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The Tohoku region of northern Japan abounds with hot springs and natural beauty. Many of the hot springs have spectacular views, like a “secret” spring surrounded by a virgin beech forest or an open-air bath that seems to blend into the Sea of Japan. Verdant scenery and gentle winds will melt away the fatigue of the summer as you bathe in such hot springs.
Here are ten of our favorites, perfect for family trips and anyone who wants to relax and avoid crowds.
1. Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen (Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture)
Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen is in Fukaura, on Aomori’s Tsugaru Peninsula, at the northernmost reaches of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The ryokan inn is built on a scenic cape called Koganezaki, known for its beautiful sunsets.
The name “Furofushi Onsen” originates from the legend that “If you cure here, you will not get old or weak.”
Access ・By Car: Roughly an hour and 40 minutes from JR Hirosaki Station ・By Public Transit: Around three hours from JR Shin-Aomori Station when taking the Resort Shiragami bound for “Akita” on JR’s Gono Line. Once getting off at WeSPa-Tsubakiyama Station, the facility is located a five-minute taxi ride away (free shuttle bus services timed to the arrival/departure time of the trains are available. No reservation required)
The inn’s distinguishing feature is the full, open bath on the beach. As you soak at the edge of the waves, the horizon is at about eye level and you’ll feel as if you’re actually in the Sea of Japan.
The bath’s water has a brownish hue because it’s an iron-rich chloride salt spring that contains sodium and magnesium.
It has high heat retention that will warm you to the core and is called a “beautiful skin bath” due to its effectiveness in treating skin problems from cuts to skin diseases.
Day trip visits are welcome, but staying overnight is recommended for the best experience. Day-bathers (last reception 3:30 p.m.) must exit the bath by 4 p.m. before the sun sets and the whole area is dyed golden.
Sunset bathing is a privilege reserved for overnight guests only. The experience of soaking in the hot water while gazing at the glowing orange sunset and the magnificent view of the Sea of Japan will be an unforgettable memory. *Those with tattoos are prohibited from bathing.
In addition to the “seaside open-air bath,” the inn’s “Furofushi no Yu” bath offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, and a “Kogane no Yu” with two hot bathtubs.
These baths make it easy for small children, the elderly or anyone who doesn’t want to bathe outdoors to enjoy an onsen experience.
After a relaxing bath, you’ll have a spectacular seafood dinner. The seas around Fukaura, where plankton nourishes the fish, and mineral-rich groundwater pours into the sea, are some of the best fishing grounds in Japan.
Furofushi Onsen serves fresh seafood, including tuna and abalone purchased directly from local anglers. Breakfast is all-you-can-eat with several types of sashimi and grilled fish prepared daily as well as rice and bread.
The inn has tablets to support several languages so you can rest assured that you will be able to communicate with staff members, even if they don’t speak your language.
Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen 黄金崎不老ふ死温泉 Address: Henashi Shimokiyotaki 15-1, Fukaura, Aomori, 038-2327 Nearest Station: Henashi Station (Gono Line), 14 minutes on foot
2. Tsuru no Yu Onsen (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture)
Nyuto Onsenkyo Hot Spring Village is located in the central part of eastern Akita prefecture, in Semboku City’s Tazawako district. The village comprises seven hot springs in Towada Hachimantai National Park, which spans Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures.
In the past, the area was often visited by tourists from both Japan and overseas, and classic Japanese scenery can still be seen in the moving thatched-roof buildings and old huts among the virgin beech forests.
Access ・By Car: Roughly 30 minutes from JR Tazawako Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Tazawako Station, take a 50-minute ride on the Ugo Kotsu Bus bound for “Nyuto Onsen.” After getting off at the “Tsurunoyu Onsen Iriguchi” bus stop, it’s a 40-minute walk to the facility (overnight guests can take the free shuttle bus from the “Arupa Komakusa” bus stop, reservations required).
Iconic Tsuru no Yu Onsen has a long history, having opened around 1688. The old wooden structures were used in the Edo period (1603-1867). Some rooms are equipped with a traditional Japanese fireplace and hearth.
While retaining a classic Japanese atmosphere, the washrooms, toilets, and heating are modern so guests can stay comfortably.
The atmosphere is perfect for forgetting hectic daily life by taking a walk through the spacious grounds with family or enjoying a quiet chat in your room.
Many of Tsuru no Yu Onsen’s visitors come to soak in the mixed bathing, open-air “Tsuru no Yu” bath. Surrounded by beautiful beech trees, the large bath has milky bluish-white water.
It’s a mixed bath, where men and women bathe alike, but the milky water provides some privacy, and the whole family can enter.
Meals feature a miso-seasoned hot pot, grilled fish, and seasonal wild vegetable dishes made with yams from Akita. After a delicious dinner, a return to the bath is in order. At night, it’s lit only by lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere.
Tsuru no Yu has English-speaking staff members who will gladly explain the rules and policies of the inn and bath.
Tsurunoyu Onsen 鶴の湯温泉 Address: 50, Sendatsuzawa Kokuyurin, Tazawakotazawa, Senboku-shi, Akita, 014-1204 Nearest Station: Tazawako Station (Tazawako Line) Phone Number: 0187-46-2139
3. Sansuikaku (Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture)
Hanamaki Onsenkyo is a group of 12 hot springs along the Ou mountain range of southern Iwate Prefecture. One of them, Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku, is a Japanese-style inn built in the mountains overlooking the clear Toyosawa River.
Osawa Onsen has an affiliated inn called Tojiya, and as a guest of Sansuikaku, you can use both hot springs. There is a wide variety of open-air baths and bath rooms along the river, including a semi-open-air bath with a view of the mountains and a private family bath suitable even for small children.
Access ・By Car: Roughly 30 minutes from JR Hanamaki Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Hanamaki Station, take a 25-minute ride on Iwate Kotsu Bus’s Yuguchi Line bound for “Hanamaki Onsen.” Get off at the “Osawa Onsen” bus stop and take a short walk to the facility (free shuttle buses run from Osawa Onsen Station, Hanamaki Station, and Shin-Hanamaki Station).
The inn is surrounded by nature, and it’s refreshing to soak in the hot water while gazing at the mountain scenery of each season. The autumn leaves and the snowy winter scenery, in particular, are a must-see.
The semi-open-air, roofed “Toyosawa no Yu” overlooks trees dyed in red, yellow, and green, and the magnificent view of the autumn leaves bordered by the window frame looks just like a painting.
To see the snowy landscape, head to the mixed bathing, open-air “Osawa no Yu.” From there, you can see the beautiful scenery of the bridge, the roof of the building, and the surrounding trees white with snow. Osawa no Yu is for women only from 8:00 to 9:00 at night, for women who would rather not participate in mixed bathing.
At Sansuikaku, you’ll dine on a Japanese course that makes the best use of seasonal ingredients and a menu that changes monthly.
In addition to wild plants and seafood, Hanamaki’s “Hakkinton” brand pork and Iwate’s “Maesawa” beef and “Iwate beef” are also available (subject to change, depending on availability). There is also a children’s set so the whole family can have a wonderful meal.
Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku 大沢温泉 山水閣 Address: Osawa 181, Hanamaki, Iwate, 025-0244 Nearest Station: Hanamaki Station (Kamaishi Line / Tohoku Main Line)
4. Hotel Shion (Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture)
Tsunagi Onsen is a hot spring resort situated in Iwate Prefecture’s central city of Morioka. Here, Hotel Shion can be found facing Lake Gosho. This top-rated facility is known for its spectacular lake views!
What’s more, it’s a mere 25-minute drive from JR Morioka Station, the entryway into Iwate’s tourist attractions. Free shuttle bus services are available to and from the station upon request during the reservation process.
