Secret Hot Springs of Akita Route (3D2N)

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Fukenoyu is a secret hot spring in the mountains at 1,000m above sea level, with a natural hot spring flowing from the source and a geothermal bath known as “the steam bath” (ondol). Harnessing the geothermal heat, the characteristic “steam bath” lays a matting on the warm ground, so you can enjoy the same effect as bathing in a hot spring by just lying or sitting on it. It has been popular as a therapeutic hot-spring resort for over 300 years. You can enjoy a wide variety of hot springs such as men’s and women’s indoor baths, open-air baths, mixed-gender bath “Masuburo”, mixed-gender bath “Taruburo”, and so on.

Goshogake Onsen is a hot spring inn located in a national park at an altitude of 1,000m. You can enjoy seven bathing methods, such as the “box steam bath” where you stick your head out of a wooden box, the “mud bath” that serves as a hot compress over your entire body, and the “ondol” using the geothermal heat. The walking course “Goshogake Nature Research Road” set up in Goshogake Onsen can be completed in about 40 minutes, and allows visitors to observe volcanic phenomena such as mud volcanoes erupting from the underground and volcanic smoke at Oyunuma.

Toshichi-Onsen-Saiunso is a one-house inn in the mountains at an altitude of 1,400m, home to a secret hot spring that only opens from spring to autumn when the Jukai Line is open, and includes places where even mobile phone signals can’t reach. The hot water for the bathtub comes directly from the source, carrying the smell of sulfur. The 100% pure hot spring water and the sense of freedom of being surrounded by nature will heal your body and soul. The sunrise and the fantastical sea of clouds that can be seen from the morning bath are regarded as specialties of Saiunso. Although it depends on the weather conditions, it is an impressive sight that attracts many visitors.

Tamagawa Onsen is one of the best hot springs in Japan, boasting the largest volume of hot spring water in Japan, with 9,000 liters gushing out of one spot per minute, and a pH 1.2 highly acidic spring. It is one of the most popular hot springs in Japan, attracting people from all over Japan. Only Shin-Tamagawa Onsen is open in winter. From late November to late April, due to the closure of the Route 341 that runs between Nishinkan Restaurant on the Tazawako side and Sumikawa on the Kazuno side, regular vehicles are unable to pass. Take the bus departing from JR Tazawako Station.

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There are narrow and steep roads along the way to each establishment in Nyuto Onsenkyo, so please drive carefully.

Yumeguri-go, a loop-line bus that tours each of the seven hot springs in Nyuto Onsen-go, is in operation. Bath-only guests can purchase a Yumeguri Map (600 yen) and ride the bus as many times as they like on the same day to enjoy the following hot springs. Tsurunoyu has the oldest history, and the ancient Japanese thatched-roof Nagaya still exists today. Kuroyu-Onsen has an inn right next to the hot spring source, and you can see the hot springs spouting. Magoroku-Onsen is called “”Yama-no-Yakuyu”” (medicinal bath of the mountains) and retains the atmosphere of a hot-spring health resort. Ganiba-Onsen has an open-air bath in the forest away from the accommodations, and you can feel the shifting of seasons. Ogama Onsen is a unique and nostalgic inn that is built from a wooden school building. Taenoyu is a healing sanctuary with the murmuring sound of the river flowing through the eaves. Kyukamura-Nyuto-Onsenkyo has been renewed in recent years and is the most modern establishment in Nyuto Hot Spring Village.

Misato Town has a variety of local specialties, such as local fresh vegetables blessed with an abundance of spring water. The restaurants are the main highlight here. It is said that Misato Town is the birthplace of natto, so you can see many natto dishes in the restaurants. In addition, local gourmet cuisines such as Misato Manma, which is a mixed rice with local beef, and Misato Tanuchu which is a Japanese-style soup with Chinese noodles, are gaining popularity.

The hot springs at Okuyama Ryokan has a long history, and is said to have been opened 1,200 years ago. Legend says that a young girl suffering from a sickness intended to take a bathe to cure herself, but was too embarrassed to enter because the water was so clear. At the very moment a Tengu appeared and turned the hot spring into cloudy white. It is said that the name “Doroyu Hot spring” is derived from the fact that it is cloudy like muddy water. The beloved hot spring is famous for the charm as a secret hot spring inside the tranquil mountains.

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Kawarage Jigoku is named “hell” for its desolate and stark scene created by the undulating slopes. Despite the surrounding mountains being thickly covered with trees, this spot is the only area with no vegetation on the gray mountain surface, and steam blows out from here and there. You can enjoy a walk with an altitude difference of 200m on the promenade filled with the scent of sulfur. Just to the west, there is Kawarage Oyutaki Falls, a dynamic waterfall of hot springs flowing down from a height of 20 meters. You can also enjoy a bathe with swimsuit in Otakiyu during summer.

Akita Furusato-mura “Kamakuland” is a large, all-weather theme park where you can see, touch, play, and eat your way through various aspects of Akita. Located near the Yokote IC, it is easily accessible from various sightseeing spots and accommodations. The park offers a wide variety of gourmet foods and drinks rich in local flavors such as Yokote Yakisoba, Inaniwa Udon noodles, and Jumonji Ramen; as well as one of the largest souvenir shops in the prefecture. There is also a workshop where you can make your own traditional craft goods and accessories, making it enjoyable for everyone from adults to children.

Located in Kowakubi Hot spring , Shohoen is a hot spring inn that is a registered tangible cultural property. You can even stay in the 100-year-old high-status mansion. The architecture is boldly and delicately crafted, and the grounds are filled with 400-year-old fir trees, creating a solemn atmosphere. You can easily enter the dark reddish-brown water and relax in the highly concentrated iodine spring, which is rare in the world.

Akita Airport, the last destination of the journey, has a wide variety of souvenir stores and restaurants. You can enjoy Akita’s noodle, Inaniwa Udon noodles; Akita’s snack, Morokoshi; and go shopping for Namahage goods. Check the shop again before you leave so you don’t forget to buy anything. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, so make the best use of it to find out your next destination and information that you are interested in.