Nyuto Hot Springs and Dakigaeri Gorge: Itinerary (Akita)

This soothing day trip pairs the secluded Nyuto hot springs at the foot of Mount Nyuto with Dakigaeri Gorge, sometimes called the Yabakei of the north. Spend the day wrapped in nature.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Tsurunoyu in Nyuto Onsen At Tsurunoyu, where thatched-roof inns stand in a row, soak in the milky open-air bath and enjoy the morning calm. Tsurunoyu sits a little apart from the other inns.

10:30 Bath-hopping around the hot springs Inns such as Taenoyu and Ganiba Onsen each offer a different spring quality. With a bath-hopping pass for inn guests, you can try each inn's bath once.

12:30 Lunch by Lake Tazawa Rest with a lake view and prepare for the afternoon gorge walk.

14:00 Walk Dakigaeri Gorge Cross the vermilion Kami no Iwahashi bridge and follow the trail toward deep blue-green pools and Kaeri Falls. The gorge stretches for about 10 kilometers.

Highlights

Nyuto Onsen is a rare hot-spring village where each inn draws from its own source, made up of seven baths: Tsurunoyu, Ogama, Taenoyu, Ganiba, Magoroku, Kuroyu, and the Kyukamura hotel. Dakigaeri Gorge lines emerald-green water with sheer rock walls, stunning in fresh green and autumn color.

Access and Tips

Tazawako Station is the gateway. Reach Nyuto Onsen by the Ugo Kotsu Nyuto Line bus, which runs via Lake Tazawa in about 55 minutes for roughly 800 yen one way. Travel by car is also convenient. As the regular bus to Dakigaeri Gorge has been discontinued, access is basically by car or taxi. Parts of the gorge trail are narrow, so sturdy walking gear is recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• Time needed: Around 2 to 3 hours for bath-hopping and 1 to 2 hours round trip for the Dakigaeri Gorge walk. Rather than rushing both, spending unhurried time on one of them is also a fine choice.
• Getting around: The gateway is Tazawako Station, served by the Akita Shinkansen. The Ugo Kotsu Nyuto Line bus is handy for Nyuto Onsen, running via Lake Tazawa in about 55 minutes for roughly 800 yen one way. Since Tsurunoyu lies further from the bus stop, a shuttle or car is the practical option. Dakigaeri Gorge has no regular bus, so access is by car or taxi.
• About the bath-hopping pass: The yumeguri-cho pass, which allows one entry to each of the seven baths, can be bought only by guests staying in Nyuto Onsen, and it is valid for a long period of one year. Day visitors instead use each inn's daytime bathing hours individually.
• Avoiding crowds and seasons: Fresh green, typically May to June, and autumn color, typically mid to late October, are the high seasons. The Tsurunoyu open-air bath is very popular, so morning is the best time to enjoy it quietly.
• Note: Dakigaeri Gorge has sections warning of falling rocks, and the trail closes in winter. Check the opening status before your visit.

A Quick Tip

Do not forget a towel for bath-hopping. Some gorge sections warn of falling rocks, so watch your footing as you go.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Day-use bathing (Tsuru-no-yu Onsen): Drop-in bathing is available from 10:00 to 15:00, with a bathing fee of 700 yen. Every Monday the open-air bath is closed to day visitors for cleaning.
• Day-use bathing (Myo-no-yu): 10:30 to 15:00 (reception until 14:00), bathing fee 1,000 yen. Day-use bathing is closed every Tuesday (subject to change when Tuesday is a public holiday).
• Day-use bathing (Ganiba Onsen): 9:00 to 16:00, bathing fee 800 yen. Day-use bathing is closed every Wednesday.
• Dakigaeri Gorge (walking): The promenade can be walked as far as the Iimura Shonen Monument, a stretch that takes about 40 minutes. Public toilets are available at the Dakigaeri No. 1 and No. 2 parking lots, and they are closed during the winter season along with the promenade.
• Safety notes: Bear sightings are frequent in Semboku City, and five metal pipes for making noise have been installed along the Dakigaeri Gorge promenade. The city asks walkers to strike them to signal their presence, to avoid walking alone, and to always go in groups of two or more.
• Inquiries: 0187-43-2111 (Semboku City Lake Tazawa Tourist Information Center "Folake") / 0187-54-2700 (Semboku City Tourist Information Center "Kakunodate Ekimae Kura")
• Official information: Nyuto Onsen Association official website (drop-in bathing guide for each inn), Semboku City website, tourism information page for "Dakigaeri Gorge"

Note: The above is a guide based on information published by the individual facilities and local government. Hours and fees are subject to change, so please check the official information before you set out.