In the middle of the mountains of Akita Prefecture lies one of Japan’s well-kept secrets from the rest of the world: Nyuto Onsen. The name Nyuto comes from the nearby Mount Nyuto and how its shape resembles a woman’s breast.
While it’s a little further north, visiting Nyuto Onsen will give you wonderful scenic views, beautiful nature, and rejuvenating hot springs that are said to help with different ailments. One of the reasons for the town’s popularity is because of its numerous open-air baths where you can view and appreciate nature.
If you plan to take a day trip around Nyuto Onsen, it’s worth getting a one-day Yumeguri Pass for 600 yen. This gives guests unlimited access to the Yumeguri-go bus that takes you around Nyuto Onsen. If you wish to try out the different baths available, guests may purchase a Yumeguri-cho booklet at the different ryokans for 1,800 yen to grant you access to all seven of the baths in the area.
The 10 Best Things To Do In Nyuto Onsen
Let’s explore together this beautiful town with a list of the 10 best things to do!
1. Tsurunoyu
The oldest and most popular area in Nyuto Onsen, Tsurunoyu was established during the Edo Period, dating back to 1638. This onsen got its name from a crane (tsuru in Japanese) said to have been healing itself in the hot spring.
Tsurunoyu features four baths that each have a different water composition. You can bathe in one of the baths where the bath itself is the water source! Whereas the typical onsen controls the temperature of the baths upon the transfer from the water source, Tsurunoyu’s baths are tempered by nature.
- Address: Tazawako Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin 50, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 10:00AM – 3:00PM, open daily except Mondays
- Day trip bathing fee: 600 yen
2. Taenoyu
Overlooking the Sendatsu river stream, Taenoyu provides a relaxing bathing experience while being close to nature. This onsen has five different baths, with the mixed outdoor bath called Konyoku as the must-try one! Konyoku overlooks a giant waterfall and gives the feeling of being in an infinity pool.
The other baths are also a great way to relax and rejuvenate, and its mineral-enriched waters are said to help improve blood circulation and skin problems.
- Address: Tazawako Obonai Komagatake 2-1, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 10:30AM – 3:00PM, open daily except Tuesdays
- Day trip bathing fee: 1000 yen (adults), 500 yen (children)
3. Ogama
In the middle of a slope on the mountain rests the traditional ryokan of Ogama Onsen. Upon entering its premises, you will find large toad (gama in Japanese) statues to honor the hot spring’s name.
The ryokan was built from a building that was previously a high school. All year round, guests can enjoy its open-air bath with waters enriched with minerals that are said to help with acute diseases and improve blood circulation.
Every summer, Ogama Onsen opens their footbath that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of trekking and climbing the mountain. This is the only footbath in Nyuto Onsen and is open from April to October.
- Address: Tazawako Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin 014-1204, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 9:00AM – 4:30PM daily
- Day trip bathing fee: 600 yen (adults), 300 yen (children)
4. Ganiba
Ganiba Onsen takes its name from the crabs (kani in Japanese) that live in the nearby river. The ryokan has been open since 1846 and has two kinds of waters available. One of them is a clear and colorless water that is said to be good for softening and beautifying the skin.
Before entering its premises, there is a small shrine and a mini torii gate where locals go to pray for bountiful food, wood, and hot spring waters.
- Address: Tazawako Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin 014-1204, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 9:00AM – 4:00PM, open daily except Tuesdays
- Day trip bathing fee: 800 yen
5. Magoroku
Be surrounded by nature and feel rejuvenated at Magoroku Onsen! There are two open-air baths and two indoor baths that are enriched with sulfur and radium minerals that are said to be helpful for wounds and rashes.
For guests who love hiking, the onsen offers early breakfast and dinner upon request. Make sure to try their specialty, Magoroku Hot pot, a dish using local ingredients like Japanese pickles, mountain vegetables, and mushrooms.
- Address: 3051 Tazawako Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin 014-1204, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 9:00AM – 4:00PM (closed during winter)
- Day trip bathing fee: 600 yen (cash only)
If you want to explore Akita too, make sure you read this complete travel guide to Akita!
6. Kyukamura
Kyukamura Onsen is surrounded by beech trees, so you can enjoy the beauty of nature while relaxing in their baths. The ryokan has an open-air bath where you can view the beech trees, as well as an indoor bath. The waters here are said to help with skin diseases and wounds.
The ryokan is conveniently located to do day trips to areas like Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate City.
- Address: 2-1,Komagatake, Tazawako, Senboku-city, Akita
- Hours: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
- Day trip bathing fee: 800 yen
7. Kuroyu
Located in the depths of the Nyuto Onsen area, Kuroyu Onsen is famous for its black hard-boiled eggs that are submerged in the onsen water to be boiled! Kuroyu, translated as black onsen from Japanese, has sulfur-rich waters that are said to help with blood circulation ailments.
