Mizusawa Onsen-go (水沢温泉郷)

Mizusawa Onsen-go: Deep Blue Vistas and the Soul of Lake Tazawa

Located on the highland plateau overlooking the cerulean depths of Lake Tazawa—Japan’s deepest lake—Mizusawa Onsen-go is a resort that blends sports, relaxation, and ancient mineral power. Founded in the Meiji era, this hot spring village was developed as a base for explorers and mountain lovers. Today, it serves as the premier gateway to the Tazawako Kogen area, offering expansive views of Mt. Akita-Komagatake and the mystical golden statue of Tatsuko. For the international traveler, Mizusawa is the perfect balance: it offers the “Secret Onsen” feel of the nearby Nyuto village but with more spacious, modern facilities and easier access for families.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: Milky Depths and Deep Tubs

The water at Mizusawa is a classic **Milky White Sulfur Spring**. Unlike the transparent waters of the city, this is the “archetypal” Japanese onsen experience.
The “Tazawako Blue” Connection: Much like the lake it overlooks, the water here has a scientific depth. The hydrogen sulfide gas in the water reacts with the air to create a beautiful white opacity that feels silky on the skin.
The Deep Soak: Many facilities, such as the Mizusawa Onsen (Public Bath), are famous for their extra-deep tubs. In some areas, you can stand or sit in water that is up to 1 meter deep, allowing the hydrostatic pressure to work more effectively on your lower body, significantly reducing leg swelling and improving lymphatic drainage.

Top 5 Recommended Stays

• Hotel Grand天空 (Hotel Grand Tenku): A high-end resort offering panoramic views of Lake Tazawa from every room. Their open-air bath is one of the most scenic in northern Japan.
• Mizusawa Onsen Ryokan: A traditional, family-run inn favored by winter sports enthusiasts. It offers a cozy atmosphere and hearty Akita home-cooking.
• Tazawako Kogen Onsen Resort: A large, well-equipped hotel perfect for families, featuring game rooms and English-speaking staff at the front desk.
• Nyuto Onsen Village (Nearby): Only 10 minutes by bus, many travelers stay in Mizusawa for its modern comforts and “Onsen Hop” to the secret baths of Nyuto.
• Yuzaka (Nearby Oyu Onsen): For those seeking a 100% vegan stay, this nearby lodge is the premier choice for plant-based travelers in the Semboku region. [1]

Must-Visit Neighborhood Spots: The Deepest Lake and Golden Maidens

Lake Tazawa (Tazawako): Take the Tazawako Pleasure Boat to see the depth and clarity of the water up close. Visit the **Statue of Tatsuko**, the golden maiden who, according to legend, prayed for eternal beauty and was turned into a dragon to guard the lake. [2]
Mt. Akita-Komagatake: A shuttle bus takes you to the 8th station, from which you can hike through alpine flower fields with a view of the lake that is simply breathtaking.
Go-no-ishi Shrine: A colorful lakeside shrine where the princess Tatsuko is said to have looked at her reflection. It is a major “Power Spot” for visitors seeking beauty and long life. [2]

Local Gastronomy: The Kiritanpo Heritage

The Semboku area is the spiritual home of Akita’s soul food.
Kiritanpo: Mashed rice skewers grilled over charcoal and served in a hot pot with Hinai Jidori chicken.
Vegetarian/Vegan Survival:
For Vegans: Semboku is famous for “Miso-zuke” (vegetables pickled in miso). Request the “Vegetable Kiritanpo”—specify “Konbu-dashi nuki” (use kelp broth only) and no chicken. The local “Tazawako Tofu” is exceptionally dense and rich. For a modern twist, visit the cafes around the lake that serve “Tazawa Soba” with seasonal tempura—be sure to ask for salt instead of the fish-based dipping sauce. [3, 4]

Cultural & Historical Context

Mizusawa Onsen-go reflects the transformation of Akita during the Meiji and Showa eras. It was built during a time when the “National Park” system was being established in Japan, aiming to protect the sublime beauty of Lake Tazawa while providing health to the public. The name “Mizusawa” means “Water Marsh,” signifying the abundance of pure mountain runoff that feeds both the onsen and the lake.

Practical Travel Tips for International Visitors

• Tattoo Policy: Mizusawa is more “resort-style” than “secret-style,” meaning policies are slightly more formal. Small tattoos covered by a sticker are accepted in all facilities. For large art, the **Mizusawa Onsen Public Bath** is the most accommodating.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi is excellent in the major hotels but can be spotty in the smaller Minshuku. Mobile signal is strong near the lake.
• Cash & Payments: Major hotels accept credit cards. However, the **bus from Tazawako Station** and the local noodle shops are **strictly cash-only**.
• Language: The Tazawako Tourist Information Center (“Folake”) at the station has excellent English support and can help with bus schedules to Mizusawa.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Mizusawa will host the “Tazawako Blue Marathon” finishing at the onsen village for a celebratory soak. For the 2026 season, new “Starlight Glamping” domes are being built near the Komagatake trailhead, allowing guests to stay in luxury under the stars and walk to the Mizusawa baths.

Safety & Manners

In the winter, the roads around Lake Tazawa can be extremely icy. Always use the Ugo Kotsu bus if you are not experienced with snow driving. In the onsen, do not put your towel in the white water; it is considered unhygienic. Because the water is opaque, be careful when walking in the tub as you cannot see the steps.