Shirakami Yatate Yugen Village Inn Hikage Onsen

Located northeast of the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, Nikkei Onsen sits not far off National Route 7 from Odate. Beyond the romance of a secluded hot-spring inn surrounded by abundant nature, the quality of its waters is among the best in Akita. Two different sources are fed directly to the indoor bath and the open-air bath, each with distinct characteristics. The indoor bath is a sulfur-containing chloride spring with a notably high free hydrogen sulfide content of 15.3 mg/kg, so as you approach you’re enveloped in that unmistakable sulfur aroma. The bathing temperature is set at 41°C, and despite expectations it is neutral but slightly on the acidic side, making it comfortable to soak in. There are also two private baths available for exclusive use, and at the large public bath these can also be enjoyed as reclining baths. The open-air bath is even richer in minerals than the indoor bath: total dissolved solids reach 20.26 g/kg (6.955 g/kg for the indoor bath), giving it an impressively concentrated feel—both in scent and on the skin—like a true medicinal spring. Among the private baths, Urugeru Yukko and Takimi Yukko are spacious; Takimi Yukko even features a luxurious reclining area. All of these springs contain abundant metasilicic acid and metaboric acid, which are said to be beneficial for skin—making it easy to understand why they have been loved for so long. Being able to savor such exceptional waters amid vast natural surroundings is an experience unique to Nikkei Onsen. That said, during summer the open-air area may be covered with vinyl sheets or similar materials to keep horseflies away, which slightly reduces the view—but it’s understandable.The rooms are retro Japanese-Western style accommodations that evoke Japan’s Showa era—not “retro” as an excuse for being outdated. While there’s a nostalgic feel in its design and furnishings, the walls, floors, and beds were clean enough that I could relax comfortably throughout my stay.The meals were delicious Japanese cuisine incorporating local specialties. As someone in my twenties I did find it slightly light for my appetite, but dining isn’t really what this inn is about so it didn’t bother me much. Still—as other reviews mention—there was almost no explanation of each dish, which was honestly disappointing.This is an inn I want to visit again—one of those rare hot-spring retreats where you hope it stays just as it is even if getting there takes a bit of effort.

This was my first stay here.Above all, the Onsen were outstanding. I was able to enjoy a variety of baths— a clear, colorless iron-rich spring in the Room, a thick mixed sulfur and carbonated spring, and a gentle sulfur spring— and I was completely satisfied. The traditional Japanese meals made with mountain ingredients were also very delicious and easy on the stomach. I’m also grateful for the warm hospitality and smiles from all the staff.I would love to visit again. Thank you very much.