Retreat into the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan (蔦温泉旅館), a historic sanctuary with a legacy spanning over a thousand years. This hidden gem of Aomori is world-renowned for its rare free-flowing hot springs, where thermal waters bubble directly up through the beechwood floorboards of the bathtubs, untouched by the air. The main building, a stunning example of Taisho-era wooden architecture built in 1918, offers a nostalgic atmosphere favored by legendary Japanese authors. Perfectly situated near the entrance of the Oirase Gorge and the ethereal Tsutanuma Pond, the ryokan in Aomori serves as an ideal base for hikers and photographers looking to capture the “Fire Foliage” of autumn.
What to Expect at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
Tsuta Onsen’s Hot Spring Facility
Tsuta Onsen currently has two bathing areas. The Kyuan no Yu (久安の湯) is an area you may want to watch out for, as each gender is assigned to specific time slots. Please check with the reception for the timeslots to avoid any potentially embarrassing moments…(´▽｀*).
Senkyo no Yu (泉響の湯) has a high ceiling. The vertical distance between the hot spring pool and the ceiling is 12 meters. So the water sound echoes nicely here.
Kyuan no Yu and Senkyo no Yu are available for the ryokan guests to enjoy from 10 am to 9 am the next day.
The ryokan also has a private bath you can rent. It costs 4,000 yen per 50 minutes. Please speak to the reception staff if you are interested upon arrival.
- If you are a day visitor, it will cost 1,000 yen to bathe at Tsuta Onsen (500 yen for elementary school students).
- A hand towel costs 300 yen to purchase
- A bath towel costs 500 yen to rent.
- You can bathe between 10 am to 3 pm.
- The last admission is at 2:30 pm.
What to Watch Out for Before Making a Booking
There are quite a few different types of rooms at Tsuta Onsen. Some are equipped with Western bedding, while others have only Japanese futon beds.
The other thing to note is that, before you book, there are 4 room types (the luxurious ones include a private bath). So if you don’t want to share your relaxing bathing time with strangers, you may consider reserving the luxurious ones (‘ω’)ノ.
Other things to note are that the cheapest room type, Hinabi (鄙び), doesn’t have an air conditioner or a fridge. Moreover, since the building is old, noise from the corridor and nearby rooms can be heard. Thus, only adults are allowed to stay at Hinabi.
HERE is the link to their official English website. Please also find below information that may be useful if you do decide to make a reservation (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ
The Useful Information About Tsuta Onsen
- Tsuta Onsen is closed from late November to the end of March.
- There is free pick-up (at 3 pm) and drop-off (at 9:30 am) services to and from Shichinohe Towada Station (七戸十和田駅). The meeting point is at the Shichinohe Town Tourism Information Center (七戸町観光交流センター), located at the station’s south exit.
- If you want to be surrounded by fireflies, consider visiting Tsuta Onsen in July.
- Please don’t bring in food when you stay at Tsuta Onsen. Bringing your own drinks is allowed, but there will be an extra charge.
Tip: If you are a vegetarian like us, don’t forget to inform them of your dietary requirements when you book (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Exploring the Stunning Ponds Around Tsuta Onsen Ryokan
When you need a break from the onsen, a hike to the Tsuta Nananuma (The Seven Ponds of Tsuta) is the perfect thing to enjoy the pristine beech forests of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. You can explore six of the ponds via the Numa Meguri no Komichi, a gentle 2.9-kilometer nature trail that doubles as a pristine bird sanctuary.
For more information, please refer to our Tsuta Nananuma Ponds article!
Traveling South to Oirase Gorge
Oirase Gorge is a must-visit in Aomori, especially when you plan to spend a night at Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. So what to see in Oirase Gorge? Instead of just wandering around after getting off the bus, you can prepare to fully enjoy your visit with some knowledge about the stunning 14-km gorge.
Refer to our Oirase Gorge article for a clear picture of what to expect on the day. Tips are also included!
