The Tohoku region is renowned for its mountains, rice fields, snowfall and hot springs (onsen). Among these onsen is a rare and increasingly uncommon type of bath called konyoku—mixed-gender baths. These baths have been a part of Japanese tradition for centuries. However, as time passed, new laws and social taboos have made these mixed gender baths increasingly rare. Whether you’re visiting to relax in hot, mineral-rich waters surrounded by heavy snow or seeking refuge from the summer heat in a more secluded spot, here are our top picks for mixed-gender hot springs in Tohoku.
1. Aoni Onsen (Aomori)
Are you longing for a magical, off-the-grid getaway? Aoni Onsen, also known as Lamp no Yado, is the place for you. This ryokan (Japanese Inn) uses oil lamps to light up the building and kerosene to keep the rooms cozy during the chilly seasons. Very little electricity is used at all. The mixed-gender outdoor bath is cozy and rejuvenating, while the tranquil woods surrounding it have their own mentally clarifying properties.
2. Semi Onsen (Iwate)
Book a stay at Semi Onsen for a luxurious ryokan experience and an outdoor mixed bath. Just under three hours away by Shinkansen, Semi Onsen is a perfect getaway from the busy neon lights of Tokyo.
3. Sukayu (Aomori)
A ryokan with over 300 years of history, Sukayu is the snowiest inhabited place on earth and a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the Japan of old. Sukayu is also known for its all beech wood, indoor mixed-gender bath. It draws travelers and adventurers from all over the world. Named the senjin buro, or bath of a thousand bathers, this unisex hot spring is huge and iconic in the realm of konyoku onsen.
4. Tae no Yu (Akita)
Taenoyu is a rustic ryokan located in Nyuto Onsen, where a cluster of Japanese inns is nestled in the mountains of Akita Prefecture. The outdoor mixed bath has a milky caramel appearance that leaves your skin feeling cleansed and refreshed. Enjoy the beautiful view of the river that flows right beside you as soak with your friends or partner.
5. Todoroki Ryokan (Miyagi)
With a large bath that can fit close to 20 people, Todoroki Ryokan is excellent for a romantic getaway or groups of friends. The mixed outdoor onsen has crystal clear water with a view of a large garden sprawled before you. Todoroki Ryokan has only seven rooms, which creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
6. Saiunsou (Iwate)
What’s better than one konyoku bath? Five of them! Saiunsou is located in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, which is famous for its diverse ecosystems and volcanic activity. Due to this, Saiunsou has many baths— 11 in all—with beautiful views all year long. A unique characteristic of the park is that some of the baths have silky mud floors with bubbles floating up caused by the volcanic activity.
7. Tsuru no Yu (Akita)
Legend says that a wounded crane healed itself with the water from Tsuru no Yu thousands of years ago. Today, Tsuru no Yu has a beautiful ryokan that attracts visitors from all over the world to soak in its waters. This famous ryokan is in high demand, making it imperative to make ryokan reservations months in advance during the busy holiday seasons. However, day passes are available if you only want to get a taste of mixed bathing.
8. Ubayu Onsen (Yamagata)
Ubayu Onsen is a family business that has been around for 450 years and 17 generations. With history and tradition seeping through its walls, floating in its light turquoise water is the final touch for a feel of “old Japan.” The water in this bath isn’t very hot, which makes it easy to soak for hours.
Do you know of any mixed gender hot springs in Tohoku? Let us know in the comments!
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