
After getting the best of the colourful waters of Lake Tazawa, a great compliment to a journey around Senboku City is a trip up the surrounding mountains to the east of the lake and up Roads 127 and Road 194. This mountainous area is home to Mount Komagatake and to the Nyuto Onsen Resort and thus is perfect for leisure hikes along forest trails, a more challenging trek up to Mount Komagatake, and of course a subsequent relaxing bath in one of the seven ryokans that make up the Nyuto Onsen Park.
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If you want to combine a leisurely hike and an onsen experience, you can get on the Shin-oku path that begins at the Tsuru No Yu Onsen, which takes you up and down the mountains along serene rivers and connects all the seven famous onsens in the national park. You can take a dip in all the baths as they are open to daytime bathers or simply complete the round-trip back to Tsuru No Yu which takes approximately 3 hours.
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa
For a more challenging trek and to enjoy the views of the area from higher ground, you want to head up to Mount Komagatake. Akita’s Komagatake is 1,637 metres high and thus one of the highest mountains in the prefecture. Here you can choose from several peaks including Yokodake, Medake, Odake, and Onamedake, the mountain’s highest peaks. If you take up the challenge, the climb will start at the 8th Station and at an elevation of 1,305 metres.
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa
To reach this starting point, head to Arupa Komakusa, a public onsen and information centre providing climbing information on Komagatake and the wildlife around the area. For those traveling during the weekends and holidays this is a must stop before doing the climb. This is where you’ll catch the shuttle bus up to the 8th Station.
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa
- Arupa Komakusa
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5 Reviews -
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- Akita Pref. Sembokushi Tazawakobonai Komagatake 2-16
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- 0187462101
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- [Apr.- Nov.]9:00-19:00(Last …
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View AllDue to the limited space at the 8th Station parking lots, cars are not permitted up to this point on weekends so there’s no other way up unless you want walk all the way to the top. During weekdays cars can go up and driving is a good alternative to take your own time in the mountain.
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa
After the trek, there is no better way to recover than soaking in one of the iconic onsens that make Nyuto Onsen National Park such a special destination. The beauty of Lake Tazawa is that you can choose from seven different ryokans and their variety of baths. You can either dedicate your onsen experience to one ryokan and get the most out of the various baths styles and qualities that each place offers, or you can hop on the “Yumeguri Go” or onsen hopping bus and for 1,800 yen go around the park and take a quick dip in the baths in the area. All the ryokans are well worth the visit, but we particularly recommend Tsuru No Yu within their baths nestled in between the historic wooden buildings and a passing water stream.
Beyond the Lakeshore and Into the Mountains of Lake Tazawa