Goshogake Onsen: Day-Use Hot Spring Baths & Prices

Goshogake Onsen is a single-inn hot spring sending up steam in a geothermal zone at about 1,000 meters elevation, partway up Hachimantai. The source is named "Oname-Motome no Yu." A simple sulfur spring with a temperature of 93.4 degrees C and a pH of 3.01 rises naturally, and every tub in both the large bath and the small bath is 100 percent free-flowing source water. It is a toji (curative bathing) resort long summed up in the saying "come by horse, leave in high clogs — Goshogake," and the culture of the "ondol," in which geothermal heat is channeled beneath the floor, is still alive here.

Highlights

The all-wooden large bathhouse, built on the motif of a mountain hut, holds the "Seven Baths." The main tub, "Shinkeitsu no Yu" (the bath for neuralgia), is clouded ash-white by mud components and is kept hot and concentrated with minimal added water. The "Volcano Bath," where bubbles surge up violently, is adjusted to a slightly cooler temperature, and the cascade bath you direct onto shoulders, back or head pours down straight from the source.

The signature attraction is the "box steam bath." In this traditional Goshogake bathing method you sit in a wooden box with only your head sticking out and are wrapped in natural steam; because the steam does not hit you directly above the neck, you are less likely to overheat and can sweat comfortably. The "mud bath," where you take mud from inside the box and work it into your skin, is kept on the cooler side so you can soak slowly. There is also a steam sauna using natural steam, and a small open-air bath with views from fresh spring greenery to autumn foliage and snow scenery (the open-air bath may be closed in winter to prevent danger from falling snow).

Behind the inn, the Goshogake Nature Trail is maintained. It is a path where volcanic phenomena appear one after another: the fumaroles "Oname-Motome," Konya Jigoku where dark blue mud collects, mud volcanoes built up from mud thrown by volcanic gas, and Oyunuma, a pond of hot water covering about one hectare. The Ministry of the Environment gives the loop as about 50 minutes. It is paved but managed as a national park, and there are rules: do not enter restricted areas, do not touch the erupting water, mud or steam, and do not enter during the snow season except on a guided tour. According to the inn's guidance, the trail can generally be visited from around early June to around late October.

The "Come by Horse, Leave in High Clogs" Toji Resort and the Ondol

Goshogake is said to have been a toji spring visited for about 300 years by people from the surrounding villages to recuperate from illness and injury, and the verse "come by horse, leave in high clogs — Goshogake" has been handed down: even someone who arrived swaying on horseback would recover so well after soaking and resting that they could walk down the mountain path in high wooden clogs.

Another signature feature is the "ondol." Floors are warmed by geothermal heat and by hot spring steam carried through wooden ducts, and the rooms stay above 30 degrees C all year. It is said that simply changing into the special samue work clothes, spreading a bath towel and lying down gives you an effect close to bathing over a long period. Inn guests can experience it free of charge (reserved on the day, in slots of 16:00 to 18:00 and 19:00 to 21:30, once per night for a maximum of two hours, for junior high school age and above), and it is recommended to wash off the sweat in the large bath afterward. The white substance blooming on the floors and walls is "yunohana," crystallized hot spring steam.

Note that the toji wing, where guests self-cater for long stays, is currently open only for limited and irregular periods because of falling guest numbers, aging facilities and staff shortages. In 2026, large-scale repair work on heat-exchange equipment is being carried out in the section adjoining the toji building, so it is closed until the end of August and open only from September 1 to 30 (closed September 15 to 16) and November 1 to 30 (closed November 10 to 11 and November 24 to 25). Reservations are for two nights or more and are accepted by telephone only. The ryokan wing is operating as usual.

Enjoying the Seasons

Fresh early-summer greenery and autumn foliage make for ideal drives, with the geothermal steam blending beautifully with the mountain colors. Being high and deeply snowbound in winter, it is best visited from the thaw through autumn.

