Nyuto Onsen

What to know

Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉, Nyūtō Onsen) is a collection of onsen ryokan in the mountains of eastern Akita Prefecture. The area is known for the hot spring baths found at its eight ryokan, some of which are quite traditional and rustic. With a history of over 300 years, Tsurunoyu is Nyuto Onsen's oldest and most famous inn.

The name Nyuto Onsen means "nipple hot spring" and comes from the suggestive shape of nearby Mount Nyuto rather than the milky/cloudy appearance of the area's hot spring water. All the hot spring baths in Nyuto Onsen belong to ryokan, and are not only available to staying guests, but also to day trippers during certain hours and against an admission fee. Many of the ryokan feature not only gender-segregated but also mixed-gender pools.

Part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Nyuto Onsen is a 30 minute bus ride into the mountains above the picturesque caldera lake Tazawako, the deepest lake in Japan.

Ratings: best of the best best of Japan outstanding

Take a bus from Tazawako Station to Nyuto Onsen (50 minutes, 950 yen, hourly departures), which makes stops near most ryokan except for Tsurunoyu, Kuroyu and Magorokuyu.

To access Tsurunoyu, get off at "Tsurunoyu Onsen Iriguchi" bus stop, from where it is a 45 minute walk to the old inn. Staying guests should get off at the Arupa Komakusa bus stop instead (35 minutes, 750 yen) to be picked up by the ryokan (arrangements must be made beforehand). If you arrive by car, free parking is available in front of both inns.