Akita Prefecture stands as one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations. Nestled in the mountains and valleys embraced by the rich nature of northeastern Tohoku, numerous secret hot springs have been cherished as therapeutic retreats since ancient times. This guide introduces 10 exceptional hidden hot springs in Akita, ranging from wild open-air baths to remote mountain lodges.
1. Tsurunoyu Onsen, Nyuto Onsen-kyo (Semboku City)
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Located in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park at the foot of Mount Nyuto, Tsurunoyu Onsen is the oldest hot spring in the Nyuto Onsen-kyo area.
Opened in 1701, this historic inn once served as a therapeutic retreat for the lords of Akita Domain. Legend says it was named after cranes that healed their wounds in these waters. The thatched-roof nagaya "Honjin" where samurai guards once stayed still remains, creating an atmosphere that transports visitors back to the Edo period.
Remarkably, four springs with different mineral compositions emerge within a 50-meter radius: Shiroyu, Kuroyu, Nakanoyu, and Takinoyu. The mixed outdoor bath features milky white sulfur water, allowing bathers to enjoy seasonal nature views.
Meals feature rustic local cuisine using mountain ingredients, including the specialty yam hot pot and salt-grilled iwana trout.
- Spring Quality: Sulfur-containing sodium/calcium chloride/hydrogen carbonate spring and others
- Free-flowing natural hot spring
- Baths: Indoor=2, Outdoor=several locations
- Source Temperature: Approximately 60°C
- Water may be added
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 600 yen)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
2. Tamagawa Onsen (Semboku City)
Tamagawa Onsen is renowned for having Japan's most acidic hot spring water. With a pH of 1.05, it boasts an intensely acidic character, and the outflow from a single source reaches 9,000 liters per minute - the highest in Japan.
From the source called "Obuki" (Great Gusher), 98°C hot water erupts with a thunderous roar - a truly spectacular sight. The spring quality, based on hydrochloric acid with radium content, is extremely rare worldwide.
The large bathhouse offers various pools including 100% source water baths, 50% source water baths, and mildly acidic pools that can be selected according to physical condition. The facility is also famous for natural bedrock bathing, where visitors can experience geothermal therapy.
As the main building closes in winter, the year-round operation of Shin-Tamagawa Onsen is recommended during that season.
- Spring Quality: Acidic-carbon dioxide/iron(II)/aluminum-chloride spring
- Free-flowing (with water addition)
- Baths: Indoor=11 types (main building), 15 types (new building)
- Source Temperature: 98°C
- Water addition: Yes
- Day-visit bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Main building late April-December, Shin-Tamagawa Onsen year-round
3. Kawarage Ooyutaki Falls (Yuzawa City)
Recognized as one of Japan's three great wild hot springs, Kawarage Ooyutaki is an extremely rare natural bath where the waterfall itself is a hot spring.
Source water of approximately 96°C emerging from the volcanic wasteland of Kawarage Hell upstream mixes with stream water as it flows down, forming a 20-meter waterfall. The basin serves as a natural outdoor bath where visitors can bathe wearing swimsuits.
The suitable bathing period is limited to summer, from early July to mid-September. Since temperature varies with weather conditions, consecutive sunny days are recommended. Simple changing facilities are provided during the season.
The site is easily accessible, just a 15-minute walk from the parking lot. However, as this is a wild hot spring with no management facilities, bathing is at one's own risk.
- Spring Quality: Strong acidic sulfur spring
- Wild hot spring (natural)
- Bath: Waterfall basin
- Source Temperature: Approximately 96°C (upstream)
- No water addition (natural)
- Day-visit bathing: Available (free)
- Accommodation: Not available
- Operating Period: Early July - Mid-September (closed in winter)
4. Goshogake Onsen (Kazuno City)
Located at approximately 1,000 meters elevation within Hachimantai National Park, Goshogake Onsen has long been known for its high therapeutic effects, celebrated in the saying "Come by horse, return with geta sandals."
