In the quiet mountains of northern Japan, there's a small group of hot springs called Nyuto Onsen. This peaceful area is located in Akita Prefecture, part of the Tohoku region, far from busy cities and noise. Surrounded by thick forests, tall trees, and clean mountain air, Nyuto Onsen is known for its deep connection to nature and its simple, slow way of life.
The name "Nyuto" comes from Mount Nyuto, which means “nipple mountain” in Japanese, because of its soft round shape. “Onsen” means hot spring, a place where hot water flows naturally from the ground. These hot springs have been used for hundreds of years in Japan for calming the body and clearing the mind.
Nyuto Onsen is not a single bath or hotel — it is a collection of traditional inns (called ryokan) each with their own hot spring baths. These ryokan have long histories, wooden buildings, and a warm welcome for travelers who enjoy quiet places.
Nyuto Onsen sits deep in the mountains of Akita Prefecture, a quiet part of northern Japan. While the area feels far from city life, getting there is actually quite simple if you plan ahead. Whether you are starting from Tokyo, Sendai, or Akita City, the most common route takes you through Tazawako Station, the closest train station to the onsen area.
Your journey begins at Tokyo Station, one of the main train stations in the city. From here, take the Akita Shinkansen, a high-speed bullet train that travels through the Tohoku region.
● Train Line: Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” Line
● Final Stop for This Leg: Tazawako Station
● Duration: About 2 hours and 45 minutes
● Cost: Around 17,000 yen (one-way) for a reserved seat in ordinary class
● Tip: It’s a good idea to reserve your seat in advance, especially during weekends or holidays
This part of the ride offers beautiful views of rural Japan. You’ll pass rice fields, forests, and quiet mountain towns as the train speeds north.
Once you arrive at Tazawako Station, you’re about 20 kilometers (12 miles) away from Nyuto Onsen. There are two main ways to reach the hot spring area from here: bus or taxi.
Option A: Take the Local Bus
A bus service runs from Tazawako Station to Nyuto Onsen, operated by Ugo Kotsu Bus Company. Look for buses going toward Nyuto Onsen-kyo (乳頭温泉郷).
● Bus Stop Location: Right outside Tazawako Station
● Bus Ride Duration: Around 50 minutes
● Fare: About 850 yen (one-way)
● Schedule: Buses run several times a day, but fewer in winter
● Tip: Check the updated bus timetable before your trip, as schedules may change by season
The bus will drop you off near your selected ryokan or at the Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen stop. If you’re staying at a ryokan further inside the forest, some inns may offer free pick-up services from this stop — but you must book this ahead of time.
Option B: Take a Taxi from the Station
● Taxi Ride Duration: About 30–35 minutes, depending on road conditions
● Cost: Approximately 5,000–7,000 yen
● Tip: If you’re arriving late in the day, taxis are more reliable than the limited bus schedule. You can also ask your ryokan to help arrange a taxi.
If you're traveling in the winter months (December to March), it’s important to be ready for snowy and icy road conditions. Snowfall in this area can be heavy, and mountain roads can become slippery.
However, winter is also one of the most beautiful times to visit. Snow rests gently on the rooftops of the old inns, and the contrast of hot steam rising from the baths with the cold white snow creates a quiet and magical setting.
● Wear warm layers — gloves, boots, a hat, and a thick coat
● Allow extra time in case of delays on the road or public transport
● Notify your ryokan if you expect to arrive late due to snow or train delays
Onsen
Each season in Nyuto Onsen gives a different feeling. You can enjoy the area all year round.
The snow melts, and the trees begin to turn green again. Flowers bloom, and the air is cool and clean. This is a great time to enjoy long walks through quiet trails.
The weather is warm during the day but cooler in the mornings and evenings. The green forests are full, and the sky is often clear. This is a calm time for those who like outdoor baths without cold winds.
One of the most beautiful times to come. The leaves turn orange, yellow, and red. Many people visit during this time to take baths while looking at the colorful trees.
This season turns Nyuto Onsen into a snow-covered wonderland. The baths steam in the cold air, and the snow piles high on the roofs and trees. Some ryokan are only open during the warmer months, but many are still open in winter and offer stunning views from outdoor baths.
There are eight ryokan in the Nyuto Onsen area. Each has its own source of water from the mountains, which means the water is not the same in every bath. Some water is clear, some milky white, and others are slightly blue or green depending on the minerals inside.
These inns have deep roots in the past. Many are built from wood and have been run by families for generations. The inside of the buildings is warm and quiet, with tatami floors, paper sliding doors, and rooms that face forests or small rivers.
Tsurunoyu Onsen
This is the oldest and most popular inn in the area. The name means “Crane’s Hot Water.” The water here is a soft white color, rich in minerals. The baths are outdoors and indoors, with mountain views and quiet surroundings. There are both separate and mixed baths for men and women.
Kuroyu Onsen
Kuroyu means "black water," although the bath water is not actually black. This inn is located deeper in the forest. It's simple, rustic, and ideal for those who like natural settings and older buildings.
Taenoyu
This ryokan has more modern touches but keeps the old style. It has both indoor and outdoor baths, and some are mixed gender. The baths are placed near a stream and surrounded by trees.
Other ryokan in the group include Ganiba, Ogama, Magoroku, Kyukamura Nyuto, and Sendaikyu. Each has a slightly different style, but all focus on warm baths, good food, and peace.
One of the things that makes Nyuto Onsen different from other areas is that each ryokan uses water that flows straight from its own underground source. The water is never reused or mixed. It is full of natural minerals that help soften the skin and soothe tired muscles.
