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.
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 |