Sukayu Onsen
A historic mountain onsen ryokan famous for its milky, acidic hot springs and the vast Hiba Senninburo mixed bath.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds in the main bath
Sukayu Onsen
Best Time
Avoid crowds in the main bath
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic mountain onsen ryokan famous for its milky, acidic hot springs and the vast Hiba Senninburo mixed bath.
"This is the 2nd one that has a mixed bath. The water quality here is one of the best I have came across."
Rent Bathing Attire
Consider renting a bathing cloth for 500 yen if you're uncomfortable being fully nude in the mixed bath. :woman_bathing:
Hydrate with Spring Water
Drink the free cold spring water in the lobby for a refreshing experience. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hiba Senninburo (Mixed Bath)
Main Bathing Hall
A vast, historic wooden bath with milky, therapeutic waters. A truly unique communal bathing experience.
Tama-no-Yu (Segregated Baths)
Separate bathing areas
Enjoy the same milky waters in more private, segregated baths with showers and amenities.
Mount Hakkoda Trails
Adjacent to the ryokan
Direct access to hiking trails, offering stunning mountain scenery and fresh air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Milky Waters
Book Ahead for Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rent Bathing Attire
Consider renting a bathing cloth for 500 yen if you're uncomfortable being fully nude in the mixed bath. :woman_bathing:
Hydrate with Spring Water
Drink the free cold spring water in the lobby for a refreshing experience. :droplet:
Shuttle Bus Available
A free shuttle bus runs from Aomori city, making access easier. Book in advance! :bus:
Pack Light for Rooms
Rooms are compact; pack only essentials. New wing rooms are modern but small. :luggage:
Tips
from all over the internet
Rent Bathing Attire
Consider renting a bathing cloth for 500 yen if you're uncomfortable being fully nude in the mixed bath. :woman_bathing:
Hydrate with Spring Water
Drink the free cold spring water in the lobby for a refreshing experience. :droplet:
Shuttle Bus Available
A free shuttle bus runs from Aomori city, making access easier. Book in advance! :bus:
Pack Light for Rooms
Rooms are compact; pack only essentials. New wing rooms are modern but small. :luggage:
Be Mindful of Bath Rules
Understand the etiquette for the mixed bath, especially regarding designated areas. :information_desk:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sukayu Onsen is highly praised for its unique, milky, acidic hot springs and the historic Hiba Senninburo mixed bath. Guests appreciate the therapeutic water quality and the serene mountain setting. However, rooms are noted as being quite small, and the mixed bath etiquette can be a point of consideration for some visitors.
"Having been to more than 50 onsens in the last 10 years visiting Japan, this is the 2nd one that has a mixed bath. The water quality here is one of the best I have came across. The facility is typical and there is a nice lounge where you can relax especially during sunset time and soaking in the onsen. The room that we have is kinda small so I have to book 2 rooms for 2 adults and 2 children. I guessed this place is cater for couple but I did notice quite a few families with young kid. That's why I rated the room as 4 stars. The place use gas heater and it is effective. The temperature was like 8C at night in beginning of June. Food is quite good given that the price is mid range. Stayed for 2 nights as this is the first stop after an overnight flight and transited at Hameda. Also planned to do a walk on the Oirase trail. That one you shouldn't miss"
Won Soon Lau
"Name of Accomodation: : Sukayu Onsen Ryokan 23-24 April 2025 (Aomori)
Duration of stay: 1 night for 2 pax.
Driving direction: we drove from Aomori. This place is a mountain pass.
Parking: Outdoor parking. Can be packed as there are lots of tourists and buses that stop by for day trippers.
Hotel room: Small. We got the new wing but the size is like a cabin in a ship. Compact with a toilet. There’s no bathtub. Our room is on the ground floor, facing the parking and entrance to the hotel are. There’s not much view.
Hotel Meals: we had dinner and breakfast. Dinner was set meal in a hall. The dishes are delicious, including local crab. If you purchase sake from their gift shop, there’s a small corkage fee, or you can order sake from their dinner menu. Breakfast was buffet styled with local dishes.
Onsen: This is what we are here for! There’s a big public bath, and it can accommodate male and female in the same bath. There’s a clear demarkation on the female section. Female can also rent the bathing cloth for 500 yen that will cover their body when they go to the public onsen. The onsen water is milky and therapeutic for the skin. This is the best onsen water you can get in this place. Apparently there’s an advertisement that the onsen can accommodate 1000 bathers in it. It’s a great experience, minus the crowd. So either you can early, or late when there’s no tourists around. There’s another private onsen for hotel guests. This is a small onsen but with the same onsen water. The private onsen for hotel guests only has bathing facilities with shower gel and shampoo. However, the public onsen has no shower gel or shampoo.
Surrounding attractions: the main attraction is the onsen. period.
Overall, will i come back again? Maybe. I will make sure to reserve the older rooms with a nicer view."
Karl Wee
"I had stayed here for a day trip about 10 years ago and liked it so much that I stayed here for a few nights this time. It is a nationally famous hot spring inn, the first national hot spring resort with a long history. Not only the hot springs but also the old wooden houses are soothing. I was able to relax and have a very good stay, which made for a great trip."
KSRG 14
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is to take the free shuttle bus provided by Sukayu Onsen Ryokan, which runs from Aomori city. The journey takes about 45 minutes through the mountains. Alternatively, you can drive or take a JR bus.
Yes, there is outdoor parking available. However, it can get crowded, especially with day-trippers and tour buses.