The signature attraction is the "box steam bath," where bathers place only their heads outside wooden boxes. This traditional bathing method uses steam to warm the body, preventing dizziness while promoting perspiration. Seven bathing methods are available, including the "mud bath" with excellent beautifying effects, the "volcanic bath" with pleasant bubbles, and a natural "steam sauna."
The lodging features an "ondol structure" where steam is passed beneath the floor to warm rooms, providing therapeutic benefits even while sleeping.
The nearby "Goshogake Nature Research Trail" offers close observation of volcanic activity including mud volcanoes and fumaroles.
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring
- Free-flowing (with water addition)
- Baths: Indoor, outdoor, box steam, mud bath, and 7 types total
- Source Temperature: Approximately 90°C
- Water addition: Yes
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 700 yen)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
5. Fukenoyu Onsen (Kazuno City)
Known as Hachimantai's oldest secret hot spring, Fukenoyu sits at 1,100 meters elevation with approximately 400 years of history. This single lodge operates seasonally from late April to November.
The main attraction is the dramatic wild outdoor baths scattered throughout a desolate landscape. In the steaming hell valley, three types are arranged: men's, women's, and mixed bathing (masu bath, barrel bath, and rock bath). The open space without roof or enclosure allows bathers to physically feel nature's energy.
The facility includes a large bathhouse built entirely from Hiba cypress and an outdoor bath. With three on-site sources, visitors can enjoy two spring qualities: simple spring and mildly acidic spring.
Also known for fertility benefits, a shrine dedicated to the fertility symbol "Kinsei-sama" stands at the entrance.
Meals feature "Fukenoyu-style medicinal cuisine" using local mountain vegetables and river fish.
- Spring Quality: Simple spring, mildly acidic spring
- Free-flowing (with water addition)
- Baths: Indoor, outdoor, wild open-air baths (including mixed)
- Source Temperature: Approximately 78°C
- Water addition: Yes
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 500 yen)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Late April - Early November
6. Kuroyu Onsen, Nyuto Onsen-kyo (Semboku City)
Located at the deepest point of Nyuto Onsen-kyo along the upper reaches of Sendatsu River, Kuroyu Onsen operates seasonally from mid-April to mid-November, offering a serene retreat surrounded by beech forests.
The main feature is the riverbank on the premises where hot spring sources emerge, boasting the most abundant water volume in Nyuto Onsen-kyo. The unique appeal of Kuroyu lies in bathing while watching the bubbling hot spring water.
The "utaseyu" (cascade bath) in men's, women's, and mixed sections is popular. Multiple sources provide variety, from milky white sulfur springs to colorless transparent simple springs.
Maintaining the strong atmosphere of a traditional therapeutic spa, thatched self-catering buildings are available. Meals feature Akita flavors including kiritanpo nabe, hinai chicken nabe, mountain vegetables, and iwana trout.
- Spring Quality: Simple sulfur spring, acidic sulfur spring
- Free-flowing
- Baths: Indoor, outdoor, mixed outdoor
- Source Temperature: Multiple sources
- No water addition
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 800 yen, 9:00-16:00)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Mid-April - Mid-November
7. Takanoyu Onsen, Akinomiya Onsen-kyo (Yuzawa City)
Known as Akita's oldest hot spring, Akinomiya Onsen-kyo features Takanoyu Onsen with approximately 1,300 years of history.
Legend tells that this ancient spring was discovered by the monk Gyoki during the Nara period's Yoro era. The name derives from a story of an injured hawk and falconer healing in these waters.
This single lodge nestled beside the clear stream of Yakkunai River features a signature large bathhouse with a 130cm-deep standing bath. The spring is remarkably transparent, allowing clear visibility to the bottom.
Mixed outdoor baths and women's-only semi-outdoor baths offer bathing with river views. Meals showcase seasonal delicacies including spring mountain vegetables, autumn mushrooms, and iwana trout raised in the pristine stream.
