Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen is in Fukaura, on Aomori’s Tsugaru Peninsula, at the northernmost reaches of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The ryokan inn is built on a scenic cape called Koganezaki, known for its beautiful sunsets.

The name “Furofushi Onsen” originates from the legend that “If you cure here, you will not get old or weak.”

The inn’s most striking feature is its open-air bath set right on the beach. As you soak at the water’s edge, with the horizon at eye level, it feels almost as though you’re floating in the Sea of Japan itself.

The spring water has a natural brown tint, the result of its iron-rich chloride composition containing sodium and magnesium. Known for its excellent heat retention, it warms the body deeply and is also called a “beautiful skin bath” for its reputed benefits in treating everything from minor cuts to chronic skin conditions.

Day-trip bathing is available, though an overnight stay is highly recommended for the best experience. Day visitors (last reception 3:30 PM) must leave the baths by 4 PM, just before the sun sets and the surroundings glow in golden light.

Only overnight guests can enjoy the true highlight—soaking in the hot spring as the sun sinks into the Sea of Japan, painting the waters a brilliant orange. It’s a privilege that leaves an unforgettable memory.

(*Please note: Guests with tattoos are not permitted to bathe.)

In addition to the “seaside open-air bath,” the inn’s “Furofushi no Yu” bath offers a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan, and a “Kogane no Yu” with two hot bathtubs.

These baths make it easy for small children, the elderly or anyone who doesn’t want to bathe outdoors to enjoy an onsen experience.

After a relaxing bath, you’ll have a spectacular seafood dinner. The seas around Fukaura, where plankton nourishes the fish, and mineral-rich groundwater pours into the sea, are some of the best fishing grounds in Japan.

Furofushi Onsen serves fresh seafood, including tuna and abalone purchased directly from local anglers. Breakfast is all-you-can-eat with several types of sashimi and grilled fish prepared daily as well as rice and bread.

The inn has tablets to support several languages so you can rest assured that you will be able to communicate with staff members, even if they don’t speak your language.

Nyuto Onsenkyo Hot Spring Village is located in the central part of eastern Akita prefecture, in Semboku City’s Tazawako district. The village comprises seven hot springs in Towada Hachimantai National Park, which spans Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures.

In the past, the area was often visited by tourists from both Japan and overseas, and classic Japanese scenery can still be seen in the moving thatched-roof buildings and old huts among the virgin beech forests.

The iconic Tsuru no Yu Onsen traces its roots back to around 1688, with wooden buildings that date to the Edo period (1603–1867). Some guest rooms even feature a traditional fireplace and hearth, preserving the inn’s timeless character.

While the atmosphere remains distinctly old Japan, the facilities—including washrooms, toilets, and heating—have been updated to ensure a comfortable stay.

Here, you can set aside the rush of daily life, whether by strolling the spacious grounds with family or simply enjoying a quiet conversation in the tranquility of your room.

One of the main draws at Tsuru no Yu Onsen is its famous mixed open-air bath, also called “Tsuru no Yu.” Nestled among graceful beech trees, the expansive pool is filled with milky, bluish-white water that adds to its mystique.

Although it is a mixed bath where men and women bathe together, the opaque waters offer a sense of privacy, allowing even families to relax and enjoy the experience together.

Meals feature a miso-seasoned hot pot, grilled fish, and seasonal wild vegetable dishes made with yams from Akita. After a delicious dinner, a return to the bath is in order. At night, it’s lit only by lanterns, creating a serene atmosphere.

Tsuru no Yu has English-speaking staff members who will gladly explain the rules and policies of the inn and bath.

Hanamaki Onsenkyo is a group of 12 hot springs along the Ou mountain range of southern Iwate Prefecture. One of them, Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku, is a Japanese-style inn built in the mountains overlooking the clear Toyosawa River.

Osawa Onsen has an affiliated inn called Tojiya, and as a guest of Sansuikaku, you can use both hot springs. There is a wide variety of open-air baths and bath rooms along the river, including a semi-open-air bath with a view of the mountains and a private family bath suitable even for small children.