Access ・By Car: Roughly 25 minutes from JR Morioka Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Morioka Station West Gate Bus Terminal Bus Stop No. 28 on the second floor, take the Tsunagi Onsen liner for around 25 minutes and get off at the “Hotel Shion” bus stop. From JR Morioka Station East Gate Bus Terminal Bus Stop No. 10 on the first floor, take the Iwate Kotsu Bus bound for “Tsunagi Onsen” for 30 minutes and get off at the “Tsunagi Onsen” bus stop. It’s a ten-minute walk from here to the facility. Free shuttle bus services from JR Morioka Station (reservations required)
All rooms offer a sweeping view of the lake, and you can choose from traditional Japanese-style rooms with futon mattresses or Western-style rooms with beds. Plus, you can enjoy the stunning landscape of Mount Iwate and the Ou Mountains! Taking in such scenery from the comfort of your space is a luxurious experience!
The hot spring, “Hitorijime no Yu,” boasts an all-encompassing view of Lake Gosho, whereas “Nambu Magariya no Yu” has water that flows freely from the spring source. Both facilities have a paper sliding door outside and in-between the baths for privacy. The surrounding scenery is reminiscent of a beautiful landscape painting-enabling you to rejuvenate both your body and soul.
We recommend the reservable open-air baths (2,000 yen for 45 minutes) for families who want to enjoy a completely private experience.
Another attractive feature of a stay here is the meals filled with Iwate Prefecture’s local ingredients! Dinner is served either at the hotel’s dining hall or Kaiseki-style in the guest rooms. Breakfast is a buffet style with an array of approximately 40 different dishes. Eat your fill of flavor-rich foods!
Because there are only Japanese-speaking staff, we recommend having an interpreter accompany you during your stay or using an interpretation app like Google Translate (foreign guests have stayed at the facility before).
Morioka Handcrafts Village, which produces traditional Japanese crafts such as Nambu ironware, is only a five-minute drive away! Additionally, Koiwai Farm, one of Japan’s largest private farms, is a mere 15-minute drive. A stay at Hotel Shion enables you to easily access popular sightseeing spots.
Information: Booking.com
Hotel Shion ホテル紫苑 Address: Tsunagi Yunodate 74-2, Morioka, Iwate, 020-0055 Nearest Station: Koiwai Station (Tazawako Line)
5. Matsushima Ichinobo (Matsushima Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
Matsushima Ichinobo is in Miyagi Prefecture’s popular tourist destination of Matsushima Town. Around the facility are attractive sightseeing spots such as the national treasure-Zuiganji Temple, famous seafood shops, and excursion boats!
It can be accessed by walking roughly 20 minutes from JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station. As the walk to Matsushima Ichinobo is filled with many tourist sites, it’s highly recommended to take your time and stop by! For those who are wary of walking, there are free shuttle buses running from the station that don’t require any reservation.
Access ・By Car: Roughly 50 minutes from JR Sendai Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line bound for “Matsushima-Kaigan” for 40 minutes. Then, either take the free shuttle bus or walk 20 minutes to the facility.
All guest rooms have free Wi-Fi! You can choose from various room types, such as those that have a bath overlooking the garden or come with their own hammock!
In addition to this, there are complimentary toiletries such as toothbrushes and facewash available. The large communal outdoor bath even has toners, cleansers, and hairbrushes!
Matsushima Ichinobo entices with its incredible views of Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s top three scenic spots. Such scenery can be enjoyed at the open-air bath located on the facility’s top floor. The slightly thick spring waters are said to have beautifying effects. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to rejuvenate the skin while watching the stunning bay!
Meals consist of a made-to-order buffet prepared right in front of you by the chef! Thanks in part to these fresh meals, foreign guests have commented that this is an incredible experience they would recommend to friends.