Because the water comes from deep in the ground, it is always warm, even in cold months. The color, smell, and feel of the water may be different from one bath to another, depending on what minerals are present.
Nyuto Onsen does not have large hotels, shopping streets, or night entertainment. Most people come for the calm surroundings and to slow down their day. Many inns limit how many guests can stay, so it never feels busy. You can enjoy a bath with only a few people around or sometimes even have the whole bath to yourself.
Nyuto Onsen is known for its quiet atmosphere and relaxing baths, but your trip doesn’t have to stop at soaking in hot water. The area offers a few gentle activities that allow you to spend your time peacefully and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
If you're staying for more than a day, the Yumeguri Pass is one of the best ways to enjoy multiple hot spring baths. This pass lets you bathe at different ryokan (traditional inns) within the Nyuto Onsen village. Each inn uses its own natural spring, so the water varies in color, temperature, and mineral content.
● Where to Get the Pass: You can buy the Yumeguri Pass at the bus terminal near Tazawako Station, from your ryokan, or at the Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen visitor center.
● Price: Around 1,800 yen, and it usually includes a map and a small towel
● Validity: Good for one day — you can visit up to three different baths
Each ryokan has a unique feel. For example:
● Tsurunoyu Onsen has milky-white mineral-rich water and an outdoor bath surrounded by nature.
● Taenoyu offers scenic baths beside a river.
● Ganiba Onsen is tucked deeper into the forest and has open-air baths under tall trees.
With this pass, you can try different baths in one day, which adds variety to your visit and lets you appreciate the little details that make each onsen special — like the smell of the minerals, the shape of the bath, or the sound of water nearby.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes and keep your towel dry between baths. Most baths have changing areas, but storage space is limited.
The area around Nyuto Onsen is surrounded by mountains, forests, and small rivers, creating the perfect setting for slow and calming walks. You don’t need special gear or hiking skills — most trails are short and flat, suitable for all ages.
Forest Trails and Scenic Paths
● There are marked walking paths that pass through quiet woods and gentle hills.
● You can walk between some of the ryokan if you're staying in the area for a few nights.
● The trails are calm and quiet, with tall trees and fresh air all around.
Each season brings a different kind of beauty:
● In spring, you’ll find new green leaves and early flowers.
● During autumn, the forest turns into a mix of orange, red, and yellow.
● Winter walks are peaceful, with snow-covered trees and soft silence.
Tip: Ask your ryokan for a walking map. Some trails are only open in warmer months, while others can be used in the snow with the right footwear.
Just a short bus ride from Nyuto Onsen is Lake Tazawa, known as Japan’s deepest lake. It reaches a depth of 423 meters and is famous for its clear blue water that stays beautiful all year round.
Lake Tazawa
How to Get There:
● From Nyuto Onsen, take the local bus back to Tazawako Station.
● From there, you can ride a separate bus or take a short taxi ride to reach the lake.
What to See and Do at the Lake:
● Walk around the lakefront for calm views of water, sky, and surrounding mountains.
● Stop at the statue of Tatsuko, a local girl from legend who wished for eternal beauty and turned into a dragon living in the lake.
● You can also find small cafés, viewpoints, and photo spots around the shoreline.
During the warmer months, boat rides may be available. In winter, the snow creates a mirror-like effect over the frozen lake, adding to the calm beauty.
Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, as convenience stores are limited near the lake.
If you're visiting during winter (December to March), Nyuto Onsen turns into a snowy wonderland. The white snow falls gently over trees, paths, rooftops, and rivers. While most travelers come for the baths, walking in the snow can be just as peaceful.
What You Can Do:
● Borrow snow boots or jackets from your ryokan (many offer this for free or a small rental fee)
● Walk along quiet snowy paths, especially near Tsurunoyu and Kyukamura, where the scenery is pure white and the air is crisp
● Take photos of the steaming baths under the snow — the mix of warm mist and cold snow is magical
There are no loud activities, snowmobiles, or ski slopes nearby. Instead, it’s perfect for those who want to enjoy slow walks, hot drinks, and the simple joy of stepping through snow under tall trees.
Even though Nyuto Onsen is not a place full of shops or entertainment, there are a few more simple things you can do:
● Relax in your room with tea while watching the snowfall or hearing the wind pass through the trees
● Read a book or write in a journal — the quiet helps clear your mind
● Chat with staff or locals if you know a bit of Japanese — they often have kind stories to share about the area
Most ryokan offer kaiseki meals, which are multi-course dinners using local and seasonal ingredients. These meals are not fast food — they are cooked slowly and served in quiet dining rooms.
Dishes include:
● Grilled fish from nearby rivers
● Wild mountain plants and herbs
● Local rice and miso soup
● Mushrooms and root vegetables
● Sweet treats made from beans and rice flour
Breakfast is usually simple and healthy. It may include grilled fish, rice, soup, pickles, and an egg dish.
These meals reflect the seasons. In spring, you may get fresh herbs. In autumn, mushrooms are common. Winter meals are warmer and heavier.
Each ryokan is unique, so it's a good idea to check what kind of stay you want.
● Private Rooms with Baths: Some inns offer rooms with their own bath.
● Public and Shared Baths: Most have both indoor and outdoor baths that are shared.
● Gender-Separated or Mixed Baths: Be sure to check if the bath is for men, women, or both.
Ryokan rooms usually include:
● Tatami mats
● Futon bedding
● A small table for tea
● Views of trees or mountains
Most ryokan include dinner and breakfast. It's best to book ahead of time, especially during the autumn or winter months when more people visit.
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