Oyasukyo
小安峡
"This masterpiece, created by nature over many years, enhances the charm of Akita."
-Yoneda, 2025
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©︎ 一般社団法人東北観光推進機構.
Historical Background
The Oyasu Gorge valley was formed when the Minase River deeply eroded the geological stratum during the Ice Age, approximately 10,000 to 70,000 years ago. It was a stopover on the Oyasu Kaido road connecting Sendai and Akita, and was used by travelers and peddlers. During the Edo period, it was a bustling hot spring town with over 14 hot spring inns. During the Edo period, the Akita Domain's guard post was also located here, and it also had official uses. During the Taisho period in particular, the impressive power of the giant gushing waters and the healing properties of the hot springs made it a popular tourist destination, with people bustling with the music of taiko drums and shamisen. Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, efforts have been made to revitalize the hot spring town.
Characteristics
The valley is V-shaped and stretches for a total length of approximately 8 kilometers. There are many sights to see along the way, which I will introduce below.
Daifunto (大噴湯)
The most famous attraction in Oyasu Gorge is the Great Fountain. You can see 98℃ hot water and steam gushing out violently here, which is why this place is called "Hell's Cauldron." It is a rare geological formation in the world, where cracks in the geothermal reservoir, where steam and hot water are stored, are exposed. The footpath leading to the Great Fountain has 302 steps upstream and 406 steps downstream, allowing you to walk while feeling the power of the steam from the Great Fountain up close.
2. Oyasukyo Onsen (小安峡温泉)
Oyasukyo Onsen is a historic hot spring that springs up from a valley and has been used as a therapeutic hot spring since the Edo period. The water is extremely hot, reaching an astounding 95 degrees Celsius. Legend has it that the hot spring was discovered when a crane was soothing its injured leg in the water. It continued to be used by people seeking medical treatment after the Meiji period, and a hot spring town developed, but many inns were destroyed in a major fire in 1969, and the current inns were rebuilt afterwards.
3. Shigakko (しがっこ)
In winter, you can enjoy the huge icicles known as "shigakko" hanging down from the canyon. They are 20 meters high and 80 meters wide. In February, the giant icicles are lit up, and the Shigakko Festival is held, creating a winter fairy tale-like atmosphere that is popular with people of all ages.
photo: taken by me
In addition to these, there are also other attractive features, such as the arch bridge that offers a panoramic view of Fudo Falls and the valley. You can also enjoy spectacular seasonal views such as fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
To Know More
Scenery of Oyasukyo (no audio and subtitle)
Oyasukyo Tour Movie (no audio and English subtitle)
The charm of autumn and winter (Japanese and English subtitle)
Direct Voice from Sayuki
I visited Oyasukyo with my friends in February of my freshman year. My friends are not AIU students but local friends, so it was impressive to see how excited they were to see snow, something they rarely get to see. I'm from Wakayama, and I felt a commonality with the area in that tourism that utilizes natural resources leads to a sense of pride. Wakayama is also rich in nature, but when I saw this scenery, I was reminded of the grandeur of the terrain that nature has created over thousands of years. I have only ever seen winter scenery, but I find it fascinating that the scenery changes completely depending on the season, and I think it symbolizes Japan. Also, in my opinion, tourism that utilizes nature is important for the region, but if it is used too much, it could destroy the natural environment. The landscape of Oyasu Gorge, which was created over a long period of time, cannot be easily restored. Therefore, how to keep a balance between utilizing and protecting nature is an important issue.
Location
Oyasukyo
Address: Yumoto, Minase, Yuzawa-shi, Akita 012-0183, Japan
Approximately 70 minutes by bus from Yuzawa Station
How to get to Yuzawa Station from Akita Station
→ Board a train on the JR Ōu Main Line headed toward Omagari or Yokote.
The total travel time is about 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on the connection
References
References
Akita Prefecture Tourism Federation. (2025). Oyasu Gorge Shigakko Festival [Oyasu kyo shigakko matsuri] . Akita-Fun.jp. https://akita-fun.jp/spots/10
ANA. (2025). A relaxing hot spring with many inns lined up in the beautiful Oyasu Gorge [Utsukushi keikoku Oyasu kai ni yado ga nokiwonaraberu iyashino onsen]. Ana.co.jp. https://www.ana.co.jp/ja/gb/japan-travel-planner/akita/0000029.html
Japan Automobile Federation. (2023). Oyasu Gorge [Oyasukyo]. JAF Nabi. https://drive.jafnavi.jp/map/spots/051105010002/
Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization. (2025). Oyasukyo Hot Springs | Travel Tohoku - Tohoku Tourism and Travel Information Site [Oyasukyo onsen | tabi Tohoku - Tohoku no kanko ryoko joho saito]. Tohoku Tourism and Travel Information Site “Tabi Tohoku.” https://www.tohokukanko.jp/attractions/detail_1386.html
Yuzawa City Hall. (2025). Oyasu Gorge Hot Spring [Oyasukyo daifunto]. City-Yuzawa.jp. https://www.city-yuzawa.jp/site/yuzawatrip/736.html
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