The inn is surrounded by nature, and it’s refreshing to soak in the hot water while gazing at the mountain scenery of each season. The autumn leaves and the snowy winter scenery, in particular, are a must-see.

The semi-open-air, roofed “Toyosawa no Yu” overlooks trees dyed in red, yellow, and green, and the magnificent view of the autumn leaves bordered by the window frame looks just like a painting.

For a truly memorable winter experience, visit the mixed open-air bath “Osawa no Yu.” From its steaming waters, you can gaze out at the snow-covered bridge, rooftops, and surrounding trees, creating a picture-perfect landscape.

To accommodate those who prefer not to join mixed bathing, Osawa no Yu is reserved exclusively for women from 8 to 9 PM each evening.

At Sansuikaku, you’ll dine on a Japanese course that makes the best use of seasonal ingredients and a menu that changes monthly.

In addition to wild plants and seafood, Hanamaki’s “Hakkinton” brand pork and Iwate’s “Maesawa” beef and “Iwate beef” are also available (subject to change, depending on availability). There is also a children’s set so the whole family can have a wonderful meal.

Tsunagi Onsen, in the heart of Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a hot spring resort famed for its lakeside setting. Overlooking Lake Gosho, the popular Hotel Shion offers guests breathtaking views right from the baths and guestrooms.

Conveniently located just 25 minutes by car from JR Morioka Station—the gateway to Iwate’s many attractions—the hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle bus to and from the station with advance reservation.

All guest rooms boast sweeping views of Lake Gosho, with the option of traditional Japanese-style rooms featuring futon bedding or Western-style rooms with beds. From your window, you can admire not only the tranquil lake but also the majestic scenery of Mount Iwate and the Ou Mountains. Relaxing in the comfort of your room while surrounded by such beauty is a truly luxurious experience.

The hot spring “Hitorijime no Yu” offers a sweeping view of Lake Gosho, while “Nambu Magariya no Yu” features pure spring water flowing directly from the source. Both baths are designed with paper sliding doors between and around them, ensuring a sense of privacy. Surrounded by scenery that resembles a living landscape painting, these baths provide the perfect setting to refresh both body and spirit.

For families or those seeking complete seclusion, the reservable open-air baths are an excellent choice, available for 2,000 yen per 45 minutes.

Another highlight of staying here is the cuisine, showcasing fresh local ingredients from Iwate Prefecture. Dinner is served either in the hotel’s dining hall or kaiseki-style in your guestroom, while breakfast is a generous buffet with around 40 different dishes—perfect for sampling a wide range of flavors.

As the staff speak only Japanese, we recommend having an interpreter join you or using an interpretation app like Google Translate. (Rest assured, international guests have stayed here before.)

The location is also ideal for sightseeing. Morioka Handcrafts Village, where traditional crafts like Nambu ironware are produced, is just a five-minute drive away. Meanwhile, Koiwai Farm, one of Japan’s largest private farms, can be reached in only 15 minutes. With Hotel Shion as your base, exploring Morioka and its surroundings is both easy and rewarding.

Matsushima Ichinobo is located in Matsushima Town, one of Miyagi Prefecture’s most celebrated sightseeing destinations. Nearby, you’ll find highlights such as the national treasure Zuiganji Temple, bustling seafood shops, and scenic excursion boat rides.

The inn is about a 20-minute walk from JR Matsushima-Kaigan Station, and the route itself is lined with popular attractions—making the stroll part of the experience. For those who prefer not to walk, a complimentary shuttle bus is available from the station with no reservation required.

All guest rooms have free Wi-Fi! You can choose from various room types, such as those that have a bath overlooking the garden or come with their own hammock!

In addition to this, there are complimentary toiletries such as toothbrushes and facewash available. The large communal outdoor bath even has toners, cleansers, and hairbrushes!

Matsushima Ichinobo captivates guests with sweeping views of Matsushima Bay, celebrated as one of Japan’s three most scenic spots. The open-air bath on the top floor offers the perfect vantage point, allowing you to soak while gazing out over the bay’s iconic island-studded waters.

