Tohoku Onsen Guide

Visiting a Tohoku Onsen is the key to unlocking the rich tradition and folklore of the region.
Accessible from Tokyo and yet worlds away from the neon lights of the city, Tohoku is characterized by snow-covered mountains and rustic settings.

Here, the harsh winter and warm people combine to create some of the most visually stunning and historically preserved hot springs in the country.

Tohoku is a worthwhile journey to make just for the onsen culture, with iconic hot spring towns such as:
1. Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata): Gas-lit wooden ryokans in snowy setting reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away.
2. Nyuto Onsen (Akita): Hidden inns deep in the beech forests, famous for their milky-white waters and traditional mixed-gender (konyoku) bathing.
3. Zao Onsen (Yamagata): Featuring rejuvenating acidic waters, frozen “Snow Monster” trees and legendary ski slopes.

In reality, hot springs & ryokans in Tohoku are so much more than these just 3 main destinations. Check out our articles to avoid missing out!