Yes, JR buses pass by the inn and can take you to various hiking trailheads like Yakeyama.
Yes, Sukayu Onsen is accessible in winter, offering a magical snowy landscape. However, heavy snowfall can lead to traffic jams. +1
The Sukayu public parking lot serves as a trailhead for Mount Hakkoda. The ryokan is also a good base for accessing other hiking routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially if you require specific room types or want to ensure availability.
Prices are generally affordable for a ryokan, with different tiers for meals served in the banquet hall or restaurant. A bath tax of 150 yen per person is paid upon check-in.
While primarily a ryokan, day-trippers often visit, which can impact parking. Specific day-use bath access details may vary.
A typical stay includes futons, tea amenities, a complimentary snack, yukata, towels, and dinner and breakfast.
The onsen is typically included for guests staying at the ryokan. Day visitors might have separate fees, but this is not explicitly detailed in the provided information.
🎫 ♨️ Onsen Experience
Sukayu Onsen is renowned for its milky, acidic, and sulfurous hot spring water, known for its therapeutic properties. It has a pH of 1.7.
There's a large mixed-gender bath (Hiba Senninburo) and segregated baths (Tama-no-Yu) for men and women, which include showers.
Yes, the mixed bath is available, and there are specific times it becomes women-only. Women can also rent bathing attire for modesty.
The segregated baths (Tama-no-Yu) provide showers with shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The mixed bath does not have showers, but offers rinsing buckets.
Yes, you can drink the cold spring water for free in the main lobby.
🍽️ 🛏️ Accommodation & Dining
Rooms are typically Japanese-style with tatami floors. They can be compact, especially in the new wing, and may not have bathtubs. Some rooms offer better views than others.
Air conditioning is not mentioned as being available in the rooms. Guests have reported not finding it too hot even without AC.
Dinner is often a set meal featuring local dishes, including crab. Breakfast is usually a buffet with local specialties.
Yes, you can purchase sake from the gift shop and there's a small corkage fee, or you can order sake from the dinner menu.
The ryokan has an airy cafe and a restaurant. For hiking snacks, the gift shop sells onigiri.
📸 📸 Photography & Scenery
Capture the unique milky waters of the onsen, the historic wooden architecture of the ryokan, and the surrounding natural beauty, especially during winter snow or autumn foliage.
Absolutely! Winter transforms Sukayu Onsen into a snowy wonderland, offering stunning photographic potential.
Expect mountainous landscapes, lush forests, and dramatic seasonal changes, from autumn colors to heavy winter snow.
Photography is generally allowed in common areas and rooms, but it's always respectful to be mindful of other bathers' privacy in the onsen areas.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light, especially with the mist rising from the hot springs or during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ryokan is a destination in itself, consider the accessibility for very young children. The shuttle bus is a convenient option for transport. The surrounding natural beauty and potential for light walks can also be enjoyable for older children.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Solo travelers can enjoy the communal atmosphere of the onsen and the opportunity to meet other travelers. The compact rooms are usually sufficient for a single person, and the affordable pricing makes it an attractive option. The shuttle bus also simplifies arrival and departure.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a room with a view if available. The ryokan's tranquil mountain setting provides a peaceful escape. Enjoying the traditional meals together adds to the romantic ambiance of a ryokan stay.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Waters of Sukayu Onsen
The onsen facilities are designed to allow guests to experience these waters in various ways. The Hiba Senninburo, a massive mixed-gender bath constructed entirely from hiba cypress wood, is the star attraction. Its sheer size and historical ambiance offer an unforgettable communal bathing experience. For those seeking more privacy, the Tama-no-Yu offers segregated baths for men and women, complete with showers and amenities, ensuring comfort for all guests.
It's worth noting that the mixed bath, while offering a unique cultural immersion, has specific rules and etiquette. While it's a mixed bath, there's an unspoken division, and women may find certain areas or temperatures less accommodating. Renting bathing attire is an option for those who prefer more coverage. The absence of showers in the main mixed bath means guests use buckets to rinse before entering, a traditional practice that adds to the authentic onsen experience.
Experiencing Sukayu Onsen Ryokan
The ryokan experience is deeply intertwined with its dining. Guests usually enjoy traditional multi-course dinners featuring local Aomori ingredients, which can include fresh seafood like crab. Breakfast is often a buffet-style affair, offering a variety of local dishes to start your day. The on-site restaurant and cafe provide additional dining options.
Beyond the rooms and meals, the ryokan serves as a gateway to the surrounding natural beauty. Its location at the foot of Mount Hakkoda makes it an ideal base for hikers. The inn also provides a free shuttle bus service from Aomori city, making it accessible even without a car. This shuttle is a convenient way to reach the ryokan and explore the region.
Sukayu Onsen and Mount Hakkoda
During autumn, the mountains surrounding Sukayu Onsen transform into a breathtaking spectacle of vibrant fall foliage, attracting photographers and nature lovers alike. In winter, the area is blanketed in snow, creating a serene and picturesque environment. The heavy snowfall can be dramatic, sometimes leading to traffic disruptions, but it also enhances the magical winter wonderland atmosphere.
+1Nearby attractions include Jigokunuma (Hell Pond), a hot spring pond accessible via a walking loop, though it has been subject to closures due to bear activity. For those interested in more extensive hiking, the JR bus system from the Yakeyama stop can connect you to the beautiful Oirase Gorge. The ryokan's gift shop also conveniently stocks onigiri, perfect for fueling your hiking adventures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit