Introducing the charms of Akakura Onsen (Niigata), day trip and accommodation facilities, and nearby restaurants

Basic information about Akakura Onsen

Akakura Onsen is a precious hot spring that combines two spring qualities: sulfate springs and bicarbonate springs. The general indications for both spring qualities (indications common to all therapeutic springs) are as follows:

In addition, the indications for each spring quality (indications unique to Akakura Onsen) are as follows:

Other well-known benefits include "beautiful skin" and "fertility."

Akakura Onsen also has a system for certifying "hot spring sommeliers," and is said to be the birthplace of hot spring sommeliers. Please be sure to experience the therapeutic hot springs (hot springs with spring quality that is particularly useful for therapeutic treatment) that are the pride of this place where hot spring bathing specialists are born.

Akakura Onsen's recommended day-trip hot spring facilities

We will introduce some recommended day-trip hot spring facilities in Akakura Onsenkyo. If you want to casually enjoy the feeling of traveling on a day trip, if you are planning a short trip, or if you want to easily refresh your tired body at Akakura Onsen, be sure to check them out.

Kogakuro

At Kogakuro, you can enjoy Akakura Onsen's hot spring waters straight from the source. Because the water is not filtered, heated, or circulated, you can see black and white particles called "yunohana" (hot spring deposits) mixed into the water while you soak.

However, since "Yunohana" is a unique phenomenon seen in hot springs that contain many beneficial ingredients, there is no problem if it is mixed in with the water. Think of it as proof that you are in a genuine hot spring and enjoy it.

Kogakuro offers day trip plans that include not only bathing, but also meals. This is a must-see for those who want to enjoy meals at a hot spring inn even on a day trip. Enjoy colorful seasonal ingredients and Echigo's famous sake at their best at the time.

Akakura Hotel

Akakura Hotel is an accommodation facility that also accepts day-trip bathers. All of the baths at Akakura Hotel are natural hot springs that flow directly from the source and are full of "Yunohana" (hot spring mineral deposits).

Akakura Hotel is a long-established hotel with over 100 years of history, and boasts the largest amount of hot spring water in the Akakura Onsen area. You can enjoy a variety of baths, including large public baths, open-air baths, jacuzzis, and mixed-gender open-air baths (seasonal only).

However, it may not be possible to use the baths for day trips when the facility is reserved for private use or when it is crowded, so it is best to call the hotel in advance to inquire.

The building is decorated with seasonal flowers and beautiful paintings. If you find a painting you like, you can purchase it, so if you're interested, why not check it out?

Recommended accommodations in Akakura Onsen

If you have time, after soaking in the hot springs and enjoying the delicious food, you'll want to stay overnight and relax. Here we will introduce some recommended accommodations in Akakura Onsen.

Akakura Tourist Hotel

Akakura Kanko Hotel is located at an altitude of 1,000m and offers beautiful views of the sea of clouds that can sometimes be seen below.

The view from the large public bath is also wonderful, allowing you to enjoy a bath while taking in the unobstructed view.

There is also a private family bathroom available for hire, so if you'd like to relax and enjoy the hot springs without worrying about being seen by others, why not consider using it?

The views from the guest rooms are also wonderful, divided into rooms with views of Mt. Myoko and Lake Nojiri. Most of the rooms are Western-style, but Japanese-style rooms for groups are also available, so it is recommended that you inquire about availability when staying at the hotel.

There are five different dining facilities, so you can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from Japanese to Western, to suit your mood.

There is also a gym that guests can use free of charge, so we recommend working out to your heart's content and then enjoying Akakura's hot springs.

Okayama Ryokan

Okayama Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn surrounded by vast grounds and greenery, and is filled with the warmth of wood.

At "Ryokan Okayama", you can enjoy three types of baths: the open-air bath "Shirakaba no Yu" where you can bathe while gazing at the starry sky, the private bath "Donguri no Yu" where you can enjoy without worrying about others, and the recently renovated indoor bath "Hinoki no Uchiburo". All of the baths are 100% natural spring water, with no circulation or topping up.