Practical Information

• Spring quality: simple sulfur spring (hypotonic, weakly acidic, high-temperature spring). The source is named Oname-Motome no Yu
• Source temperature and pH: 93.4 degrees C (at an air temperature of 17 degrees C), pH 3.01
• Handling of the water: every tub in both the large and small baths is 100 percent free-flowing source water. Because the source is about 90 degrees C, only water is added to adjust the temperature
• Indications: chronic pain and stiffness in muscles and joints (rheumatism, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains and so on), motor paralysis, sensitivity to cold, circulatory disorders, gastrointestinal complaints, mild hypertension and diabetes, mild asthma and emphysema, autonomic nervous instability, stress-related symptoms, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, recovery after illness, fatigue recovery
• Contraindications: fever, marked physical weakness, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute worsening of a chronic illness, sensitive skin or mucous membranes, dry skin in the elderly
• Open-air bath: yes (may be closed in winter). Separate for men and women; there is no mixed bathing
• Day-use bathing (2026 green season): April 15 to November 16, reception 10:30 to 14:00 (ends 15:00), closed Tuesdays. There are extra opening days and temporary closures, so check the inn's announcements and official social media
• Day-use bathing fee: adults 800 yen
• Private bath: the small bath "Buna no Yu" can be reserved for private use in slots at 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 (inn guests only, by reservation, 45 minutes per session, 2,000 yen)
• Showers and amenities: the large bath has no shower fittings, only taps. Rinse-in shampoo and body soap are provided in both the large and small baths
• Tattoos: people with irezumi or tattoos may not use the baths. Use is possible if they are completely covered with tattoo cover stickers or similar
• Payment: day-use bathing is cash only. The cafe and shop accept cash and PayPay. For inn stays, credit cards, electronic money and PayPay are also accepted
• Steps and footing: moving around the building always involves going up and down stairs, and there is no elevator (none has been installed because the sulfur content easily damages machinery). Use by wheelchair is difficult
• Children: overnight stays are not accepted for preschool children (under elementary school age). The ondol experience is for junior high school age and above
• Parking: about 30 spaces, for overnight and day-use guests only. Sleeping in vehicles and parking for hiking or walking is not permitted. If you are only hiking or walking, use the car park with toilets along the Hachimantai Aspite Line
• Access (by car, green season): about 1 hour from Matsuo-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway via the Hachimantai Aspite Line (Prefectural Route 23); about 45 minutes from Kazuno-Hachimantai IC via National Route 341 and the Aspite Line; about 1 hour 30 minutes from the Tazawako Station direction
• Access (by car, winter): roads in the area close in sequence, and eventually it can be reached only from the Kazuno-Hachimantai IC direction. On the Iwate side, the Aspite Line usually closes at night from mid-October and then fully closes for winter in early November, while National Route 341 toward Tazawako closes at night from mid-November and fully closes at the end of November
• Access (public transport): all direct buses running to the inn have been suspended or discontinued. In the green season you connect a route bus with the pre-booked private transfer service "Dragon-go" (reservations 090-2449-2419, 9:00 to 16:00). From Tazawako Station take the Shuhoku bus to the "Aspite Iriguchi" stop, then Dragon-go for about 15 minutes. From Morioka Station take the nature-walk bus to the "Hachimantai Chojo" stop, then Dragon-go for about 20 minutes. From Kazuno-Hanawa Station it is about 45 minutes by Dragon-go
• Winter transfers: because route buses in the area are suspended in the white season, there is one free transfer a day from JR Kazuno-Hanawa Station (inn guests only, by advance reservation). Taxis take 40 to 60 minutes to arrive and may not be arrangeable at all depending on snowfall
• Time to allow: 1 to 1.5 hours for a bath only, or about 2 hours including a walk on the nature trail
• To avoid the crowds: day-use bathing reception starts at 10:30. During the autumn foliage period (October) the surrounding roads are also busy, so early hours are easier to move around
• Address: within the Kumazawa National Forest, Aza Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture (telephone 0186-31-2221, reception 9:00 to 19:00)

A Quick Tip

The box steam bath is tiring, so do not overdo it. On the trail, beware of hydrogen sulfide and follow the signs. As the water is very hot, avoid long soaks and take frequent breaks and fluids. It also makes an ideal driving base with the Hachimantai summit, Tamagawa Onsen, and Lake Onuma.

