Tsuta Onsen Ryokan, Towada

Tsuta Onsen Ryokan is a historic hot spring inn located in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of Japan. Records of bathing facilities at this site date back to 1147, making it one of Japan's oldest hot spring retreats. The current main building, a two-story wooden structure now used as the entrance and guest rooms, was constructed in 1918, though the modern ryokan was established in 1909. The inn has welcomed numerous writers and celebrities throughout the twentieth century seeking relaxation in its secluded mountain setting.

The ryokan sits halfway up Hakkoda Mountain at the entrance to Oirase Gorge, surrounded by dense beech forests that form part of the Lake Towada Forest. The property is recognized as one of Japan's 100 famous ground source onsens, a designation that highlights its exceptional natural hot spring. The baths feature water that flows directly from underground sources beneath the tubs without touching air, a rarity in Japan. The signature bath, Senkyo no Yu, features ceiling heights reaching up to 12 meters, creating remarkable acoustics where the sound of flowing spring water echoes throughout the space.

Visitors can explore the Tsuta Seven Lakes nature trail, which begins at the ryokan and winds through beech forests to six ponds including Tsutanuma, the largest. The area serves as a bird sanctuary where species such as the Mandarin duck and ruddy kingfisher can be observed. The ryokan houses 50 guest rooms featuring traditional tatami mat floors, shoji screens, and low furniture, with accommodations ranging from historic rooms with intricate woodcarvings to more modern additions with elevators. Guests receive kaiseki-style dinners featuring seasonal ingredients from Aomori and buffet breakfasts highlighting local produce. The property also includes a museum displaying works by poet Ōmachi Keigetsu, who helped popularize the Lake Towada region.

The ryokan is located approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes from Haneda Airport by airplane and bus. Alternatively, travelers can take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shichinohe-Towada Station (approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes), then connect to the ryokan via shuttle bus (about 1 hour). Free shuttle service from Shichinohe-Towada Station requires reservation at least 3 days in advance. The JR bus service also connects the ryokan to Lake Towada and Aomori Station. Nightly rates typically range from ¥30,000 to ¥45,000 per person, including dinner and breakfast.