In the area are attractive facilities, including the Kyohei Fujita Glass Museum, spas with rock salt bedrock baths, and water gardens! This allows you to enjoy a variety of attractions from the comforts of your accommodation! There are both Japanese English services available to welcome a wide range of guests.
Information: Booking.com
Matsushima Ichinobo 松島一の坊 Address: Takagihama 1-4, Matsushima, Miyagi, 981-0215 Nearest Station: Matsushima Station (Tohoku Main Line), 13 minutes on foot
6. Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo (Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo is nestled in Miyagi Prefecture’s Northeastern town of Minamisanriku. As it’s on elevated ground facing the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy a view of seabirds flying overhead the Shizugawa Bay from guest rooms and the large communal bath. It’s an attractive facility that offers private ocean views!
Free shuttle buses (reservations required) are available for guests from JR Sendai Station. As it’s a 30-minute walk from Rikuzen-Togura Station to the hotel, taking this shuttle bus service is highly recommended (from the facility’s official website).
Access ・By Car: Roughly an hour and 40 minutes from JR Sendai Station. ・By Public Transit: Take a 40-minute train ride from JR Sendai Station on the JR Tohoku Main Line bound for “Kogoto.“ After getting off at Kogoto Station, take a 15-minute train ride on the JR Ishinomaki Line bound for “Onagawa” and get off at Maeyachi Station. Then, take a 50-minute train ride on the JR Kesen-Numa Line BRT bound for “Kesennuma” and get off at Rikuzen-Togura Station. From here, the facility is a 30-minute walk away (pick-ups/drop-offs from Rikuzen-Togura Station are available when reserved in advance).
All guest rooms have Wi-Fi and various amenities. Rooms facing the ocean even offer a close-up look at seabirds!
Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo is known for its open-air bath where the hot spring and ocean meet! Here you can enjoy a view of the ocean while bathing in natural spring waters that bubble from the Pacific Ocean’s coast.
Though it’s beautiful at any point in the day, views in the morning are draw-dropping! You’ll be blown away as the sun slowly rises over the ocean. Be sure to wake up earlier than usual, so you don’t miss it!
As this accommodation facility faces the Sanriku Coast, dinner consists of fresh seafood dishes! Enjoy cuisine made from carefully selected ingredients such as freshly grilled abalone and shark fin soup.
A perk for foreign guests is that there are English and Chinese-speaking staff. Feel free to ask them for anything during your stay!
Information: Booking.com
Minami Sanriku Hotel kanyo 南三陸ホテル観洋 Address: Minamisanriku-cho Motoyoshi-gun Shizugawa Kurosaki 99-17, Shizugawa, Miyagi, 986-0766 Nearest Station: Shizugawa Station (Kesen-numa Line), 27 minutes on foot
7. Onsen Sanso Daikon no Hana (Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture)
Togatta Onsen, resting at the eastern foot of the Zao mountain range in southwestern Miyagi Prefecture, is a hot spring resort with a history that goes back about 400 years. The spring’s hot brown waters include sodium, calcium, sulfate, and chloride springs.
Onsen Sanso Daikon no Hana is a ryokan inn recommended for those who want a quiet family-only visit to Togatta Onsen. The approximately 33,000 square meter site is divided into five areas, each with its own accommodations. There are a mere 18 rooms in 12 buildings scattered throughout the vast forest, offering plenty of private relaxation.
Access ・By Car: Roughly an hour from Sendai Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Sendai Station, transfer and take around a 15-minute ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen Line’s “Yamabiko” train bound for Tokyo. After getting off at Shiroishi-Zao Station, the facility is a 40-minute taxi ride away.
Each building has its own characteristic features, such as a view of a mountain stream or a pond where fireflies live. The “Eboshidake” maisonette in the “Mountain Play” area has separate living rooms and bedrooms and trees growing near the terrace and balcony are close enough to touch.
The maisonette has its own bath so you can use it at your leisure. Family bathing in the refreshing sunrise or under the starry sky is sure to spark memorable conversations.
