Tsuru no Yu, located in the Nyuto Onsen Town district in Akita Prefecture, is often referred to as one of the best Onsen experiences in Japan. It dates back to the 1600s and is largely left untouched, with traditional thatched wooden roofs and housing, and is surrounded by forests and mountains.
However, one of the most famous points are the outdoor mixed-gender Onsen baths, which have a milky color and are said to have many benefits. They are often featured in tourism promotions/photographs.
You are also provided with a traditional Japanese Ryokan meal, which include various traditional and local foods such as Fish, or Mountain Vegetables.
The Ryokan accomodation often books out MONTHS prior, even when I called about 4 months earlier I couldn’t get the day I wanted.
This is also partly due to the isolation of the location, being only accessible by car or a provided shuttle bus. Futhermore, to book this Onsen, you either need to call the Onsen or fax to book your accommodation, which largely requires some degree of Japanese.
To get here from Tokyo:
Catch the Akita Shinkansen “Komachi” to Tazawako Station (Approx 3 hours, all seats are reserved)
Then catch a bus from Tazawako Station to Arupa Komakusa, where the Ryokan’s shuttle bus will normally be waiting for you.
AloJapan.com