Nestled deep in the mountains of Tazawako in Akita Prefecture,
Nyuto Onsen is a historic hot spring area that has welcomed visitors since the 1600s.
Unlike typical hot spring towns lined with inns, shops, and restaurants,
Nyuto Onsen is unique: seven secluded inns, each with its own natural hot spring source,
are quietly scattered throughout the forest.
Because each inn has its own distinct water qualities and atmosphere,
visitors can enjoy a wide variety of bathing experiences
while staying within a single hot spring area.
Surrounded by untouched nature, soaking in these quiet, open-air baths
offers a calming experience unlike the busy sightseeing trips
found in more crowded destinations.
What Is Nyuto Onsen?
Nyuto Onsen is quite different from the typical hot spring towns found across Japan.
While most onsen destinations feature streets lined with inns, restaurants, and souvenir shops—creating a town-like atmosphere where visitors can stroll and enjoy the area—Nyuto Onsen has almost none of these commercial facilities.
What you will find here are seven traditional hot spring inns surrounded by untouched nature.
In other words, this is a hot spring area designed for those who want to focus solely on the experience of bathing itself.
These seven inns, each with their own natural hot spring source, are collectively known as Nyuto Onsen.
There are no other hot springs in the area outside of these seven.
If you imagine bustling hot spring towns like Kusatsu in Gunma or Hakone in Kanagawa—lined with shops and accommodations—Nyuto Onsen offers a completely different experience.
Here, each inn stands quietly in the mountains, creating the atmosphere of what Japanese people often call a “hidden hot spring”—a secluded, peaceful retreat deep in nature.
How to Get to Nyuto Onsen
How to Reach the Nearest Station, Tazawako Station
Address: Tazawako Osakako, Semboku City, Akita view on Google Maps
The nearest train station to Nyuto Onsen is Tazawako Station in Akita Prefecture.
If you are traveling from Akita Station, the following routes are available:
● By Shinkansen (Recommended)
Akita Station → (Akita Shinkansen) → Tazawako Station
Approx. 1 hour / ¥3,550 (reserved seat)
A direct ride with no transfers, making it the easiest and fastest option.
● By Local Trains
Akita Station → JR Ōu Main Line → Transfer at Ōmagari Station
Ōmagari Station → JR Tazawako Line → Tazawako Station
Travel time: About 2 hours (or longer depending on connections)
Fare: ¥1,690
Local trains often involve longer waiting times at Ōmagari,
so if you are short on time, taking the Shinkansen is the more reliable choice.
How to Get from Tazawako Station to Nyuto OnsenHow to Get from Tazawako Station to Nyuto Onsen
From the bus rotary in front of Tazawako Station, take the “Nyuto Line” (Nyuto Onsen-kyo bound) from Bus Stop No. 1.
The station area is small and easy to navigate, so you won’t get lost.
The bus will take you deep into the mountains toward the hot spring area.
Details on where to get off for each of the seven inns will be explained in the next section.
Details of Nyuto Onsen
Opening Hours, Admission Fees, and Nearest Bus Stops
The following information applies to day-trip bathing (non-overnight visitors).
Towels are available for rental at each inn, but bringing your own is more convenient.
Note:
Most hot spring facilities stop accepting visitors 30 minutes before closing time.
Because access requires time and planning, it is recommended to arrive at least one hour before closing.
1. Tsuru-no-Yu
WEB: https://www.tsurunoyu.com/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Tazawa, Sendatsusawa National Forest 50 View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 10:00–15:00 (Closed: Outdoor bath on Mondays)
Admission: 700 yen
Bus stop: Alpa Komakusa (Shuttle bus available from here)
Note: “Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen Iriguchi” stop is not recommended (about 50 minutes on foot).
Important: You must call Tsuru-no-Yu after arriving at Tazawako Station to inform them which bus you will take. Priority is given to overnight guests; day-use guests may not be able to board if seats are full.
2. Kuroyu Onsen
WEB: https://kuroyu.com/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Obonai, Kuroyuzawa 2-1 View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 9:00–16:30
(Wednesdays: 9:00–11:00)
Admission: 800 yen
Bus stop: Nyuto Ganiba Onsen
Walk: About 15 minutes
3. Magoroku Onsen
WEB: https://magorokuonsen.com/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Tazawa, Sendatsusawa National Forest View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 10:00–15:00 (Closed: Friday)
Admission: 700 yen
Bus stop: Nyuto Onsen
Walk: 15–20 minutes
4. Ganiba Onsen
WEB: https://ganibaonsen.com/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Tazawa, Sendatsusawa National Forest View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 9:00–16:00 (Closed: Wednesday)
Admission: 800 yen
Bus stop: Nyuto Ganiba Onsen
Walk: 5 minutes
5. Oogama Onsen
WEB: https://ookama-onsen.jp/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Obonai, Sendatsu National Forest 50 View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 9:00–16:30
Admission: 600 yen
Bus stop: Nyuto Onsen
Walk: 3–5 minutes
6. Taenoyu
WEB: https://taenoyu.com/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Obonai, Komagatake 2-1 View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 10:30–15:00 (Closed: Tuesday)
Admission: 1,000 yen
Bus stop: Taenoyu Onsen-mae
Walk: 1 minute
7. Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
WEB: https://www.qkamura.or.jp/nyuto/
Address: Akita Prefecture, Semboku City, Tazawako Obonai, Komagatake 2-1 View on Google Maps
Day-use hours: 11:00–15:00
(Until 17:00 when using the “Yumeguri Pass”)
Admission: 800 yen
Bus stop: Kyukamura-mae
Walk: 1 minute
How to Efficiently Explore the Nyuto Onsen Area
“Yumeguri-go” Shuttle Bus (Nyuto Onsen Area Shuttle)
Within the Nyuto Onsen area, there is a shuttle bus called the “Yumeguri-go”, which circulates between the hot spring inns.
This shuttle is different from the regular public buses and only runs within the Nyuto Onsen area.
Even when the distance between inns is too far to walk, this shuttle bus allows you to move around without getting lost.
Since some inns—such as Tsurunoyu—require advance reservations for access, the Yumeguri-go is especially convenient for day-trip visitors.
How to purchase: Available at the front desk of any of the seven inns.
Price: 1,000 yen (for day-trip visitors only)
Timetable:
https://tazawako-kakunodate.com/media/news/files/2025/04/11/20250410%E6%B9%AF%E3%82%81%E3%81%90%E3%82%8A%E5%8F%B7%E6%99%82%E5%88%BB%E8%A1%A8.pdf
Note: The Yumeguri-go operates only within Nyūtō Onsenkyo.
To reach the onsen area from Tazawako Station, you must first take a regular route bus.
The Yumeguri Pass (For Overnight Guests Only)
The Yumeguri Pass is available exclusively to guests staying at one of the seven inns.
It is not sold to day-trip visitors.
The pass includes:
-
Unlimited rides on the Yumeguri-go shuttle
-
Admission to all seven hot springs in Nyūtō Onsenkyo
It is highly recommended for those staying overnight and planning to enjoy multiple baths.
Purchase Method: Available at the front desk of any of the seven inns.
Price: 2,500 yen (overnight guests only)