📚 Sources

The spring quality, source temperature, pH, indications, contraindications and free-flowing handling of the water, the Seven Baths and the open-air bath, and the fees and times for the private bath "Buna no Yu" are compiled from the hot spring page of the official Goshogake Onsen site. The period, reception hours and closing day for day-use bathing come from the announcement "Day-use Bathing and CAFE Opening Information (2026 Green Season)," while the bathing fee, tattoo policy, amenities, payment methods, parking, and the elevator and wheelchair situation were taken from the FAQ on the official site. The conditions for the ondol experience come from the ondol page, the toji wing's opening schedule and closures from the toji wing announcement, and access by car and public transport, the winter road closures and the transfer service from the transport page and the public transport announcements. The guideline for the nature trail loop and its highlights were taken from the Ministry of the Environment's introduction page for "Towada-Hachimantai National Park." Details are subject to change, so please check official sources before visiting.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Spring quality: Simple sulfur spring (hypotonic, weakly acidic, high-temperature spring). The source is named Oname-Motome no Yu
• Source temperature and pH: 93.4 degrees Celsius (at an air temperature of 17 degrees Celsius), pH 3.01
• How the water is used: Every tub in both the large and small bathhouses is 100% free-flowing spring water. Because the source is very hot at around 90 degrees Celsius, only water is added to adjust the temperature
• Indications: Chronic pain and stiffness in muscles and joints (rheumatism, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains and the like), motor paralysis, sensitivity to cold, poor circulation, gastrointestinal conditions, mild hypertension and diabetes, mild asthma and emphysema, autonomic nervous instability, stress-related symptoms, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, convalescence after illness, and recovery from fatigue
• Contraindications: When you have a fever, when markedly weakened, gastrointestinal bleeding, acute worsening of a chronic illness, those with sensitive skin or mucous membranes, and dry skin in elderly people
• Open-air bath: Available (it may be closed in winter). Separate baths for men and women; there is no mixed bathing
• Day-use bathing (2026 green season): April 15 to November 16, reception 10:30-14:00 (ends at 15:00), closed on Tuesdays. There are extra opening days and unscheduled closures, so check the inn's notices and official social media
• Day-use bathing fee: 800 yen for adults
• Private bath: The small bathhouse "Buna no Yu" can be reserved for private use in the 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00 slots (for inn guests only, by reservation, 45 minutes per session, 2,000 yen)
• Showers and amenities: The large bathhouse has no showers, only faucets. Both the large and small bathhouses provide rinse-in shampoo and body soap
• Tattoos: Those with tattoos may not use the baths. Use is possible if they are completely covered with a tattoo cover sticker or similar
• Payment: Day-use bathing is cash only. The cafe and shop accept cash and PayPay. For overnight stays at the inn, credit cards, electronic money and PayPay can also be used
• Steps and footing: You will inevitably have to go up and down stairs inside the building, and there is no elevator (none has been installed because the sulfur content tends to cause mechanical breakdowns). Use by wheelchair is difficult
• Children: Overnight stays are not accepted for preschool children (under elementary school age). The ondol experience is for junior high school students and older
• Parking: About 30 spaces, reserved for overnight and day-use guests. Sleeping in your car and parking for the purpose of hiking or walking are not allowed. If you are only hiking or walking, use the parking areas with toilets along the Hachimantai Aspite Line
• Access (by car, green season): About 1 hour from Matsuo-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway via the Hachimantai Aspite Line (Prefectural Route 23), about 45 minutes from Kazuno-Hachimantai IC via National Route 341 and the Aspite Line, and about 1 hour 30 minutes from the direction of Tazawako Station
• Access (by car, winter): The surrounding roads close one after another, and eventually the inn can be reached only from the direction of Kazuno-Hachimantai IC. On the Iwate side, the Aspite Line usually has night-time closures from mid-October before a full winter closure at the beginning of November, while National Route 341 toward Tazawako has night-time closures in mid-November before a full closure at the end of November
• Access (public transport): All direct buses running to the inn have been suspended or discontinued. In the green season, combine a local bus with the advance-reservation private shuttle "Dragon-go" (reservations 090-2449-2419, 9:00-16:00). From Tazawako Station take the Shuhoku bus to the "Aspite Iriguchi" bus stop, then about 15 minutes by Dragon-go. From Morioka Station take the nature walk bus to the "Hachimantai Chojo" bus stop, then about 20 minutes by Dragon-go. From Kazuno-Hanawa Station it is about 45 minutes by Dragon-go
• Winter transfers: In the white season the local buses in the area are suspended, so there is one free shuttle a day from JR Kazuno-Hanawa Station (for overnight guests only, by advance reservation). Taxis take 40-60 minutes to arrive, and depending on snowfall may not be available at all
• How long to allow: 1 to 1.5 hours if you only bathe, or about 2 hours including a walk on the nature trail
• To avoid the crowds: Reception for day-use bathing starts at 10:30. During the autumn foliage season (October) the surrounding roads are also congested, so earlier hours are easier for getting around
• Location: Within the Kumazawa National Forest, Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture (phone 0186-31-2221, reception 9:00-19:00)

Information Sources

The spring quality, source temperature, pH, indications, contraindications and free-flowing water use, the seven baths and the open-air bath, and the fee and times for the private bath "Buna no Yu" are compiled from the hot spring pages of the Goshogake Onsen official website. The period, reception hours and closing day for day-use bathing come from the notice "Day-Use Bathing and Cafe Opening Information (2026 Green Season)," while the bathing fee, the tattoo policy, amenities, payment methods, parking, and the elevator and wheelchair situation were taken from the frequently asked questions on the official website. The conditions for the ondol experience come from the ondol page, the opening schedule and closures of the toji (hot spring cure) wing from the toji wing guidance in the notices, and access by car and public transport, winter road closures and transfers from the transport page and the public transport guidance in the notices. The estimated time for a full circuit of the nature trail and its highlights were taken from the introduction page for "Towada-Hachimantai National Park" by the Ministry of the Environment. Details are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.