It is the deepest lake in Japan at a depth of 432.4 meters. Its circumference is approximately 20 km. The beautiful cobalt blue surface of the lake reflects the color of the sky at different times of the day, sometimes turning red or purple. In summer, the surrounding trees and the shimmering surface of the lake create a wonderful harmony, and in winter, the lake appears mysterious in the snowy landscape. The bronze statue of Tatsuko by the lake comes from a legend about the lake.
A long time ago, a very beautiful woman named Tatsuko asked Daizo-Kannon to help her retain her eternal beauty and youth. As a result, Tatsuko became a dragon and sank to the bottom of Lake Tazawa, becoming the master of the lake. Based on this legend, a bronze statue of Tatsuko was created.
The lakeside area is full of historic sites and historic places of interest as well as recreational spots. There are many ways to enjoy the area, including driving, cycling, sightseeing boats, and camping.
This shrine is dedicated to Tatsuko, who is legendary for having become a dragon god. It sits on the north shore of Lake Tazawa, with the torii gate standing facing forward on the lake side. Goza-no-ishi Shrine is also known as a guardian deity of beauty and is popular for its blessings for the fulfillment of good looks.
Near the torii gate, there is a "seven-color tree" with seven different kinds of trees growing from one tree. There is also a "Miraculous Spring of Katagashira" where Tatsuko is said to have drunk and turned into a dragon, a "Mirror Rock" where Tatsuko is said to have reflected her own image, and a 450-year-old "sacred tree" that is a city-designated natural monument.
Kakunodate was a castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868). In a compact area with a radius of about 2 km, many historic buildings have been preserved. The streets lined with samurai residences have been designated as a national preservation district for traditional buildings and are protected as cultural assets. The elegant streets are popular not only among Japanese but also among foreigners.
Some of the samurai residences allow visitors to tour not only the exterior but also the interior. Each of the four seasons can be enjoyed in its own way, but the best time to visit is spring. Kakunodate is famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the contrast between the black walls of the samurai residences and the cherry blossom colors of the weeping cherry trees is beautiful and evokes a sense of history. On the bank of the Hinokinai River, approximately 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees stretch along the river for about 2 km.
There are kimono rental stores and rickshaws in the area, so we recommend changing into a kimono and taking a stroll or a rickshaw ride around the streets. Walking down the historic streets in kimono will surely make you feel like you have stepped back in time.
Mt. Akita Komagatake, located in eastern Akita Prefecture, is known for its spectacular views and hundreds of species of alpine flora. From the summit, you can see Mt. Chokaisan and Mt. Iwate, as well as Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan.
The elevation is 1,637 meters. Mt. Akita Komagatake, you will never get tired of the alpine flora that can only be seen on a 3,000-meter-high mountain, as they appear one after another right along the trail. It is said that the reason why a mountain less than 1,700 meters high has become a treasure trove of alpine flora is due to both longitude and climatic factors.
Mt. Akita Komagatake has an elevation gain of 337 meters from the eighth station to the summit. There are few hazards on the trail, and everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy hiking up the mountain. Although it may feel like hiking, it is still mountain climbing. Be sure to check the necessary equipment and rules before climbing the mountain.
It is a mysterious 10-km-long mountain stream with the surface of the water changing to emerald green and cobalt blue. It is also known for its fresh greenery and autumn foliage. The best season to visit is from mid-June to late August for the fresh green leaves and from early October to early November for the autumn leaves. There is a walking trail along the river. The 1.5-km, 30-minute one-way course with few ups and downs allows visitors to enjoy a casual stroll.
"Kami-no-iwahashi Suspension Bridge," located at the entrance to the canyon, is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita Prefecture, completed in 1926. The contrast between the red bridge and the emerald green and cobalt blue surface of the water is very beautiful. The "Mikaeri-no-taki Waterfall," which is said to make visitors want to look back again and again, is the most popular attraction. The waterfall cascading down for about 30 meters is not only beautiful but also powerful.
Nyuto Onsenkyo is a historic onsen village in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, and is famous in Japan as a hidden onsen. It is so popular among onsen lovers in Japan that it is referred to as "the hidden onsen of dreams."
Nyuto Onsenkyo consists of seven onsen resorts scattered at the foot of Mt. Nyuto on the border of Akita and Iwate Prefectures. Nyuto Onsenkyo is the collective name for the seven onsens at these inns. Nyuto Onsen-kyo does not have an onsen called Nyuto Onsen, but rather each inn has its own unique onsen source. The quality of these springs is diverse, and there are more than 10 different types of sources in Nyuto Onsenkyo.
Get to know Nyuto Onsenkyo
Area guide
Nyuto Onsenkyo is attractive in that it retains the atmosphere of a retro therapeutic bathhouse amidst a virgin beech forest, and offers a nostalgic view of the original Japanese landscape of long ago. In winter, the area is covered with white snow, making the scenery even more picturesque. All of the onsen resorts offer day-trip bathing, so visitors can enjoy a tour of the seven onsens, which are said to be effective against all illnesses.
