A Journey to the Secret Hot Springs of the Northeast: Black Spring Onsen

By Lai Peixuan | Photography by Chi Binghui

Japan’s most famous “secret hot springs,” especially those in the Northeast, are often located in remote mountainous areas with limited accessibility, but boast exceptionally beautiful scenery. Moreover, many secret hot springs preserve traditional architectural styles and distinctive cuisine from hundreds of years ago, thus giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a hidden paradise. In addition, soaking in these hot springs typically involves traditional mixed-gender outdoor baths, accompanied by the leisurely ambiance created by surrounding mountain and snow views.

The Nyuto Onsen Village is a hot spring area located at the foot of Mount Nyuto in Akita Prefecture’s Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The name comes from two reasons: first, the mountain resembles a nipple in shape; second, the spring water here is milky white, much like milk. Among them, the Black Spring Onsen (Kuroyu Onsen) is the most secluded secret hot spring deep within the Nyuto Onsen Village. All the ryokan (Japanese inns) and guest rooms here feature black-colored buildings, with thatched roofs and cedar-bark siding being a notable hallmark of Kuroyu Onsen. The fiery autumn leaves and breathtaking views make it an enchanting destination. Kuroyu offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, as well as a communal open-air bath, and also provides private Japanese-style hot spring bathrooms in the guest rooms.

There are a total of seven hot spring inns in the area, and Kuroyu Onsen is one of the more historic ones, established in the 16th century and still highly favored by Japanese visitors. The hot spring water is acidic sulfuric, with a strong smell, and is beneficial for conditions such as high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, and rheumatism. The price for a simple soak is 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children, while an overnight stay including two meals costs 11,700 yen. The operating season runs from mid-April to early November.