Because of its location in the mountains, Kuroyu Onsen has access to its bountiful produce. Make sure to try out their cuisine made from wild vegetables and seasonal ingredients!
- Address: Tazawako Obonai Kuroyuzawa 2-1, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: 9:00AM – 4:30PM (closed during winter)
- Day trip bathing fee: 800 yen
8. Mount Nyuto
Mount Nyuto got its name because its mountain top resembles a woman’s breast. Rising 1,478 meters above sea level, Mount Nyuto is lush with alpine plants. The Tashirotai and Senshogahara high wetlands are also found within the area.
In the Iwate area, Mount Nyuto is also known as Eboshidake.
- Address: At the borders of Semboku City, Akita Prefecture and Shizukuishi Town, Iwate Prefecture.
- Access: Take the Ugokotsu Bus from JR Tazawako Station, get off at Nyuto Onsen, and walk for 150 minutes
9. Karafuki Moor
20 minutes from Nyuto Onsen is Karafuki Moor. This was formed by the thermal activities in the area, and is surrounded by beech and maple trees.
During early May, Karafuki Moor has mizubasho (Japanese Skunk Cabbage) growing here.
- Address: Nyuto Onsen, Senboku-City, Akita
- Access: Take the Ugokotsu Bus from JR Tazawako Station, get off at Nyuto Onsen, and walk for 150 minutes
10. Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, and is the 19th largest lake in the country. Its almost circular shape has left visitors in awe.
Aside from its natural beauty, Lake Tazawa is popular for different water sports like jet skiing and kayaking. You can also take a relaxing pleasure boat ride at the lake.
- Address: Tazawako, Senboku-City, Akita
- Hours: Open daily
Where to stay in Nyuto Onsen?
We recommended below some options for your accommodation in Nyuto Onsen.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
Nestled in the middle of a beech forest, Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo is a traditional onsen where you can enjoy nature and soak your worries away.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen features the open-air bath Tazawako Kogen no Yu where you can marvel at the changing foliage while soaking. There are also two indoor baths, Nyuto no Yu with water enriched with sodium bicarbonate, and Tazawako Kogen no Yu with water sourced from the spring at the nearby beech forest.
Guests can enjoy walking around the forest and get inspired by the changing foliage, or even camp out at the nearby camping grounds.
Surrounded by beech trees, guests found Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo’s location to be ideal. The staff, despite their limited English, provided excellent service and were attentive to guests.
Book It Now: Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
Aoni Sanso
Want to enjoy local cuisine while soaking in sulfuric waters? Consider booking at Aoni Sanso. This ryokan is located at the foot of Mount Akita Komagatake. Guests can enjoy soaking in milky white onsen waters enriched with sulfur while enjoying the scenic views of the surrounding mountain.
The ryokan also provides local cuisine. Here you can sample Akita Prefecture’s famous produce like kiritanpo, roasted mashed rice shaped into skewers, Japanese yam, and Tazawako pork.
Guests found meals to be exceptionally delicious, with a lot recommending to try the dinner selection. Guests also praised the ryokan’s location and accommodating staff.
Book It Now: Aoni Sanso
Forest Club Takano
Get up close to nature in a log cabin and book your stay at Forest Club Takano! This is the ideal accommodation for family or for groups of friends who wish to experience the scenic beauty of Akita prefecture in a house-like lodging.
It also provides a balcony to enjoy the mountain views, a private hot spring where guests can soak away their troubles, and continental breakfast provided by the staff.
Because of its location, guests loved the privacy that Forest Club Takano provided. Guests also raved about the owners’ hospitality and the lovely private onsen available in the property.
Book It Now: Forest Club Takano
How To Get To Nyuto Onsen?
There are several ways to get to Nyuto Onsen from Tokyo. Take the Shinkansen Komachi from Tokyo to JR Tazawako Station, then change to the Nyuto Line bus bound for Nyuto Onsen (3.6 hours).
Similarly, if you prefer to fly by air, you may fly to Akita Airport from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, then take a bullet train to JR Tazawako, then change to the Nyuto Line. You may also take a direct reserved taxi called the Akita Airport liner to get there.
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Nyuto Onsen has already been on the radar for a lot of locals for years now. And with Japan now open to visitors, it’s time for more foreigners to see its natural beauty. Because of Nyuto Onsen’s location in the mountains, it’s a great place to visit any time of the year to relax from the daily hubbub of life
Aside from its relaxing hot springs, Nyuto Onsen is blessed with scenic natural views that you can enjoy with the changing foliage. If you’re a big fan of visiting onsen towns in Japan, make sure to add Nyuto Onsen to your must-visit list!