The small inn with just 8 rooms exudes a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride spring
- Free-flowing (partially heated)
- Baths: Indoor, outdoor (mixed, women's only), wild outdoor bath
- Source Temperature: Approximately 40°C (current)
- Heating: Yes
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 500 yen)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
8. Okuyama Ryokan, Doroyu Onsen (Yuzawa City)
Doroyu Onsen, said to have opened approximately 1,200 years ago, is a hot spring inn nestled in a small basin deep in the mountains, filled with the atmosphere of a secret retreat.
Legend says the name originated when a maiden suffering from illness hesitated to enter clear water, whereupon a tengu appeared and made it milky white for her.
Okuyama Ryokan was renovated in 2019, creating an atmospheric space using Akita cedar and aged timber. With three private sources - "Shinyu," "Tengunoyu," and "Kawanoyu" - visitors can enjoy distinctly different waters.
The signature feature is the large outdoor baths separated by gender. From the spacious pools, bathers can view the surrounding mountains while enjoying abundant pale blue sulfur water flowing freely. The mixed outdoor bath receives "Tengunoyu" water, offering rich bathing with concentrated yu-no-hana (mineral deposits).
Meals feature Akita ingredients including mountain vegetables, mushrooms, and local branded beef.
- Spring Quality: Sulfur spring, simple sulfur spring
- Free-flowing
- Baths: Indoor, large outdoor baths (gender-separated), mixed outdoor
- Source Temperature: Multiple sources
- No water addition
- Day-visit bathing: Available (Adults 600 yen)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
9. Motoyusanso Yuzan-kaku, Oga Onsen-kyo (Oga City)
Located in a corner of the Oga Peninsula, famous as the home of Namahage, Oga Onsen-kyo features Motoyusanso Yuzan-kaku, an inn where visitors can enjoy directly piped, free-flowing hot spring water.
The spring quality is sodium-chloride, containing salt similar to seawater and known as "heat water" that prevents cooling after bathing. It offers high heat retention and skin-beautifying effects.
The large bathhouse features a humorous touch with hot spring water flowing from a Namahage's mouth. The indoor bath has higher temperatures while the outdoor bath is set cooler, allowing leisurely soaking.
Meals center on Oga's specialty "ishiyaki-ryori" (stone-grilled cuisine), offering abundant seafood.
The hot spring district includes multiple lodges, with a bathing circuit ticket (1,000 yen) allowing visits to three different hot springs.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride spring
- Free-flowing
- Baths: Indoor, outdoor bath
- Source Temperature: High temperature
- Water may be added
- Day-visit bathing: Available
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round
10. Oyasukyo Onsen (Yuzawa City)
Oyasukyo Onsen spreads along the Minase River gorge. The V-shaped valley approximately 60 meters deep creates a beautiful ravine setting.
The signature feature is "Daifunto" (Great Geyser). The sight and sound of 98°C hot water and steam erupting from rock fissures along the walkway is spectacular. Visitors can experience Earth's energy up close through this natural sculptural beauty.
The spring quality is sodium-chloride/sulfate, reportedly effective for joint pain and bruises. The hot spring district contains multiple lodges and communal baths, each with different sources.
Known as an autumn foliage destination, the entire gorge turns crimson in late October. Winter snow scenes are also beautiful, making it worthy of visits throughout all seasons.
Nearby tourist spots include Mount Kurikoma and Hiraizumi.
- Spring Quality: Sodium-chloride/sulfate spring
- Free-flowing (varies by facility)
- Baths: Varies by facility
- Source Temperature: 98°C (Daifunto)
- Water may be added
- Day-visit bathing: Available (varies by facility)
- Accommodation: Available
- Operating Period: Year-round (varies by facility)
Conclusion
Akita Prefecture's secret hot springs are blessings brought by abundant nature and volcanic activity. From the strongly acidic Tamagawa Onsen to the wild Kawarage Ooyutaki Falls and the historic Tsurunoyu Onsen, each possesses unique and individual charm.
Many hot springs close in winter due to heavy snow, but this seasonal limitation creates special, exclusive experiences. At these northeastern secret hot springs where therapeutic spa culture thrives, visitors can spend sublime time healing both mind and body.
*Please note that while the information provided represents the latest available at the time of research, there may be inaccuracies. Please verify the most current information through official websites and other sources.