What to know
Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉, Nyūtō Onsen) is a cluster of hot spring inns in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The area is famous for the baths at its eight ryokan, some of which are very traditional and rustic. With a history spanning over 300 years, Tsurunoyu is the oldest and most renowned inn in Nyuto Onsen.
The name Nyuto Onsen means "nipple hot spring," derived from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto, not from the milky or cloudy appearance of the water. All hot spring baths in Nyuto Onsen belong to ryokan and are open to day visitors during certain hours for a fee. Many ryokan have both gender-separated and mixed-gender baths.
Part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nyuto Onsen is a 30-minute bus ride into the mountains above the scenic caldera lake Tazawako, Japan's deepest lake.
Ratings: best of the best best of Japan outstanding
Take a bus from Tazawako Station to Nyuto Onsen (50 minutes, 950 yen, hourly departures). The bus stops near most ryokan except Tsurunoyu, Kuroyu, and Magorokuyu.
To reach Tsurunoyu, get off at "Tsurunoyu Onsen Iriguchi" bus stop, then walk 45 minutes to the old inn. Overnight guests should get off at Arupa Komakusa bus stop instead (35 minutes, 750 yen) and arrange a pickup with the ryokan in advance. If driving, free parking is available in front of both inns.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 10:00 to 15:00 (open air bath closed on Mondays)
- Closed
- Admission
- 700 yen (~$4.48)
- English name
- Nyuto Onsenkyo
- Original name
- Nyuto Onsen
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.