Tsurunoyu
This is the oldest onsen inn in Nyuto Onsenkyo, and has a long history as a therapeutic onsen for the feudal lord of the Akita domain. The thatched-roof main camp where the samurai guarding the Akita feudal lord stayed still remains. The landscape of thatch-roofed buildings and cedar bark-roofed bathhouses evokes a tasteful Japanese atmosphere. The inn has an open-air bath for mixed bathing, an open-air bath for women only, a striking onsen, an indoor bath, and a private bath.
Taenoyu
This inn is the most modern facility in Nyuto Onsenkyo. Its modern Japanese-style atmosphere and attentive service are popular among women. The inn has two private onsens, "Kin no Yu" and "Gin no Yu." Guests can bathe in the onsens while enjoying the view of nature and the mountain stream of the Sentatsu River flowing past the eaves of the inn. The inn has a mixed bathing open-air bath, men's and women's open-air baths, indoor baths, and private baths. In the mixed bathing open-air baths, women can wear towels.
Kuroyu Onsen
It is located at the far end of Nyuto Onsenkyo. Kurokawa Onsen has the most abundant onsen water in Nyuto Onsenkyo. The source of the onsen is located next to the inn, and visitors can watch the onsen gush forth. Kurokawa Onsen is loved as a quiet mountain onsen surrounded by a beech forest. The swaying sound of the trees in the mountain village, the singing of birds, and the onsen water all contribute to the warmth and richness of nature. There are mixed baths and separate baths for men and women, each with an open-air bath and indoor bath. The mixed baths and the women's baths also include a bathing area. The private baths are an indoor bath and a hitting spa.
Ganiba Onsen
Many crabs live in the nearby stream. There is a mixed bathing open-air bath in the woods about 50 meters from the inn, and the inn is popular for its onsen baths, where visitors can enjoy the changing seasons. The inn has an open-air bath for women only, and separate rock baths and wooden baths for men and women. The rock baths include a hiba (Japanese cypress) reclining bath. The wooden baths made of Akita cedar are popular for their woody aroma.
Magoroku Onsen
The bathhouses and the rustic atmosphere of the old buildings give the inn a popular onsen resort atmosphere. The onsen, which retains the atmosphere of a therapeutic bathhouse, is known as the "medicinal onsen of the mountains" for its beneficial effects. The inn has an open-air bath for mixed bathing and an open-air bath for women only, as well as indoor baths for mixed bathing and separate baths for men and women. Visitors can compare bathing in baths of different spring qualities. In the open-air baths along the river, you can enjoy the onsen baths while listening to the murmuring of the river.
Ogama Onsen
This onsen resort features a building that was moved from a wooden school building of a closed elementary school. The inn still retains traces of the days when it was used as a school. At Ogama Onsen, visitors can enjoy the only footbath in Nyuto Onsenkyo. The footbath is available from April 1 to the end of October. Visitors can use the footbath to heal their feet after a long day of mountain climbing, trekking, or traveling. The footbaths are open to everyone. The inn has an open-air bath where the color of the water looks different depending on the weather. The open-air bath has two tubs, one with hot water and one with lukewarm water.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
Recently renovated, it is the most modern facility in Nyuto Onsenkyo. Surrounded by a beautiful beech forest, this quiet inn offers two different types of natural onsens. There is an open-air bath and an indoor bath. The baths are separate for men and women. The open-air baths offer an outstanding sense of openness as you bathe while gazing at the beautiful beech trees.
*The information listed may not be the latest information. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information.
Access
If you are going to Nyuto Onsenkyo by Shinkansen, take a bus from Tazawako Station for about 50 minutes. Get off at each onsen. If you are flying to Nyuto Onsenkyo, the Airport Liner from Akita Airport is convenient.
From Hokkaido
<Airplane / Airport Liner> New Chitose Airport→Akita Airport→<Airport Liner>→Nyuto Onsenkyo (about 3 hours and 10 minutes)
From Tokyo
<Shinkansen and bus> Tokyo Station→Tazawako Station→<bus>→Nyuto Onsenkyo (about 3 hours and 50 minutes)
Nyuto Onsenkyo consists of seven onsens scattered around the foot of Mt. Nyuto, each with its own unique source, each with an output of 10 to 650 liters per minute and a gush temperature ranging from 30 to 86 degrees Celsius.
Tsurunoyu
Tsurunoyu has four types of onsens, each called Shiroyu (white water), Kuroyu (black water), Naka-no-yu (middle water), and Taki-no-yu (waterfall water). Although the color of the water appears to be the same, the efficacy and texture are different for each.
