We were lucky enough to experience both Tsurunoyu and its annex back to back in magical snowy conditions, thanks to our semi-Nihon friends. For Western visitors: look up “Secret Onsen Society” and do the legwork. It purposefully is not easy to get in, but it is absolutely worth it. It is probably best this place does not get overrun by click-hungry influencers; they have no business being here. Once you finally get in, let go of all Western expectations and surrender to this 400-year-old establishment. It is magnificent—from the quaint rooms to the weathered dining area, everything feels as though you are in a different era. There is no mobile reception, meals are deliciously primal, and, must I repeat myself again: no annoying Instagrammers or YouTubers in sight. You will be rewarded with memories that are everlasting and heartwarming. Its really hard to capture the experience so, in the words of Jodie Foster in *Contact*: “They should have sent a poet.”

Second what the other review said about the Google listing having the incorrect booking website, which will book you at a very different location. Almost got me. That said, this place is incredible and I’ve attached the bus time tables from Tazawako Station as of the date of this review. Note that the shuttle to the onsen is for overnight guests only and needs to be reserved in advance. You can ask the tourist office at the station to help you with this. Also, important to know basic onsen etiquette if visiting.

We were like “day-use onsen”. It cost 700¥ per person. Open hours 10:00-15:00. We visit only mix gender bath. Water was very nice, closer to the pipe hotter. You should have your own towels. For women very convenient entrance.

It’s a ryokan deep in the forest, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. The onsen has both open-air baths and private in-room baths. I visited in February when everything was covered in snow, creating a stunning white landscape. I highly recommend this place — it’s definitely worth visiting at least once.

The public onsen is very beautiful but it’s also extremely open, as the walkway to the changing room is right next to the onsen, so everybody going in and out the changing room will see the whole onsen. Be prepared for that before your visit. The vibes and water are very nice, and the water is milky so it’s less embarrassing.