Achieving the Goal of Soaking in an Outdoor Hot Spring Amidst Heavy Snow - Akita Kaniyu Onsen

The highlight of my trip to Japan was staying at a hot spring inn in the Nyuto Onsen area of Akita Prefecture. The most famous inns, Tsurunoyu and Taenoyu, are notoriously difficult to book, often requiring reservations six months in advance. Fortunately, I managed to snag a last-minute booking at Kaniyu Onsen, located deep within the onsen area, and the experience exceeded all expectations. To reach Nyuto Onsen, you need to take the JR train to Tazawako Station and then transfer to a bus that takes you up the mountain. Initially, there was no snow on the way up, and I thought I might miss the experience of soaking in a hot spring while it snowed. However, as soon as I checked in, it started snowing. After a nap, I woke up to a world blanketed in white! (Photo two was taken the night before the snow, and photo one was taken in the morning.) The heavy snow made Kaniyu Onsen even more serene. The inn's rooms are traditional Japanese tatami rooms, and the stay includes authentic Japanese breakfast and dinner, offering an unaltered, genuine Japanese hot spring inn experience. The price is also relatively affordable for a hot spring inn, costing about 20,000 JPY per night. I highly recommend experiencing it. #HotSpring #HotSpringHotel #Japan #Akita #JapanTravel #NyutoOnsen #Tazawako #TohokuJapan