The rooms are mainly Japanese modern in style, with sophisticated accessories and room designs that are appealing. From the windows you can enjoy the view of Mt. Myoko in all four seasons.

The dishes are made by hand using carefully selected ingredients such as seasonal seafood from the Sea of Japan, fresh locally grown vegetables, and Koshihikari rice from Myoko. In addition, they also have a selection of fine sake (Japanese sake) that goes well with Japanese food, so it is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy their meal with delicious local sake.

If you want to enjoy hot springs and Japanese culture, be sure to check it out.

Other facilities near Akakura Onsen

There are also many restaurants around Akakura Onsen. Here we have compiled a list of the most noteworthy establishments in the area, so be sure to check them out.

Miyoshiya

"Miyoshiya" is a restaurant where you can try Akakura Onsen's local delicacy, "Red Yakisoba."

"Red Yakisoba" has a bright red appearance, which may give you the impression that it is spicy, but the red color is actually due to the highland vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers used in the sauce.

It's not actually spicy, so even children can enjoy it without worry.

On social media, there were comments expressing surprise that it was "not spicy," and reviews saying it was "worthy of being called a local specialty." If you visit Akakura Onsen, why not give this local delicacy named after the "red" (red) dish a try?

Hot Spring Manju Manjudo

"Onsen Manju Manjudo" is a shop where you can try the local manju of Akakura Onsen.

The hot spring manju are carefully made one by one in the store's own factory, and are then packaged and sold fresh.

The two-tone dough, made with white and brown sugar, has a fluffy texture. The balance of the homemade koshian paste made with Hokkaido red beans inside is exquisite, and although the size is filling, you'll find it easy to eat.

Its popularity can be seen from word of mouth, with comments such as "The freshly made dough is delicious" and "It goes well with roasted green tea."

I'd love to try some authentic hot spring manju at least once.

Ski Resort

Myoko City in Niigata Prefecture is home to two ski resorts that represent the region: Akakura Onsen Ski Resort and Akakura Kanko Resort Ski Resort.

Akakura Onsen Ski Resort has wide runs and a wide slope. It has many gentle slopes, making it an easy ski resort for beginners to intermediate skiers.

On the other hand, Akakura Kanko Ski Resort has many courses for intermediate to advanced skiers. Its attractive design includes ungroomed areas and long downhill areas from the summit to the base of the mountain. Akakura Kanko Ski Resort is especially recommended for those who want to enjoy high-quality powder snow.

The slopes of both ski resorts are adjacent to each other, and you can travel between the two resorts by using the lifts.

After a day of skiing or snowboarding, it's nice to be able to fully relax and soothe your tired body at Akakura Onsen.

[Akakura Onsen Ski Resort]

[Akakura Tourist Resort Ski Area]

Snowliner is convenient for skiing and snowboarding

If you are heading to the Myoko area to ski or snowboard, we recommend the Snow Liner, an express bus that goes directly to the slopes.

A trip to a ski resort can be tiring because you end up with a lot of luggage, but a direct bus is extremely convenient because you can simply go to the bus meeting point and it will take you to your desired ski resort.

You can store heavy luggage in the storage compartment on the bus, greatly reducing the burden on your travels.

Another great thing about this route is that you can reach your destination on a single bus without having to change trains.

The Snow Liner can be used both on the way there and back, so it is especially recommended for those who don't want to exert themselves physically while traveling or who are concerned about fatigue after exercise.

The direct bus "Snow Liner" can be easily booked, so if you're heading to a ski resort in the Hakuba area, be sure to consider using it.

Snowliner reservations here

Relax in the hot springs and enjoy the spectacular views of Mt. Myoko

Akakura Onsen is a special place to soak in while taking in the spectacular view of Mt. Myoko. Be sure to enjoy Akakura Onsen to your heart's content at the day-trip hot spring facilities and accommodations introduced in this article.

There are restaurants in the area where you can try local delicacies, as well as two ski resorts with different levels of difficulty, so be sure to visit when you're sightseeing in Akakura Onsen.

If you are going to the ski resort, the direct bus Snowliner is convenient, so why not consider using this service as well?