Nyuto Onsen
乳頭温泉郷
A time capsule destination where a dip into the milky white waters in the cool winter air brings out the picturesque you've always imagined - Bryce Li
Embedded Files
Kuroyu Onsen
Photo from: Travel to Tohoku; https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/features/detail_218.html
Ganiba Onsen
Photo from: Travel to Tohoku; https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1775.html
Historical Background
Nyuto Onsen is a quaint little onsen village that is tucked at the base of Mount Nyuto within the grounds of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Nyuto onsen is one of the most famous hidden hot springs in Japan due to its secluded location, offering a timeless experience where visitors can enjoy multiple different types of spring sources.
Edo Period
Nyuto Onsen boasts a lengthy 400-year-old history in which its oldest ryokan, Tsurunoyu, was established. It was recorded that in 1638 and 1661, the second lord of Akita Yoshitaka Satake and Iwashiro Kam both visited the onsen for therapy. The onsen later opened to the general public during the Genroku era, from 1688 to 1704.
Modern Era
The area remained relatively unknown to the general public until the late 20th century. In 1961, the National Athletic Meet helped spur renovations in local facilities for the general public. In 1967, Nyuto Onsen was designated a National Recreational Onsen Resort due to its excellent water quality and serene natural surroundings, providing ideal conditions for promoting health and relaxation for visitors. Today, it is particularly famous for its old, rustic onsens set against the gorgeous winter scenery.
Characteristics
Nature and Local Cuisine
Pristine beech forests surround Nyuto Onsen, offering beautiful scenery that changes throughout the seasons. Multiple nature trails connect the inns, as well as a trail to the top of Mount Nyuto for the adventurous.
Visitors can also savor the traditional Akita cuisine of Kiritanpo Nabe, a hot pot dish featuring pounded rice skewers roasted over a charcoal fire. These are then simmered in a savory chicken broth with vegetables such as burdock root, mushrooms, and more, creating a heart meal perfect after a long soak in the onsen.
Tsurunoyu
The first inn to be established in Nyyto Onsen. Famous for its milky white outdoor baths and featuring traditional thatched-roof buildings and bark-roofed bathhouses.
Taenoyu
Known for its sophisticated atmosphere, the property features two private onsens: Gin no Yu and Kin no Yu. These overlook an amazing view of nature and the mountain stream of Sentatsu flowing by, contrasting with its modern facilities.
Kuroyu Onsen
Rustic inn featuring abundant, milky-white water, with the source of the onsen located right next to the inn. The onsen is surrounded by forest, providing a serene view for visitors.
Ganiba Onsen
Known for the many crabs that live in the stream nearby. This inn offers open-air baths, featuring separate rock baths and wooden baths for both men and women.
Margoroku Onsen
This Onsen is known for its rustic atmosphere, as well as being renowned for its medicinal properties, thanks to its radium-rich waters.
Ogama Onsen
Features a wooden school building once used in a closed elementary school. This onsen offers footbaths available for visitors to heal their feet after a long day.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
The recently renovated facilities of this onsen are surrounded by two different types of natural onsens.
Taenoyu Onsen
Photo from: Japan Travel; https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-1300194n/
To Know More
Comprehensive guide of Nyuto Onsen, specifically Tsurunoyu
Video in English
Travel vlogger and her experience in Nyuto Onsen
Video in English
Video focusing on Taenoyu
Video in Japanese
Direct voice from Bryce Li
I visited Nyuto Onsen near the end of November after hearing about its pristine waters and remote location. I visited Ganiba Onsen and Taenoyu due to them being on the Nyuto bus line. Both featured a collection of indoor and outdoor onsens to bathe in, offering different experiences and beautiful views. I particularly liked Taenoyu due to its modern design as well as delicious Inaniwa noodles. Their collection of indoor and outdoor onsens offered a range of experiences, with one facing the Sendatsu River. They also had very tasty soft serve that was so refreshing after a long soak in the natural spring waters.
Overall, my visit to Nyuto Onsen was more of a retreat rather than a typical sightseeing stop. The combination of the remote location, mineral-rich waters, and the simple but good food caused time to slow down, making this whole experience a refreshing getaway.
How to get there
Nyuto Onsen is accessible by bus from Tazawako Station. The bus departs hourly and makes stops near most of the Onsens.
Getting around most of the onsens is possible through walking or through a shuttle bus. The bus departs every two hours and costs 1,000 yen for a day pass.
References
Japan Guide. (n.d.). Nyuto Onsen. https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3650.html
Japan Travel. (n.d.). Akita guide: Things to do in Akita. https://www.japantravel.com/guide/akita/
ONSENISTA. (n.d.). Nyuto Onsenkyo guide. https://onsenista.com/onsen-area/nyutoonsenkyo
Rakuten Travel. (n.d.). Complete guide to Nyuto Onsen. https://travel.rakuten.com/contents/usa/en-us/guide/nyuto-onsen-guide/
Travel to Tohoku. (n.d.). Nyuto Onsenkyo. https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1651.html
Tsurunoyu Onsen. (n.d.). Tsurunoyu Onsen. https://www.tsurunoyu.com/english.html
By Bryce Li
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