The mildly viscous spring is said to have skin-beautifying properties, making it an ideal place to refresh both body and spirit. Don’t miss the chance to rejuvenate while surrounded by one of Japan’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Dining at Matsushima Ichinobo is a memorable experience, with a made-to-order buffet prepared right before your eyes by skilled chefs. The freshness and presentation have left such an impression that international guests often describe it as an experience they would eagerly recommend to friends.

Beyond the meals and baths, the area offers plenty to enjoy, including the Kyohei Fujita Glass Museum, spas with rock salt bedrock baths, and serene water gardens—all easily accessible from the inn. With both Japanese- and English-language services available, Matsushima Ichinobo warmly welcomes guests from around the world.

Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo is nestled in Miyagi Prefecture’s Northeastern town of Minamisanriku. As it’s on elevated ground facing the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy a view of seabirds flying overhead the Shizugawa Bay from guest rooms and the large communal bath. It’s an attractive facility that offers private ocean views!

Free shuttle buses (reservations required) are available for guests from JR Sendai Station. As it’s a 30-minute walk from Rikuzen-Togura Station to the hotel, taking this shuttle bus service is highly recommended (from the facility’s official website).

All guest rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi and a full range of amenities, with ocean-facing rooms offering the added charm of watching seabirds up close.

Minamisanriku Hotel Kanyo is especially renowned for its open-air bath, where the hot spring and the Pacific Ocean seem to merge into one. Bathing in these natural coastal waters while gazing out over the sea is an experience unlike any other.

While the view is beautiful at any time of day, sunrise is truly breathtaking. Watching the sun slowly rise over the ocean from the bath is a moment worth waking up early for—you won’t want to miss it.

As this accommodation facility overlooks the Sanriku Coast, dinner features fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy cuisine made using carefully selected ingredients such as freshly grilled abalone and shark fin soup.

A perk for foreign guests is that there are staff members who speak both English and Chinese. Feel free to ask them for anything during your stay!

Togatta Onsen, resting at the eastern foot of the Zao mountain range in southwestern Miyagi Prefecture, is a hot spring resort with a history that goes back about 400 years. The spring’s hot brown waters include sodium, calcium, sulfate, and chloride springs.

Onsen Sanso Daikon no Hana is a ryokan inn recommended for those who want a quiet family-only visit to Togatta Onsen. The approximately 33,000 square meter site is divided into five areas, each with its own accommodations. There are a mere 18 rooms in 12 buildings scattered throughout the vast forest, offering plenty of private relaxation.

Each building has its own characteristic features, such as a view of a mountain stream or a pond where fireflies live. The “Eboshidake” maisonette in the “Mountain Play” area has separate living rooms and bedrooms and trees growing near the terrace and balcony are close enough to touch.

The maisonette has its own bath so you can use it at your leisure. Family bathing in the refreshing sunrise or under the starry sky is sure to spark memorable conversations.

In addition to the springs and accommodations, the food is another point of pride for the inn. There is a farm on the property, and homegrown vegetables play a leading role in the meals.

For breakfast, an all-you-can-eat salad buffet with freshly picked vegetables and homemade tomato juice is prepared so that you can enjoy fresh vegetables to your heart’s content.

After a leisurely stay in the woods, you can even do some shopping. The main building’s “Mikke” select shop sells traditional crafts and foods from the Tohoku region. Jams and juices made from Zao’s local produce are long-lasting, so they make perfect souvenirs.

A popular facility with both domestic and overseas visitors is Ginzan Onsen. This hot spring village rises from a gorge in northeastern Yamagata Prefecture’s Obanazawa City. It was built at the end of the Taisho period (1912~1926) and towards the beginning of the Showa period (1926~1989). Illuminated by gas lamps, here you’ll find a range of wooden inns and refined traditional Japanese restaurants-enveloping the area in a nostalgic atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Ginsanzo is a popular choice for its fantastic location close to the hot springs! It only takes a five-minute walk to the hot spring village. What’s more, you can add to this traditional Japanese experience by renting out a pair of geta, traditional Japanese wooden sandals with an elevated base, at the front desk.

A free shuttle bus for overnight guests runs from Oishida Station. Those who want to use this service must make a reservation by the day before their stay.

All guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style and give a view of the surrounding greenery. The spacious accommodation is also a hit among foreign guests! We recommend going for a slightly luxurious option and booking a room attached with a bath. As this inn is isolated from the other hot spring facilities, guests can enjoy a peaceful and quiet stay.

A refreshing breeze blows through the open-air baths! Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the hot springs offer cooling scenery in the hot summers. Since the indoor and outdoor baths are connected, guests can enjoy different atmospheres and views without getting out!

Dishes are made with an array of local ingredients, including Yamagata Japanese Black beef. Order some of the region’s spirits to fully enjoy all that Yamagata has to offer!

There are only Japanese-speaking staff, but the official website has English and Chinese guidance.

Located in the Aizu region’s northwest is Kitashiobara Village’s Urabandai Lake Resort. This naturally abundant area has attractive sites such as the mysterious ponds of Goshikinuma and Lake Hibara, where you can enjoy cruise tours.

In addition to this, Urabandai Lake Resort is popular for its guided walking tours, canoe tours, and painting akabeko, Aizu’s signature red bull toy.

Free shuttle buses that run from the nearby Inawashiro Station can be taken without a reservation if there are less than ten passengers. We recommend checking the official website for departure and arrival times before your trip!

The resort has breathtaking views of the nearby lake, while guest rooms offer scenery of the surrounding, nature-filled forest. With a choice of either Japanese or Western-style, all rooms have free wi-fi and amenities.

Furthermore, the resort has a cafe, a bar, a karaoke facility, dartboards, pool tables, and a golf simulator! Even if you check in slightly earlier than planned, you’ll have more than enough to keep you entertained!

The open-air bath’s waters flow freely from the hot spring source! What’s more, here you can enjoy a view of Lake Hibara! This famous, reddish-brown turbid hot spring has been long known as Ogon-no-Yu - golden waters. Because it’s gentle on the skin, this hot spring is said to be the perfect first-time option for small children.

For meals, you can enjoy a buffet-style menu offering over 50 different dishes, a Kaiseki course with dishes made from local ingredients, or a French course that only serves a few groups per day.

Foreign guests can easily stay at this resort due to there being Japanese, English, and Chinese-speaking staff.

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen is located in the center of western Fukushima Prefecture’s Aizu region. It is said that the source of the hot spring was discovered 1300 years ago by the monk Gyoki. The hot spring town’s river is lined with old inns as well as free footbaths and restaurants.

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki is a traditional Japanese-style inn that stands out among its neighboring inns. Founded in 1873, it was once used as a recreational facility by the samurai of the Aizu clan.

Aizu Higashiyama Onsen has a luxurious Japanese-style wooden structure that surrounds a garden. Known for its view along with the Eikanbashi bridge in front of the inn, it is the first Japanese inn to be registered as a tangible cultural property.

If you are staying with your family, the spacious three-room, 32.4 square meter “Special Room Hanare no Ma” suite is recommended.

The Japanese royal family and Hideyo Noguchi (1876-1928), a prominent doctor and bacteriologist from Fukushima Prefecture, are among those who have stayed in this venerable Shoin-zukuri style guest room.

One of the VIP room’s charms is its view of the garden with its ponds and waterfalls. In winter, “Yukimi Candles” placed in bamboo tubes light up the garden, making it possible to experience the luxurious lighting with your whole family from the warmth of your room.

Mukaitaki has three privately-sourced natural hot springs that flow directly from the source. They are colorless, transparent sulfate chloride springs rich in sodium and calcium.

As you rest in the 45 degrees Celsius water, you’ll feel the minerals refreshing your body. The bathroom is decorated with white granite and marble and has a nice retro atmosphere.

Another of the inn’s pleasures is the enjoyment of local Aizuwakamatsu cuisine, such as sweetened carp and pickled herring in Japanese pepper. You can take your time relishing the simple, delicious dishes in the comfort of your room.

*Photos courtesy of Mukaitaki, Aizu Higashiyama Onsen

For a relaxing, refreshing time of bathing and eating amazing meals while surrounded by breathtaking nature, you should definitely plan a family trip to one of Tohoku’s exquisite hot spring inns!

Text by: Shoepress