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Nyuto Onsen Village, tucked into the mountains of Akita Prefecture, is home to seven historic hot spring inns clustered around Mt. Nyuto. The most famous of them, Tsurunoyu, draws the biggest crowds — but a short drive away sits Taenoyu, a noticeably more polished, contemporary alternative with two entirely different types of spring water and a riverside setting that’s hard to beat.
Why Taenoyu stands out:
- Two genuinely different spring sources — the iron-rich Kin-no-yu (“Gold Bath”) and the mild Gin-no-yu (“Silver Bath”)
- A mixed-gender outdoor bath overlooking the Sendachi River, widely considered the best-located bath in the entire valley
- A reservable private outdoor bath with its own river view
- A noticeably modern, design-conscious atmosphere with attentive, polished service
- A genuinely good Japanese country lunch — a great introduction to regional Akita flavors
Taenoyu, Nyuto Onsenkyo
| Address | Komagatake 2-1, Tazawako-Oyasu, Semboku-shi, Akita 014-1201, Japan |
|---|---|
| Phone | +81-187-46-2740 |
| Official Website | Nyuto Onsenkyo Taenoyu |
| Day-use Bathing | Adults ¥1,000 / Children (elementary school & under) ¥500 |
| Day-use Hours | 10:30–15:00 (last entry 14:00) · Closed Tuesdays |
| Private Bath (Gin-no-yu) | ¥3,300 per hour, in addition to the bathing fee — advance phone reservation required |
| Mixed-Gender Bathing | Bathing wrap (towel) permitted |
Getting There from Tokyo — Access Guide
Taenoyu sits inside Nyuto Onsen Village, the same remote mountain valley as the famous Tsurunoyu — the journey there follows the same general route.
🚄 By Train + Bus (Recommended)
Take the Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” from Tokyo (Ueno) to Tazawako Station (approx. 3 hours). From Tazawako Station, take the Tazawako Kogen Resort bus bound for Nyuto Onsen (approx. 40 minutes) and get off at the “Taenoyu” stop, right in front of the inn. Total travel time from Tokyo: approximately 4 hours.
🚗 By Car
Exit at Tazawako IC on the Akita Expressway, head toward Lake Tazawa, then north on Route 341/Route 194 following signs for Nyuto Onsen. Free parking is available a short walk from the inn.
| Route | Tokyo (Ueno) → Tazawako Station → Nyuto Onsen → Taenoyu |
|---|---|
| Train | Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” to Tazawako Station (~3 hrs) |
| From Tazawako Station | Resort bus to “Taenoyu” stop (~40 min) |
| JR Pass | ✅ Shinkansen portion covered (local bus not included) |
A Riverside Retreat with a Contemporary Feel
Left: The Sendachi River runs directly past the inn — Taenoyu is just visible on the right bank. Right: A modern, design-conscious exterior that stands apart from the more rustic inns nearby.
Compared to the centuries-old thatched roofs found elsewhere in Nyuto Onsen Village, Taenoyu has a distinctly contemporary feel — stylish without losing the warmth of a traditional ryokan. It’s popular with visitors from abroad, and it’s easy to see why: the design sensibility and attentive service translate well regardless of language.
The Hot Springs — Two Genuinely Different Waters
What makes Taenoyu unusual is that it draws from two chemically distinct spring sources, each with its own bathing areas: the iron-rich, acidic Kin-no-yu (“Gold Bath”) and the mild, neutral Gin-no-yu (“Silver Bath”). Each has separate men’s and women’s indoor/outdoor baths, plus a shared mixed-gender outdoor bath by the river and a reservable private bath.
Kin-no-yu — Iron-Rich, Semi-Outdoor Bath
The Kin-no-yu is the first bath you’ll come to after the changing room — a semi-outdoor rock bath with water that carries a faint golden hue, exactly as its “gold bath” name suggests. Spring water pours generously from a gap in the rocks, leaving reddish-brown mineral deposits along the edges, and a distinctly metallic aroma and taste. Iron-rich water like this tends to warm the body deeply, and at around 41°C, it runs a touch hot for a long soak — but it’s a genuinely interesting, characterful bath worth experiencing.
Gin-no-yu — Indoor & Outdoor Bath
Left: The Gin-no-yu indoor bath, its floor lined with smooth stones. Right: The outdoor Gin-no-yu bath, framed by a large tree — one of the more scenic corners of the inn.
In contrast, the Gin-no-yu is clear, odorless, and mild — closer to a typical Japanese bath than a dramatic mineral spring. Since the source runs at just 30°C, it’s heated to a comfortable 40°C for bathing. The outdoor section, framed by a large tree and (weather permitting) mountain views still dusted with snow in spring, is a particularly pleasant spot to sit and unwind.
The Mixed-Gender Outdoor Bath — The Highlight ★
Set furthest from the entrance, this is Taenoyu’s signature bath: a large outdoor pool directly beside the Sendachi River, split into two sections — one using Kin-no-yu water, the other Gin-no-yu — both gently warm and perfectly suited to a long, unhurried soak.
♨ About Mixed-Gender Bathing (混浴 / Konyoku) at Taenoyu
Unlike some hidden hot spring baths where mixed bathing is done nude, Taenoyu’s riverside bath allows guests to wear a bathing wrap (a large towel provided or brought by the guest) while soaking — a detail that makes it considerably more approachable for first-time visitors, especially women traveling alone or with friends. Because it’s the inn’s main attraction, it can get busy, particularly around midday.
The location is genuinely special: the sound of the river just beside you, mountain views on all sides, and water gentle enough to stay in for a long stretch. If you only try one bath at Taenoyu, make it this one.
Private Outdoor Bath (Reservation Required)
For a quieter, more private soak, Taenoyu offers a reservable outdoor bath (¥3,300/hour, phone reservation required) using the clear Gin-no-yu spring. It’s heated to a comfortable 41°C and includes its own washing area — a good option if the mixed bath is crowded, or if you’d simply prefer a bath to yourselves.
Lunch — A Taste of Rustic Akita
Taenoyu’s day-trip visitors can also enjoy lunch in the inn’s dining room, with tables positioned to look out over the river — a lovely setting for a simple, satisfying meal.
The lunch menu includes Inaniwa udon (a famous thin Akita wheat noodle), a full set meal, and a lighter onigiri (rice ball) set — the option featured here, and a great way to try something distinctly regional without a large commitment. The standout is the mushroom soup: a rich, earthy dashi broth packed with foraged mountain mushrooms, gently warming and deeply comforting after a soak.
🍙 What is Onigiri?
Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball, typically triangular or round, often wrapped in nori (dried seaweed) and filled with a savory ingredient like pickled plum (umeboshi), salted salmon, or seaweed. It’s one of Japan’s most iconic comfort foods — humble, portable, and endlessly variable by region.
Final Thoughts
Taenoyu offers a genuinely different side of Nyuto Onsen Village — polished, contemporary, and easy to navigate, without losing the character that makes this valley special. Two distinct spring sources, a riverside mixed bath that’s hard to top, and attentive, unhurried service made this one of the more memorable day trips in the area. An overnight stay is clearly worth considering next time.
Taenoyu is ideal for visitors who:
- Want to bathe beside a river in a genuinely beautiful mountain setting
- Are curious about mixed-gender bathing but prefer the option to wear a bathing wrap
- Appreciate a modern, design-conscious ryokan with attentive service
- Want to sample regional Akita cuisine in a relaxed, scenic setting
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