overnight when a few people shared it as one of the few remaining hot spring villages that still retained its ancient Japanese scenery. Gradually, as it gained more and more recognition, this secluded village welcomed countless domestic and international tourists each year.
Most visitors are deeply impressed by the classic Japanese atmosphere of Nyuto Onsen. The outdoor onsen pools are surrounded by primeval forests and traditional wooden buildings with thatched roofs.
Hot springs in winter
The scenery in this mountainous region becomes even more magical in winter, when everything is covered in pristine white snow, highlighting the wooden houses and steaming hot springs. Visitors to Nyuto Onsen come not only to relax in the baths but also to immerse themselves in the wonderful nostalgic atmosphere. This is the main reason why this secluded village is so popular with tourists from around the world.
With a history spanning over 300 years, Tsurunoyu is the oldest and most famous inn in Nyuto Onsen. It features ancient wooden architecture from the Edo period (1603-1867), and some rooms are equipped with traditional Japanese fireplaces. This classic ryokan offers a perfect atmosphere, transporting guests to a tranquil world, allowing them to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and providing a place for healing of body and mind.
In addition, other ryokans also exude a classic, traditional charm that captivates any visitor. Each ryokan has its own unique beauty and is well worth exploring.
From the hot spring village of Nyuto Onsen, visitors can easily reach the picturesque volcanic lake Tazawako, which is also the deepest lake in Japan. In addition, there are many other hot spring towns and hiking trails in the surrounding area, offering beautiful scenery in all four seasons.
