Explore the Unique Nyuto Onsen in Akita

Nyuto Onsen, located east of Lake Tazawa, has two origin stories for its name. One is that it's named after Mount Nyuto, and the other is due to the milky appearance of its sulfur springs, which are said to help with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, and skin diseases. The onsen is quite famous, so the prices for accommodations are relatively high. I stayed at Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo, which included a buffet dinner and breakfast for 17,500 yen. Nyuto Onsen consists of seven inns: Tsuru no Yu, Miyako no Yu, Kaniyu, Oogama, Magoroku, Kuroyu, and Kyukamura. If you want to visit all seven, purchasing an onsen tour pass is a good option, but it's only available to guests staying at these inns. A single onsen visit costs between 520-800 yen. The onsen tour pass is valid for one year and allows free entry to each of the seven onsens once, along with unlimited rides on the Nyuto Onsen tour bus. The pass costs 1,800 yen. For those not staying overnight, a tour map is available for 600 yen, which includes free bus rides but not free onsen entry. Be mindful of the bus schedule, as missing a bus could mean waiting for about an hour. In winter, Kuroyu and Magoroku onsens are closed, and Tsuru no Yu's outdoor bath is closed for cleaning every Monday, while Miyako no Yu is closed on Tuesdays. Tsuru no Yu is the oldest onsen in the area, offering a completely mixed-gender bathing experience. The onsen's floor is covered with small stones, giving it a natural feel. Lunch at Tsuru no Yu is around 1,000 yen, featuring rare salted meat dishes. Kaniyu Onsen offers a fully open-air mixed-gender bath, accessible after a walk through the inn and into the mountains. There's only a small hut for changing clothes, making it a chilly but authentic experience in winter. To get there, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Tazawako, which takes about two hours and fifty minutes and costs 16,320 yen for a reserved seat. From Tazawako Station, take a bus to the nearest stop to your hotel, which takes about 40 minutes and costs 840 yen. Check the bus schedule in advance to avoid long waits. #JapanOnsen #JapanTravelGuide #NyutoOnsen #JapanIndependentTravel