Nyuto Hot Spring Kuroyu
Hot Spring Overview
Kuroyu Onsen is a secluded hot spring located in the innermost part of Nyuto Onsen-kyo (Nyuto Hot Spring Village) in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, at an elevation of approximately 800 meters along the upper reaches of the Sendatsu River. Discovered around 1674 (Enpo 2), this historic hot spring boasts a 350-year history, second only to Tsurunoyu, and was historically used as a therapeutic bathing facility by the Akita Domain. Surrounded by pristine beech forests, the property features traditional black thatch-roofed and cedar bark-roofed buildings clustered together, preserving the atmospheric ambiance of an old-fashioned therapeutic bathing resort.
The most distinctive feature of Kuroyu Onsen is its river basin where natural hot spring sources emerge within the property grounds, boasting the most abundant water volume in the entire Nyuto Onsen-kyo area. White steam rises from the source areas, creating a desolate, almost hellish landscape. Visitors can enjoy making onsen tamago (hot spring eggs) in these sources, which has become one of the popular activities. The gentle babbling of the mountain stream, rustling of trees, and birdsong create a serene mountain hot spring atmosphere far removed from urban noise.
Kuroyu Onsen features two different hot spring sources. The mixed-gender outdoor and indoor baths offer milky white waters with a subtle sulfur aroma, while the gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths provide gentler waters with less sulfur scent. Both areas include utaseyu (cascading water massage baths) where visitors can enjoy fresh, free-flowing source waters. In late spring and early summer, the area glows with vibrant green foliage, while autumn brings overwhelmingly beautiful fall colors.
Designated as a National Health Hot Spring by the Ministry of the Environment, Kuroyu Onsen is recognized as an excellent facility for rest and therapeutic purposes. It is the only hot spring in Nyuto Onsen-kyo that closes during winter, operating only about seven months from mid-April to mid-November. However, this limited season allows visitors to fully appreciate the rich natural environment unique to this snowy region, making it a precious hidden gem.
About Secluded Rating
Access (Difficulty to Reach)
15min walk
Scenery & Atmosphere
Deep forest
Onsen Value
Unique spring
This is a hot spring resort with a "jigoku" (hot spring eruption site) on its premises. Today, when people think of Nyuto Onsen, Tsurunoyu is the most famous, but it appears that Kuroyu was once the most popular. The resort features mixed-gender outdoor baths as well as gender-separated indoor and outdoor baths. The spring water is a sulfur spring with a milky white color, and it's absolutely wonderful—you can really understand why it was so popular. The mixed-gender outdoor bath has a sense of history and the atmosphere of a hidden hot spring, which is why I'm giving it such a high rating.
Hot Spring Details
Practical Info
Visit Log
Bath Types
Facilities
Access Information
By Car
From Tohoku Expressway Morioka IC, take Route 46 toward Akita for approximately 90 minutes. In Senboku City's Tazawako area, turn onto Route 341 toward Hachimantai and Tamagawa Onsen. After about 5km, turn right at the large intersection (signs for Tazawako Onsen-kyo and Nyuto Onsen-kyo). Pass through Mizusawa Onsen-kyo and Tazawako Kogen Onsen-kyo to reach Nyuto Onsen-kyo. Turn right before Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo and proceed 1.3km along a beech forest road to reach Kuroyu Onsen parking lot. From the parking area, walk down the slope on the right side of the onsen sign for approximately 5 minutes to reach the inn.
By Public Transportation
From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu Bus "Nyuto Onsen Line" for approximately 50 minutes to the final stop "Nyuto Ganibaonsen". The fare is 840 yen (as of April 2024). For overnight guests, shuttle service is available from the terminal to Kuroyu Onsen (advance notice required). For day-trip bathers, it is approximately a 20-minute walk from the bus terminal. By taxi from Tazawako Station, the journey takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately 8,000 yen.
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