Nurukawa Onsen Hotel

When I went, it was closed. I couldn’t find any information about whether it was open, and there’s no website.

May 16, 2026. At the hot spring, spring cicadas are singing. These are the cicadas that perch on pine trees and sing in early summer, from May to June. I finally came back on a touring trip to Lake Towada. The snow damage this year was awful, and my own house needed major repairs, starting with the roof. Fallen trees had closed roads to the observation deck around the lake. I postponed my April tour because of rain and the risk from wet fallen leaves. Today I made my customary visit to see the bridge. The upper planks are bent and tilted, though the metal structure seems fine. Could this be snow damage? It seems to have been rebuilt only recently, so it’s a terrible sight. Snow is frightening. I can see why the mountain lodge is temporarily closed. I feel powerless to help. 😑 August 28, 2025. Heavy rain and landslides on the 19th and 20th shut many roads around Lake Towada. They reopened on the 23rd, but the damage from the landslides was still clear. Curious about the bridge, I crossed it on my motorcycle trip. It’s still standing, though weeds have taken over the area beyond it. Reopening will be difficult, I know, but I think many people are waiting. I can’t do much, but I’m cheering them on. May 2025. I always notice this bridge when I’m touring by motorcycle. The great flood badly damaged this area and the Oirase Gorge. The bridge has been rebuilt, and I think that shows how hard the owner has worked. I haven’t stayed there yet, but I’d like to once it reopens. My rating reflects my expectation that the business will reopen.

The owner seemed very easygoing. My family wore swimsuits and brought a net for catching fish, and we’re thinking of asking whether we can bring fish eggs next time. The natural surroundings are hard to describe, though the greenery has grown thick. Since it’s an open-air bath, it’s best for people who don’t mind fallen leaves. You still need to wear something so you don’t attract attention from the road.

The owner uses the hot spring water without adding cold water, adjusting the temperature skillfully for a free-flowing bath. The sodium-calcium sulfate-chloride water has a pH of 7.1 and felt very refreshing and pleasant. Day-use bathing became available from October 1st, 2017 for 500 yen, but it’s a good idea to call and check opening times and other details. The new owner is steadily rebuilding the facility, so please support them. I visited in August and October 2017, then again in May 2018.