Following the mist into the valley:

Kuroyu to Magoroku Onsen
October 21, 2025 — Nyuto Onsen Valley, Akita, Japan

If we walk a little further past Kuroyu Onsen, we'll arrive at Magoroku Onsen, another hot spring hidden deep in the valley.

The path descends downhill through a grove of colorful trees, forming a natural barrier on both sides. As we approach the inn, the black wooden buildings contrast sharply with the orange and yellow leaves.

Magoroku is a small onsen, not as famous as Tsurunoyu or Taenoyu, but charming in its simplicity. The baths are situated along a small stream that flows alongside the inn.

The first thing that strikes you is the smell—not the sound of water, nor the sight of the rock pools—but the faint smell of sulfur, wafting in the air involuntarily.

Many people dislike it, some avoid it, but this smell is actually the mountain's signature. It comes from underground minerals that have been pushed up through fault lines. Sometimes the smell is strong, sometimes it's completely odorless. It all depends on what you're standing on... under your feet.

📌 Trivia:
• This area was once home to mining workers during the Meiji era. Many onsen (hot springs) sprang up along the route that transported raw materials.
• Konyoku, or mixed-gender baths, remain in Kuroyu, a cultural phenomenon that Japan once considered natural before Western culture imposed restrictions on privacy.
• Magoroku, although not as old as Tsurunoyu, stands out for its contemporary and traditional atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility in nature without sacrificing basic conveniences.

🎒 Additional recommendations for explorers:
• The Nyuto Onsen route has seven baths in total, accessible in one day if you start early and avoid all of them.
• We recommend wearing waterproof and slippery shoes, as some sections of the path leading down to the baths can be muddy, especially in autumn and winter.

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