Visit the Hidden Hot Spring from the Korean Drama IRIS:: Crane’s Hot Spring:: Nyuto Onsen

Text/Photos: Chi Binghui, TravelScape

The Korean drama “IRIS,” produced with a budget of 20 billion KRW, became a hit in Japan and Korea. In Taiwan, it was released on December 27, 2010, but the drama has already successfully attracted visitors from Japan and Korea to the main filming location — Akita Prefecture in Japan. Fans flock there to enjoy Akita’s beautiful winter scenery and local cuisine. Among them, the hidden hot spring “Crane’s Hot Spring” in Japan is famous for its snowscapes and autumn foliage, making it a must-visit spot in Akita.

The drama scenes span areas in Akita Prefecture such as Lake Tazawa, Yokote, and the Oga Peninsula. Locations where the lead actors Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-hee appeared — including Hotel Ischia at Lake Tazawa, Oga Aquarium, Kanpu Mountain Observatory, Crane’s Hot Spring in the snow, Tazawa Ski Resort, and Hotel Tei Sui — have become popular attractions. Many travel agencies have also launched exclusive “IRIS” routes, allowing fans to experience the romantic atmosphere of the drama’s protagonists.

Crane’s Hot Spring is located in the Nyuto Onsen area within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Akita Prefecture. There are three reasons behind its name: first, because the mountain resembles a nipple, hence called Nipple Mountain; second, because the hot spring water is milky white, resembling milk; and third, because the Japanese are relatively open-minded, thus boldly naming it as such. The area has seven hot spring inns, the oldest of which is Crane’s Hot Spring, which has been in operation since 1688. It still retains its thick thatched-roof, samurai-style architecture, offering a strong “hidden gem” vibe in both winter’s snowy landscapes and during spring and autumn seasons.

Hot spring enthusiasts seek the experience of soaking in the warmth of the baths during the cold winter months. There’s nothing better than immersing oneself in a steaming hot spring surrounded by pristine white snow — and the view is even more perfect if it’s breathtaking. Each winter, Akita Prefecture is blanketed in heavy snow, transforming into a dreamy silver-white world. As a result, Crane’s Hot Spring, which has limited rooms, is always fully booked in winter, with some people even waiting a whole year just to secure a stay.