Tsuru no Yu is a rare onsen resort where onsens of different efficacy and quality gush out from the same site. The three types of spring water are sulfur containing sodium, calcium chloride, and hydrogen carbonate springs (hydrogen sulfide type). It is effective for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, rheumatism, skin diseases, and diabetes.
Taenoyu
Taenoyu has two private onsens with different spring qualities. They are Gin no Yu and Kin no Yu. Common indications include neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, motor paralysis, and sensitivity to cold.
The quality of the water at Gin no Yu is simple spring water. The clear, colorless water is neutral, soft to the touch, and highly effective in warming the body. The water does not easily cool down, and the increased body temperature is expected to boost the body's immunity. The water is mildly stimulating, so it is recommended for small children, people with sensitive skin, and people who do not like strong onsens.
The spring water quality of the Kin no Yu is a magnesium calcium sulfate spring. The color changes due to weather and oxidation, but the water is basically cloudy. The water, which contains a small amount of iron and sulfur, is acidic and refreshing to the touch. In addition to general indications, it is said to be effective for chronic skin diseases, arteriosclerosis, cuts, burns, and other skin problems.
Kuroyu Onsen
The abundance of onsen water is the best in Nyuto Onsenkyo, as there is a riverbed where the source gushes out on the premises. The abundant milky white water is soothing. The quality of the spring is simple sulfur hot spring. It is effective for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, circulatory disturbance, diabetes, etc.
Ganiba Onsen
The springs are simple sulfur spring and bicarbonate of soda. It is effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, and motor paralysis. The popular open-air bath surrounded by virgin forest is a bicarbonate of soda bicarbonate spring. While most of the water in Nyuto Onsenkyo is murky, Ganiba Onsen is clear and colorless, which is rare in Nyuto Onsenkyo. The hot water is gentle to the skin and gives it a beautiful skin tone.
Magoroku Onsen
The springs are simple hot spring, simple sulfur spring, and radium mineral spring. They are effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, stiff shoulders, and motor paralysis. Radium mineral springs are onsens with high radium content.
Radium is a radioactive substance. Although some people may be concerned when they hear the word "radioactivity," the amount of radioactivity in radium contained in onsens has been shown to have a positive effect on the body by activating cells. Radium is one of the most reliable types of radioactivity because it does not accumulate in the body and even if it does enter the body, it is discharged from the body. Radium mineral onsens are known for their medicinal properties. Magoroku Onsen is called the "medicinal onsen of the mountains."
Ogama Onsen
The spring is an acidic sodium arsenate chloride sulfate spring. It is effective for athlete's foot, chronic pyoderma, rheumatic diseases, neuralgia, and muscular pain. The milky white water can also be enjoyed as a footbath.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo
The springs are a simple sulfur spring and a sodium bicarbonate spring. The simple sulfur spring is effective for arteriosclerosis and hypertension, while the sodium bicarbonate spring is effective for cuts, burns, and chronic fatigue.
History
Nyuto Onsenkyo used to be a simple onsen resort used by the common people of the neighborhood for therapeutic bathing. "Touji" refers to the use of onsens for the treatment of illness and injury and to relieve fatigue. Although the majority of visitors have long been hot-spring cures, the National Athletic Meet in 1961 prompted inns to upgrade their facilities for the general tourist public. Today, the unexplored onsens are known as one of the most popular tourist spots in the prefecture, capturing the hearts of onsen lovers with their unexplored onsen atmosphere.
Tsurunoyu is the oldest onsen in Nyuto Onsenkyo, opened in 1615, and is said to have been visited by Satake Yoshitaka, lord of the Akita domain, in 1638 and Iwaki Genba of the Kameda domain in 1661 as a therapeutic bath. The thatch-roofed main lodge at Tsurunoyu was the building where the samurai guarding him stayed when Yoshitaka Satake, lord of the Akita domain, visited. The existing thatch-roofed main lodge is a representative building of Tsurunoyu. Records of a hot-spring inn that served general guests date from around 1688-1704.
Kuroyu Onsen opened in 1674. Records show that around this time, it was used as a therapeutic bath by the Satake Hokke family, which ruled the castle town of Kakunodate. Even today, the thatched-roof, self-catering building still retains the atmosphere of an old therapeutic bathhouse.
Ganiba Onsen was discovered by a doctor in 1846 and opened as a self-catering inn in 1850. 1902 saw the opening of Magoroku Onsen. At first, bamboo huts were built to provide hot-spring cures, but in 1906, guest rooms were constructed and began accepting general visitors. In 1955, Taenoyu Onsen opened along the Sendachi River.
Mt. Nyuto and Mt. Akita Komagatake were designated as venues for the National Athletic Meet in 1961, Nyuto Onsenkyo began to attract attention. In 1962, Ogama Onsen opened along the prefectural road.
