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 huge hit in Japan and Korea. In Taiwan, it was first aired on December 27, 2010, but the drama has already successfully attracted visitors from Japan and Korea to the main filming location—the beautiful winter scenery and specialty cuisine of Akita Prefecture in Japan. Among them, the hidden hot spring of Japan, “Crane’s Hot Spring,” known for its snowscapes and autumn foliage, is a must-visit spot in Akita.

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

Crane’s Hot Spring is located in Nyuto Onsen, within 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, much like milk; and third, due to the more open-minded naming by the Japanese. The area has a total of seven hot spring inns, among which the oldest 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” atmosphere in both winter snowscapes and spring or autumn seasons.

Hot spring enthusiasts seek the experience of soaking in the warmth during the cold winter. There’s no greater pleasure than slipping into a steaming hot spring surrounded by pristine snow. Paired with breathtaking scenery, it’s simply perfect. Every winter, Akita Prefecture is blanketed in heavy snow, transforming into a dreamlike silver world. As a result, Crane’s Hot Spring, with its limited number of rooms, is always fully booked in winter, with some guests even waiting a whole year just for a chance to stay.