The Best onsen Inns and ryokan Recommended by the Japan Society for the Preservation of Secret Hot Springs (Mixed Bathing Edition)
onsen inns of the "Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs of Japan" never cease to fascinate onsen lovers. This time, we will introduce inns around the country that have wonderful mixed-bathing baths that couples and families will want to use. Although it may be a little difficult to get to, there are plenty of attractions, such as spots rich in nature and inns with a historical atmosphere. Many places are also considerate to women, so why not give it a try? We will introduce a carefully selected list of recommended ryokan.
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This inn, run by the Japan Society for the Preservation of Secret Hot Springs, continues to fascinate onsen lovers.
This time we will be introducing "mixed bathing". Ladies who think it might be a bit of a hurdle needn't worry. This time we have carefully selected some wonderful mixed baths that you will not regret trying. All of the inns are registered with the "Japan Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs", so you can't go wrong. We will introduce you to some wonderful mixed bathing onsen where couples, families, and everyone can relax in the bath together.
1. Tsuru-no-yu onsen a hidden hot onsen in the Nyuto Onsen area (Akita)
A mixed-gender open-air bath that is among the best in Japan in terms of popularity, fame, and spring quality.
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We will start by introducing Nyuto onsen in Akita, famous for its large open-air bath that is synonymous with mixed bathing.
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Located in the mountains further from Lake Tazawa, this popular onsen resort is reminiscent of a snowy country. We recommend taking a tour of the hot springs while enjoying the scenery.
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The quality of the spring is so good that the whole town smells of sulfur. The water here is very white and murky, so once you get in you won't have to worry about people looking at you. The lighting up after sunset is also very beautiful, so you can enjoy the hot onsen to your heart's content all day long.
Detailed information
Nyuto onsen Secret Hot onsen Tsuru no Yu Onsen
Akita /Nyuto onsen / ryokan
- address
- 50 Sendatsuzawa National Forest, Lake Tazawa, Senboku Akita
- access
- 60 minutes by car from Morioka IC
2. Hoshi onsen Chojukan (Gunma)
"Hoshi-no-yu" is a bathhouse filled with historical romance (there are times when it is only open to women)
Don't forget about Hoshi onsen in Gunma that has been in business for over 140 years. It is an inn nestled in the mountains surrounded by beautiful nature.
This historical and atmospheric "Hoshi-no-yu" is a mixed bath. The bathtub, which was built over 100 years ago, is very impressive! It's also interesting to see the 100% pure spring water bubbling up from under your feet. The water in "Hoshi-no-yu" is crystal clear and towels are not allowed, but there is a ladies-only time slot between 8pm and 10pm, so give it a try when the time comes.
The water is a colorless, transparent calcium-sodium sulfate spring (gypsum spring) at 43°C, and is effective for treating various illnesses including gastrointestinal ailments, burns, and arteriosclerosis.Source: Bath Information of Hoshi onsen Chojukan Official Website
The indoor bath "Tamaki-no-yu" is made entirely of cypress and is divided into men's and women's baths on a time-shift basis. It's reassuring to know that there are other lovely baths to relax in besides the mixed baths.
Detailed information
Hoshi onsen Chojukan
Gunma /Minakami/ ryokan
- address
- Gunma 650 Nagai, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun
- access
- 50 minutes by bus bound for Hoshi Onsen, changing to Sarugakyo from Jomo-onsen Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen / 25 km from the Tsukiyono IC on the Kanetsu Expressway (about 40 minutes)
3. Yukiakari Inn (Nagano)
onsen coming from the river! Recommended for those who want to experience an open-air bath (women-only times available)
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Next, we would like to introduce "Yukiakari, a Hidden Inn" in Shimominochi District, Nagano, where onsen gush out from the river. As it is a snowy region that straddles Nagano and Niigata, you can feel the power of nature throughout the four seasons.
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There is a river with onsen just a 5-minute walk from the inn! The rustic baths, where you dig your own bathtub, are very popular with children. You can enjoy bathing in a swimsuit, so in the summer it feels like playing in the river.
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The open-air bath inside the inn is also a mixed-gender bath, but there are times when it is reserved for women only.
Spring quality: calcium, sodium, chloride, sulfur salt onsen
Effective for: joint pain, motor paralysis, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.Source: Kiriaki onsen, foot of Mt. Naeba, snow light, Akiyamago Nagano Prefecture
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Contribution of wandering swallow
It's perfect for a family trip to onsen. You can also experience the large-scale nature that only a hidden hot spring can offer in the surrounding area of the inn.
Detailed information
Yukiakari, a secluded inn
Nagano / Sakae Village / ryokan
- address
- Nagano Prefecture, Shimoinan County, Sakai Village, Sakai 17879-1
- access
- Get off at Echigo Yuzawa Station, take the bus to Tsunan Town Hall, and take the Minami Echigo Tourist Bus to Midama. Between Midama and Kiriaki, the bus is operated by Morimiya Kotsu.
Detailed information
Yukiakari, a secluded inn
Sakae Village Other / ryokan and guesthouses
- address
- Nagano Shimoinan County, Sakai Village, Sakaikiriaki 17879-1
data provision
I'd love to take a mixed bath like this!
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Wouldn't you like to try a mixed bath like this? This is a mixed bathing onsen is especially recommended for couples and families. Although it is not exactly easy to access, it is perfect for a quiet adult trip. Please come and experience the tranquility and natural scenery that you can't experience in the city.
▼For more articles introducing recommended accommodations by the Japan Society for Preserving Secret Hot Springs, please click here