🔥 Nyuto Onsen in Akita is one of Japan’s most famous hidden hot spring resorts. We’ve stayed at Tsurunoyu (as a couple) and Yama-no-Yado (with three generations). Here’s our quick, honest comparison.
🏡 Tsurunoyu Honjin – A Retro Hot Spring Escape
Tsurunoyu has been a retreat since the Edo period and is considered a pilgrimage spot for onsen lovers. We managed to book a rare irori room and enjoyed the famous yam dumpling hot pot right by the hearth. The chewy yam dumplings were unlike anything we’d ever tasted.
Tsurunoyu features multiple baths: Shiro-yu (white water), Kuro-yu (black water), Naka-no-yu (middle spring), plus four open-air baths and one indoor bath. One of the rotenburo is for women only, so female travelers can relax with peace of mind. Staying here felt like stepping back in time.
⭐ Pros
- Stay inside Japan’s most famous hidden hot spring
- Multiple baths with different water qualities
- Authentic Edo-period atmosphere and irori dining
⚠ Cons
- Facilities are old-fashioned
- Reservations are extremely difficult (phone or Japanese-only site)
🏨 Yama-no-Yado – A Comfortable Family Stay
For our second trip, we returned to Nyuto Onsen with five family members across three generations. This time we chose Yama-no-Yado, Tsurunoyu’s annex lodge.
The building is newer and more spacious, making it far more comfortable for families. Guests can enjoy indoor and open-air baths onsite, and a free shuttle (10 minutes) connects you to Tsurunoyu’s legendary mixed bath.
Like Tsurunoyu, Yama-no-Yado serves the yam dumpling hot pot by the irori fireplace, letting you experience local food culture in a cozy setting. Booking here is also much easier compared to Tsurunoyu.
⭐ Pros
- Newer, more comfortable facilities
- Easier to book than Tsurunoyu
- Suitable for multi-generational family stays
- Access to Tsurunoyu’s baths via shuttle
⚠ Cons
- Requires a shuttle ride to reach Tsurunoyu’s mixed bath
- Lacks the historic atmosphere of Tsurunoyu
🥢 Dining at Both Inns
Both Tsurunoyu and Yama-no-Yado serve the signature yam dumpling hot pot over an irori fire. At Yama-no-Yado, we shared it as a family around the hearth—the chewy dumplings delighted the kids, while the smoky flavor of grilled fish and vegetables felt like stepping back into old Japan.
Which Nyuto Onsen Inn is Right for You?
🏡 For a traditional, historical experience → Stay at Tsurunoyu Honjin
💎 For a comfortable yet authentic stay → Stay at Yama-no-Yado
🥘 For a taste of traditional irori dining → Both Tsurunoyu Honjin and Yama-no-Yado
📅 For an easier booking experience → Yama-no-Yado can be booked via Japanese websites like Jalan.net (use Google Translate)
Enjoy your stay at Nyuto Onsen, one of Japan’s most breathtaking hot spring destinations! ♨
📅 How to Book Nyuto Onsen Accommodations
🏡 Tsurunoyu Honjin – Difficult to book. Reservations open six months in advance and must be made by phone or via a Japanese-only website. Booking through a Japanese travel agency is recommended.
🏨 Yama-no-Yado – Some Japanese booking sites have availability even if international platforms do not. Jalan.net is recommended (use Google Translate for assistance).
🔗 Book Yama-no-Yado on Jalan.net: Click here to check availability and book
🍂 Best Seasons to Visit Nyuto Onsen
- Summer: Cool mountain retreat, perfect for hiking.
- Winter: Snowy open-air baths at Tsurunoyu – the ultimate hidden onsen experience.
- Autumn: Brilliant foliage contrasts with the steaming baths.
- Spring: Quiet, with fresh greenery and wildflowers.
🚗 How to Get to Yama-no-Yado
📍 Nearest Station: JR Tazawako Station
🚍 From Tazawako Station: Take the Nyuto Onsen bus (50 mins) to “Alpa Komakusa” stop, then transfer to the lodge’s shuttle bus (10 mins, reservation required).
❄ Winter access may be affected by snow, so check updates in advance.
🚶 For hikers: There are also walking trails connecting different hot spring inns, allowing visitors to enjoy a scenic route between the baths.
🎯 Conclusion
Nyuto Onsen offers two very different stays: Tsurunoyu for history and atmosphere, and Yama-no-Yado for family comfort and accessibility. Both provide unforgettable experiences in one of Japan’s most breathtaking hot spring areas.
Discover More Secret Hot Springs in Japan
Nyuto Onsen isn’t the only hidden hot spring worth visiting in Japan. If you’re planning your next trip, here are more off-the-beaten-path onsen stays you’ll love!
🔗Explore Our Favorite Hidden Hot Spring Ryokan
Stay close to Japan’s top sights and enjoy relaxing hot springs with the family. Here are 3 handpicked ryokan near famous attractions.
🔗See 3 Onsen Ryokan Near Must-Visit Tourist Spots
From riverside baths to unique open-air views, these are the onsen ryokan we loved so much, we stayed more than once.
