Hello! Today I would like to introduce "Doroyu Onsen Okuyama Ryokan" located in Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture. The depth of the mountains, the overwhelming sense of nature, and above all, the wild healing power of the open-air mud baths... this is an inn that hot spring lovers will not be able to resist. Let us explain its charms in a gentle way, as if it were a blog.
What kind of place is Mud Baths? A secluded hot spring in a small basin
Doroyu Onsen is located in the mountains of Yuzawa City, Akita Prefecture, around the northeastern foot of Mt. Takamatsu at an elevation of approximately 630 meters. This is a quiet area surrounded by trees with hot water rising in the midst of nature. There are few lodging facilities, and the sounds of the mountains, streams, water, and wind will make you forget your daily life.
As the name suggests, it features "nigori (muddy) hot water" in which the water becomes muddy (particles like "mud" float in the air). The open-air baths are filled with dancing hot spring water and the steam from the cloudy sulfur spring. Visitors are enveloped by the mood of a secluded hot spring.
Spring quality and types of baths: 3 sources of hot springs
What is the main attraction of Okuyama Ryokan?Three SourcesIt is to have You can enjoy different hot water depending on the day, time of day, and bathtub.
| Source Name | feature |
|---|---|
| Tengu no Yu | It is used in the mixed bathing open-air bath and the inner baths for men and women separately, and is grayish-white cloudy water with slightly acidic eyes. It is moist and smooth. It is also a fountainhead where a legend remains. |
| hot water just poured into a river | Used in the open-air bath for women only. Simple sulfur spring (hydrogen sulfide type), easy to warm and gentle to the touch. |
| clean, freshly poured bath | It is a fountainhead poured into a large open-air bath, and is a simple spring that is relatively close to being transparent. A place with a strong sense of openness of natural scenery and hot water surface. |
Since these three are used separately in the bathtub, without blending them, the bathtub is a fun place to choose "Which hot water do you like today?" and have the pleasure of choosing which hot water is best for today.
The temperature of the hot spring is about 67°C at the source. Since it is hot, it is necessary to adjust the temperature by adding water or choosing a tepid bathtub if the water temperature is too high.
Charm of open-air baths: a sense of openness and oneness with nature
The highlight of Okuyama Ryokan's open-air baths is the "large open-air bath. The spacious open-air baths are separated for men and women, and the blue-white nigori (nigori) hot water is poured over the baths.
There is also a mixed bathing open-air bath "Tengu no Yu". There is a difference in height between the upper and lower bathtubs, and some bathtubs are positioned to look down on the riverside scenery, and the sound of a natural stream can be heard...an open-air bath with a strong onsen + nature observation element.
However, the "large open-air bath" is often closed during the winter season (approximately from early November to late April), so please be careful when you visit.
The appearance as an inn and how to spend time
Okuyama Ryokan is a two-story wooden ryokan with a good old-fashioned atmosphere. It has nine rooms. Dinner is often prepared with local wild vegetables and Yuzawa and Minase beef, allowing guests to enjoy the bounty of the mountains. The plan including breakfast and dinner starts at about 19,800 yen (per adult, 2-3 persons in a Japanese-style room).
The facilities include yukata, towels, bath towels, toothbrushes, shampoos, etc., but they have more of a "simple, therapeutic hot spring atmosphere" than luxuriousness. Although the facilities are old, they are well maintained, and many people say that the Showa-esque atmosphere is comfortable.
There is also a store and a parking lot (about 20 cars). The hot spring resort also offers day-trip bathing hours, and people come to enjoy the open-air baths and other facilities even if they are not staying overnight.
Access and tips on when to visit
Access is a bit difficult, but this inconvenience is part of the charm of the hidden hot springs.
- Nearest station: Approximately 40 minutes by car from JR Yuzawa Station. Since it is on a mountain road, please be sure to use a navigation system to get there comfortably.
- 20 parking spaces available. Visiting may be difficult without a car.
- Season: Note that the large open-air baths are not available during the winter season (approx. November to late April). The open-air baths are often closed due to snow, ice, or snow accumulation.
- Check-in time is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., etc. If you go late, you will have limited time to enjoy the hot springs and meals, so you should visit well in advance.
The "time of charm" I felt when I visited.
The other day, I stayed overnight and soaked in the open-air bath and looked up at the sky. The sunset was beginning to reflect on the mountain ridges, and with the silhouettes of the trees and the sound of the river, the cloudy white water enveloped my skin, and I had a moment when I thought, "I'm glad I came all this way. The calmness of the indoor bath, the quietness of the night, and the feeling of being alive as I felt the steam of the new hot water in the cool morning air... I was reminded once again of such trivial impressions that can be found in a hidden hot spring.
The bath guard and proprietress were warm and attentive, asking questions such as "Is it cold?" and "How is the water temperature?
Note: How to enjoy a good hot spring and be careful
- Since there is a large difference in water temperature, those who are not accustomed to it can easily go from hot water to lukewarm water and back again in that order.
- Some people consider bringing their own swimsuits and bathing suits, as there are also mixed bathing open-air baths. It is also important to check the manners and hours of the mixed bathing areas.
- People with sensitive skin should be careful about the strength of the sulfur spring and hydrogen sulfide. It is safe to enter while testing the smell and skin irritation.
- Open-air baths may be closed in winter. It is best to inquire on the official website or at the inn before going.
Summary of spot information
- Spot Name：Doroyu Onsen Okuyama Ryokan
- Category：Hot spring resorts (unexplored hot springs, one-house inns and hot-spring cures)
- Address: 25 Mudoyuzawa, Takamatsu, Yuzawa, Akita, 019-0404, Japan
- Phone: 0183-79-3021
- Source: Three fountainheads (tengu no yu, kawayu, and arayu) each with different spring quality
- Type of hot spring: Large open-air bath, mixed bathing open-air bath, women-only open-air bath, and indoor hot water
- Spring quality: Mainly sulfur spring, simple sulfur spring, weakly acidic elements, etc. Muddy water and hot spring flowers are available.
- Number of rooms: 9 rooms (mainly Japanese-style rooms)
- Check-in / Check-out: 15:00-17:00 / 10:00 (depending on plan)
- Day-trip bathing available. Parking lot for 20 cars. Access: 40 minutes by car from Yuzawa Station.
A Closing Word
Doroyu Onsen Okuyama Ryokan is the perfect place for those who want to quietly enjoy the "luxury of bathing in cloudy white water in the midst of nature. The unique atmosphere of the secluded hot spring, the variety of hot water spun from three different sources, the starry sky on a quiet night, and the taste of the open-air baths on a rainy day... all will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Why don't you take a break from your busy daily life and spend some time facing nature, hot water, and yourself? The mud baths will surely help you unwind.
Be sure to visit someday!