In addition to the springs and accommodations, the food is another point of pride for the inn. There is a farm on the property, and homegrown vegetables play a leading role in the meals.
For breakfast, an all-you-can-eat salad buffet with freshly picked vegetables and homemade tomato juice is prepared so that you can enjoy fresh vegetables to your heart’s content.
After a leisurely stay in the woods, you can even do some shopping. The main building’s “Mikke” select shop sells traditional crafts and foods from the Tohoku region. Jams and juices made from Zao’s local produce are long-lasting, so they make perfect souvenirs.
Hot spring accommodation Daikon-no-Hana 温泉山荘 だいこんの花 Address: Toogattaonsen, Zao-machi, Katsuta-gun, Miyagi Togatta 21-7, Kitayama, 989-0916 Nearest Station: Shiroishizao Station (Tohoku Shinkansen), 40 minutes by car Phone Number: 0224-34-1155
8. Ginzanso (Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture)
A popular facility with both domestic and overseas visitors is Ginzan Onsen. This hot spring village rises from a gorge in northeastern Yamagata Prefecture’s Obanazawa City. It was built at the end of the Taisho period (1912~1926) and towards the beginning of the Showa period (1926~1989). Illuminated by gas lamps, here you’ll find a range of wooden inns and refined traditional Japanese restaurants-enveloping the area in a nostalgic atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Ginsanzo is a popular choice for its fantastic location close to the hot springs! It only takes a five-minute walk to the hot spring village. What’s more, you can add to this traditional Japanese experience by renting out a pair of geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals with an elevated base, at the front desk.
A free shuttle bus for overnight guests runs from Oishida Station. Those who want to use this service must make a reservation by the day before their stay.
Access ・By Car: Roughly one hour and 15 minutes from JR Yamagata Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Yamagata Station, take a 50-minute ride on the Ou Main Line bound for “Shinjo.” After getting off at JR Oishida Station, take the shuttle bus or a 35-minute ride on the Obanzawa City Bus bound for “Ginzan Onsen”. When taking the city bus, get off at the “Ginzan Onsen” bus stop for easy access to the facility.
All guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style and give a view of the surrounding greenery. The spacious accommodation is also a hit among foreign guests! We recommend going for a slightly luxurious option and booking a room attached with a bath. As this inn is isolated from the other hot spring facilities, guests can enjoy a peaceful and quiet stay.
A refreshing breeze blows through the open-air baths! Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the hot springs offer cooling scenery in the hot summers. Since the indoor and outdoor baths are connected, guests can enjoy different atmospheres and views without getting out!
Dishes are made with an array of local ingredients, including Yamagata Japanese Black beef. Order some of the region’s spirits to fully enjoy all that Yamagata has to offer!
There are only Japanese-speaking staff, but the official website has English and Chinese guidance.
Information: Booking.com
9. Urabandai Lake Resort (Kitashiobara Village, Fukushima Prefecture)
Located in the Aizu region’s northwest is Kitashiobara Village’s Urabandai Lake Resort. This naturally abundant area has attractive sites such as the mysterious ponds of Goshikinuma and Lake Hibara, where you can enjoy cruise tours.
In addition to this, Urabandai Lake Resort is popular for its guided walking tours, canoe tours, and painting akabeko, Aizu’s signature red bull toy.
Free shuttle buses that run from the nearby Inawashiro Station can be taken without a reservation if there are less than ten passengers. We recommend checking the official website for departure and arrival times before your trip!
Access ・By Car: Roughly an hour and 15 minutes from JR Koriyama Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Koriyama Station, take a 40-minute train ride on the JR Ban-Etsusai Line rapid express bound for “Aizu-Wakamatsu.” After getting off at JR Inawashiro Station, take another 40-minute ride on either the free shuttle bus or the Bandai Toto Bus’s Urabandai Kogen Line bound for “Urabandai Kogen Eki.” The facility is right next to the “Urabandai Lake Resort” bus stop.