In 1964, a national vacation village was invited to the area, and the Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo opened in 1965. Parallel to this, facilities were developed at various onsens. National Vacation Villages are inexpensive, clean lodging facilities that have been established in scenic areas of Japan since 1961. National Vacation Villages are operated by the Association of National Vacation Villages under the supervision of the Minister of the Environment.
Nyuto Onsenkyo was designated as a National Recreational Onsen Resort in 1967. The Ministry of the Environment designates onsen resorts with particularly excellent conditions for the purpose of promoting the health and sound rest of the people.
Nyuto Onsenkyo has become a popular spot loved both as a recreational area blessed with rich nature and as a secluded onsen that retains the atmosphere of an old therapeutic bathhouse.
Attractions
Lake Tazawa
It is the deepest lake in Japan at a depth of 432.4 meters. Its circumference is approximately 20 km. The beautiful cobalt blue surface of the lake reflects the color of the sky at different times of the day, sometimes turning red or purple. In summer, the surrounding trees and the shimmering surface of the lake create a wonderful harmony, and in winter, the lake appears mysterious in the snowy landscape. The bronze statue of Tatsuko by the lake comes from a legend about the lake.
A long time ago, a very beautiful woman named Tatsuko asked Daizo-Kannon to help her retain her eternal beauty and youth. As a result, Tatsuko became a dragon and sank to the bottom of Lake Tazawa, becoming the master of the lake. Based on this legend, a bronze statue of Tatsuko was created.
The lakeside area is full of historic sites and historic places of interest as well as recreational spots. There are many ways to enjoy the area, including driving, cycling, sightseeing boats, and camping.
Goza-no-ishi Shrine
This shrine is dedicated to Tatsuko, who is legendary for having become a dragon god. It sits on the north shore of Lake Tazawa, with the torii gate standing facing forward on the lake side. Goza-no-ishi Shrine is also known as a guardian deity of beauty and is popular for its blessings for the fulfillment of good looks.
Near the torii gate, there is a "seven-color tree" with seven different kinds of trees growing from one tree. There is also a "Miraculous Spring of Katagashira" where Tatsuko is said to have drunk and turned into a dragon, a "Mirror Rock" where Tatsuko is said to have reflected her own image, and a 450-year-old "sacred tree" that is a city-designated natural monument.
Samurai house in Kakunodate
Kakunodate was a castle town that flourished during the Edo period (1603-1868). In a compact area with a radius of about 2 km, many historic buildings have been preserved. The streets lined with samurai residences have been designated as a national preservation district for traditional buildings and are protected as cultural assets. The elegant streets are popular not only among Japanese but also among foreigners.
Some of the samurai residences allow visitors to tour not only the exterior but also the interior. Each of the four seasons can be enjoyed in its own way, but the best time to visit is spring. Kakunodate is famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the contrast between the black walls of the samurai residences and the cherry blossom colors of the weeping cherry trees is beautiful and evokes a sense of history. On the bank of the Hinokinai River, approximately 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees stretch along the river for about 2 km.
There are kimono rental stores and rickshaws in the area, so we recommend changing into a kimono and taking a stroll or a rickshaw ride around the streets. Walking down the historic streets in kimono will surely make you feel like you have stepped back in time.
Mt. Akita Komagatake
Mt. Akita Komagatake, located in eastern Akita Prefecture, is known for its spectacular views and hundreds of species of alpine flora. From the summit, you can see Mt. Chokaisan and Mt. Iwate, as well as Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan.
The elevation is 1,637 meters. Mt. Akita Komagatake, you will never get tired of the alpine flora that can only be seen on a 3,000-meter-high mountain, as they appear one after another right along the trail. It is said that the reason why a mountain less than 1,700 meters high has become a treasure trove of alpine flora is due to both longitude and climatic factors.
Mt. Akita Komagatake has an elevation gain of 337 meters from the eighth station to the summit. There are few hazards on the trail, and everyone from children to the elderly can enjoy hiking up the mountain. Although it may feel like hiking, it is still mountain climbing. Be sure to check the necessary equipment and rules before climbing the mountain.
Dakigaeri Valley
It is a mysterious 10-km-long mountain stream with the surface of the water changing to emerald green and cobalt blue. It is also known for its fresh greenery and autumn foliage. The best season to visit is from mid-June to late August for the fresh green leaves and from early October to early November for the autumn leaves. There is a walking trail along the river. The 1.5-km, 30-minute one-way course with few ups and downs allows visitors to enjoy a casual stroll.
"Kami-no-iwahashi Suspension Bridge," located at the entrance to the canyon, is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita Prefecture, completed in 1926. The contrast between the red bridge and the emerald green and cobalt blue surface of the water is very beautiful. The "Mikaeri-no-taki Waterfall," which is said to make visitors want to look back again and again, is the most popular attraction. The waterfall cascading down for about 30 meters is not only beautiful but also powerful.
