Fukenoyu Onsen

What to know

Fukenoyu Onsen (蒸ノ湯温泉) is a rustic hot spring in Akita Prefecture, just a few kilometers below the summit of Mount Hachimantai in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Like nearby Goshogake Onsen, the slopes around Fukenoyu feature an interesting volcanic hot spring field where onsen waters bubble up directly out of the ground. These acidic waters are thick with mineral deposits (yunohana) and are said to be effective against neuralgia, infertility, gastrointestinal disorders, skin disease and fatigue among other ailments.

Fukenoyu features just a single, rustic ryokan that opens up its bathing facilities to non-staying guests during the daytime for 700 yen. While the baths inside the ryokan are fairly regular, the real treat at Fukenoyu are its outdoor baths (rotenburo) that were built in the midst of the hot spring field. The facilities include gender separated pools and a geothermal sauna. Note that while shielded from the trail, some of the pools are quite visible from the (distant) parking lot above. Fukenoyu is closed in winter (mid November to mid April).

Fukenoyu Onsen is not accessible during the winter from mid November to mid April due to winter road closure. A bus service by an NPO connects Fukenoyu to Kazuno-Hanawa Station (50 minutes, 3000 yen, every 2-3 hours) from May to October, but requires advance reservations two days in advance by 4pm by phone or an online form. This bus also serves the Asupite Line-iriguchi bus stop, where a transfer to a bus to/from Tamagawa Onsen can be made once per day until mid October.

How to get to and around Hachimantai