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.

Enjoy the lovely autumn colors "Kuroyu Onsen"

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.

Address	Towada Oyu, Kazuno-shi, Akita
Directions	12 min. by taxi from Towada Minami station on the JR Hanawa Line
Website	http://www.h-kazuno.co.jp/sp/en/

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.

Address	Shimotakanao, Obonai, Tazawako
Directions	25 min. by bus (bound for Nyuto hot springs) from JR Tazawako Station
Website	http://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/sightseeing/spot/03_mizusawa.html

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.

Address	Doroyuzawa, Takamatsu, Yuzawa-shi, Akita
Directions	1h 20min. by share taxi from JR Yuzawa station (JR Ou Main line) . You need to register with the Yuzawa city hall and make a reservation with the taxi company to use the share taxi. See details here http://www.city-yuzawa.jp/roadriver01/385.html (Japanese only)
Website	http://www.nihon-kankou.or.jp.e.wp.hp.transer.com/akita/052078/detail/05207cd2110076431

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.

Address	84 Natsuse,Sotsuda,Tazawako,Senboku-shi, Akita
Directions	30 min. by taxi from JR Tazawako Station or JR Kakunodate Station
Website	http://beauty-of-japan.com/article/miyakowasure-ryokan-natsuse-onsen-akita/

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.

Address	Minase, Yuzawa-shi, Akita
Directions	From JR Yuzawa Station (JR Ou Main Line) go to theYuzawa Eigyosho Bus Terminal. Take the Ugo Kotsu Bus to Daifunto-Iriguchi bus stop (55 min)
Website	https://www.akitafan.com/en/archive/tourism/797