The resort has breathtaking views of the nearby lake, while guest rooms offer scenery of the surrounding, nature-filled forest. With a choice of either Japanese or Western-style, all rooms have free wi-fi and amenities.
Furthermore, the resort has a cafe, a bar, a karaoke facility, dartboards, pool tables, and a golf simulator! Even if you check in slightly earlier than planned, you’ll have more than enough to keep you entertained!
The open-air bath’s waters flow freely from the hot spring source! What’s more, here you can enjoy a view of Lake Hibara! This famous, reddish-brown turbid hot spring has been long known as Ogon-no-Yu - golden waters. Because it’s gentle on the skin, this hot spring is said to be the perfect first-time option for small children.
For meals, you can enjoy a buffet-style menu offering over 50 different dishes, a Kaiseki course with dishes made from local ingredients, or a French course that only serves a few groups per day.
Foreign guests can easily stay at this resort due to there being Japanese, English, and Chinese-speaking staff.
Information: Booking.com
Urabandai Lake Resort Goshiki no Mori 裏磐梯レイクリゾート 五色の森 Address: Hibara Yudairayama 1171-1, Kitashiobara, Fukushima, 969-2701 Nearest Station: Okinashima Station (Ban-etsusai Line)
10. Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture)
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen is located in the center of western Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region. It is said that the source of the hot spring was discovered 1300 years ago by the monk Gyoki. The hot spring town’s river is lined with old inns as well as free footbaths and restaurants.
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki is a traditional Japanese-style inn that stands out among its neighboring inns. Founded in 1873, it was once used as a recreational facility by the samurai of the Aizu clan.
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen has a luxurious Japanese-style wooden structure that surrounds a garden. Known for its view along with the Eikanbashi bridge in front of the inn, it is the first Japanese inn to be registered as a tangible cultural property.
Access ・By Car: Roughly an hour and 25 minutes from JR Koriyama Station ・By Public Transit: From JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take a 15-minute ride on the “Akabe” sightseeing bus. The facility is nearby the “Higashiyama Onsen-eki” bus stop.
If you are staying with your family, the spacious three-room, 32.4 square meter “Special Room Hanare no Ma” suite is recommended.
The Japanese royal family and Hideyo Noguchi (1876-1928), a prominent doctor and bacteriologist from Fukushima Prefecture, are among those who have stayed in this venerable Shoin-zukuri style guest room.
One of the VIP room’s charms is its view of the garden with its ponds and waterfalls. In winter, “Yukimi Candles” placed in bamboo tubes light up the garden, making it possible to experience the luxurious lighting with your whole family from the warmth of your room.
Mukaitaki has three privately-sourced natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. They are colorless, transparent sulfate chloride springs rich in sodium and calcium.
As you rest in the 45 degrees Celsius water, you’ll feel the minerals refreshing your body. The bathroom is decorated with white granite and marble and has a nice retro atmosphere.
Another of the inn’s pleasures is the enjoyment of local Aizuwakamatsu cuisine, such as sweetened carp and pickled herring in Japanese pepper. You can take your time relishing the simple, delicious dishes in the comfort of your room.
*Photos courtesy of Mukaitaki, Aizu Higashiyama Onsen
Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki 会津東山温泉 向瀧 Address: 200, Kawamukai, Higashiyamamachiyumoto, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima, 965-0814 Nearest Station: Aizu-wakamatsu Station (Tadami Line / Ban-etsusai Line), 15 minutes by bus Phone Number: 0242-27-7501
For a relaxing, refreshing time of bathing and eating amazing meals while surrounded by breathtaking nature, you should definitely plan a family trip to one of Tohoku’s exquisite hot spring inns!
*Information in this article has been updated in July of 2022 from the original version written in April 2021. Please check official websites for latest information.
Via Live Japan
