Nyuto Onsen

Among the top three hot spring areas of Japan, Akita Prefecture’s Nyuto Onsen is a definite destination to appeal to anyone who likes a change of pace. Nyuto Onsen is actually a collection of eight ryokan, each with its own distinct characteristics. The common feature of these is the cloudy, milky, or sometimes reddish color of the hot spring water.

The oldest and best known is Tsurunoyu Onsen, where both the older ryokan and a separate newer ryokan share the same spring water. The older part has mixed outdoor baths, and separate indoor baths for those who prefer separate baths for males and females. After bathing in one bath, you can walk a short distance to another bath with a different atmosphere. Both the old and new ryokan serve meals around an irori fireplace, and the ingredients are entirely local.

Taenoyu is a modern ryokan situated along the Sendatsu River. This ryokan is comfortable, well-equipped, and its meals are excellent. But the main attraction is the mixed outdoor bath that overlooks a soothing waterfall. In addition, there are six other baths, which are available in rotation to males and females, changing in mid-evening.

A unique way to take in as many different baths as possible is to take a special Yumeguri-go Bus, which shuttles passengers between the various sites within Nyuto Onsen throughout the day. Kuroyu Onsen makes a great daytime destination, with a bath that looks out over a waterfall, is a highly recommended stop on this shuttle bus, which has a distinctive tub on top.

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Photos by J. Vardaman