Tohoku · Senboku, Akita

♨ Nyuto Onsen – Tsurunoyu

Milky-white water at a rustic inn deep in the mountains.

Quick facts

Location: Senboku, Akita (Tohoku region)
Water type: Sulfur spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

About Nyuto Onsen – Tsurunoyu

The oldest and most famous inn in the Nyuto Onsen area, deep in the mountains of Akita. It has milky-blue water, thatched buildings and a famous mixed-gender outdoor bath, plus separate baths. It's especially atmospheric in deep winter snow. Take the Nyuto Line bus from JR Tazawako Station. Day visitors get off at the Tsurunoyu Onsen Iriguchi stop and walk about 45 minutes (inn guests can use the inn's shuttle).

The water

Four sources, with different blends of sulphur, sodium, calcium, chloride and hydrogen carbonate. The famous one is Shirayu, a milky blue-white sulphur water. It's traditionally said to be good for the skin.

History

The name ('crane spring') comes from a hunter who saw an injured crane healing itself in the water. Satake Yoshitaka, lord of the Akita domain, is recorded visiting in 1638, and records show the public using the baths in the Genroku era (1688–1704).

Getting there

From: Tokyo / Morioka
Route: JR Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako, then Nyuto Line bus (walk about 45 min from Tsurunoyu Onsen Iriguchi)
JR Pass: Shinkansen covered; bus not covered.

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Kiritanpo (food): grilled pounded-rice sticks, Akita's hotpot staple
Inaniwa udon (food): thin hand-stretched Akita udon
Kabazaiku (craft): cherry-bark craft from Kakunodate in Semboku

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Nyuto Onsen

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