Akinomiya Hot Spring Area Yukemuri-no-yado Inazumi Onsen

Inazumi Onsen is located in one of the mountain valleys at the very south of Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region, bordering the prefectures of Yamagata and Miyagi. There are four other hot springs in this area, which is known as the Akinomiya Hot Spring Area. Akinomiya Onsenkyo, which opened in 1702, is considered the oldest hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture.

Inazumi Onsen is a famous inn that dates back more than 110 years. With two private hot spring sources, it has long been a favorite of numerous celebrities and cultural figures. Heavy snows in 2014 damaged part of the building, causing it to close temporarily, but it has since been painstakingly restored, while preserving as much of the original architectural design as possible. In 2019, it reopened as a premium hot spring inn that offers an elevated experience.

Within its extensive grounds, it has two main bathing areas with indoor and open-air baths, as well as saunas, two private baths for exclusive use, and 49 guest rooms, including four lodges. Of these, the architecture of the four “Ten no za” lodges has been restored to cultural heritage-grade, offering a fusion of history and contemporary comfort. They feature open-air baths with a constant supply of undiluted hot spring water and indoor baths made from high-quality cypress. These luxurious rooms allow guests to enjoy the solitude of their private gardens and outdoor baths while admiring the changing natural beauty of the seasons.

One of the inn’s two private hot spring sources, Ara-yu, is a simple spring of pH 3.5, while the other, Sato-no-yu, is a chloride spring with a pH of 7.1. Ara-yu is used to fill the main baths and the private baths, while Sato-no-yu can be enjoyed in both the indoor and open-air baths in each guest room. The main selling point of Inazumi Onsen is being able to experience two different types of hot springs within the same building, each of which has different effects. The inn offers a range of free services, such as yukata gowns and pillows of different heights and materials to borrow. The lounge serves beer, sake, coffee, amazake (a sweet fermented rice drink), and seasonal drinks and confectionery to enjoy with tea. From 10 p.m. to 10:45 p.m., “yonaki-soba” is available in the lobby. There are also icy snacks to enjoy after your bath, while milk is provided in the morning.

For dinner, guests can enjoy a Japanese-style kaiseki meal made with seasonal Akita ingredients and incorporating local dishes. At breakfast, freshly steamed rice and a variety of nutritious, well-balanced side dishes will energize your freshly woken body.

This hot spring inn nestled in a quiet mountain valley is the perfect place for a Japanese onsen experience.

Inazumi Onsen is about 20 minutes drive from Yokobori Station on the JR Ou Main Line, about 40 minutes drive from Naruko Onsen Station on the JR Rikuu East Line, and about 80 minutes drive from Akita Airport. There are also shuttle services from both Akita and Miyagi (reservations are required, so please enquire for details). From December to March only, there are also free shuttle buses from Sendai Station on the Tohoku/Akita Shinkansen line (reservations required).