Tazawako Highland Hot Spring Village

Tazawako Highland Hot Spring Village, known locally as Tazawako Kogen Onsen-kyo, is a mountain resort area situated at approximately 600 meters elevation in the highlands of Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. The hot spring village developed during the latter half of the 20th century as part of regional tourism expansion around Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake. The area capitalizes on its proximity to both the famous caldera lake and the natural geothermal activity characteristic of the Tohoku volcanic region.

The village's thermal waters are classified as sodium-chloride springs, drawing from underground sources heated by residual volcanic activity. The waters typically maintain temperatures between 60-70 degrees Celsius at the source and are noted for their smooth texture and skin-softening properties. The highland setting provides visitors with panoramic views of the surrounding Ou Mountains and seasonal landscapes, from spring cherry blossoms to winter powder snow that supports nearby ski operations at Tazawako Ski Resort.

Visitors come primarily for the traditional onsen bathing experience available at several ryokan (Japanese inns) and public bathhouses throughout the village. The facilities range from large communal indoor baths to outdoor rotenburo pools that allow bathing while viewing mountain scenery. Many accommodations offer day-use bathing options for non-overnight guests. The village serves as a base for exploring Lake Tazawa, located approximately 10 kilometers away, and for accessing winter sports facilities during the snow season from December through March.

Access to Tazawako Highland Hot Spring Village requires traveling to Tazawako Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen line, which connects to Tokyo in approximately 3 hours. From the station, local buses operate to the highland area with journey times of around 15-20 minutes, though service frequency varies seasonally. Visitors with private vehicles can reach the village via National Route 341. Most onsen facilities charge day-use bathing fees ranging from 500-1,000 yen per person, while overnight accommodation rates vary by establishment and season.