Hotel Aesthetics: The Ultimate Hot Spring Inn - Tsurunoyu

Located in Akita Prefecture, Nyuto Onsen is one of Japan's most renowned hot spring destinations. The area is famous for its abundant snowfall in winter and the milky white hot spring water that resembles milk. The healing properties of the hot springs attract many, and the legend says that locals discovered the area by following an injured crane. In Eastern culture, cranes symbolize purity and good fortune, which led to the name Tsurunoyu being passed down through generations, establishing the Nyuto Onsen area. Tsurunoyu, the oldest hot spring in Nyuto Onsen, offers an unparalleled experience. The main guesthouse retains its thatched roof, preserving the Edo period's 'healing spa landscape.' The old buildings have not been upgraded or expanded, maintaining the simple appearance of the original healing huts, providing a rustic hot spring experience deep in the mountains. The 15th-generation operator, Kazushi Sato, states, 'We have never disrupted the atmosphere of hot spring therapy here, and we haven't invested unnecessary money in facilities, so the prices are very affordable. (Note: Accommodation costs about 510 RMB per night) The price is the same year-round, whether it's a weekend or New Year's, which is why Tsurunoyu is so popular.'