Top 8 Best Hot Springs (Onsen) in Akita

When you’re visiting Akita to see the famous Nebuta, you should also go visit some of their hot springs. Below are the top 8 hot springs in Akita.

Some are very difficult to get to without a car, but others are easily accessible using the trains and a taxi. The beauty of these hot springs that are hidden in the mountains of Akita makes the effort to get there well worthwhile.

Oyu Hot Springs 

Oyu Hot Springs has a history of 800 years. Since ancient times, it was known as one of the 5 best hot springs in the Nambu domain. Hotel Kazuno is the main hotel in this area.

Mizusawa Hot Springs Village 

You can see Lake Tazawako from this hot springs village as it is the nearest hot springs on the Tazawako Plateau. There are many hotels, Japanese style inns, and unique guest houses, and you can enjoy skiing in the area as well.

Doroyu Hot Springs 

A secluded hot springs in the upper region of the Takamatsugawa River. The water is a murky gray, thus the name “doroyu” or muddy hot springs. Located in the serene mountains, it is popular for its quaint atmosphere.

Natsuse Hot Springs 

There is only one “Ryokan” or Japanese style inn in Natsuse hot springs. This is a great place to stay to relax in luxury. Most of the rooms have their own private bath with a spectacular view of the lake.

Oyasukyo Hot Springs 

Oyasukyo Hot Springs was already a popular “onsen” in the Edo era. The sight of the boiling hot vapor rising up from the valley where the Minasegawa River flows.