Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo

Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo is one of the seven hot springs scattered across the foothills of Mt. Nyuto within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, and it is a well-rounded facility offering not only hot springs and accommodation but also activities and a campground. The top recommendation here is the hot spring experience. Nyuto Onsenkyo features many different waters, with the area said to have more than ten spring sources in total. At this facility, you can enjoy two types of baths: a lukewarm, brown-colored sodium bicarbonate spring and a hotter, milky-white sulfur spring. In winter, the open-air bath is especially popular for soaking while viewing snow-covered scenery. Set in a nature-rich environment, the outdoor baths offer an open, refreshing space where you can feel the changing seasons. Dining can be chosen between a carefully curated kaiseki course that highlights seasonal ingredients and a buffet packed with local specialties. The kaiseki option features Akita flavors such as a hot pot of seasonal cod seasoned with Akita’s traditional fish sauce "shottsuru," the so-called "phantom" Tazawa nagaimo (a long yam harvested only in limited local areas and rarely seen on the market), the brand beef "Yuri-gyu," and one of Japan’s three great udon noodles, Inaniwa udon. For the buffet, recommended items include kiritanpo nabe made with broth from Hinai-jidori—one of Japan’s three great native chickens—and hatahata (sandfish). Around 40 dishes can be enjoyed. Access is about 45 minutes from the JR Tazawako Station bus terminal via the Ugo Kotsu Nyuto Line bound for Nyuto Onsenkyo.