Aomori · Nuruyu Onsen (Kuroishi)
Nuruyu Onsen Sanzokukan
温湯温泉 山賊館
A nine-room family-run inn in Nuruyu Onsen, Kuroishi, Aomori, opened in the Meiji era. Its signature is a spout shaped like a bandit's face, and the free-flowing natural-spring indoor bath overlooks the Asaseishi River. The communal bath Tsuru no Meiyu is right across the way, and day bathing is a bargain at 250 yen.
- Price (adult)
- ¥250
- Hours
- 8:00-21:00
- Closed
- Irregular
- Access
- 61 Nuruyu-Tsuruizumi, Kuroishi, Aomori. About 25 minutes by Kōnan Bus from Kuroishi Station (bound for Niji-no-Ko Park), getting off at Kami-Nuruyu, then a 2-minute walk; or about 10 minutes by car from Kuroishi IC on the Tōhoku Expressway. Free parking for 15 cars.
- Water type
- Simple spring
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Phone
- 0172-54-8421
- Official site
- visitkuroishi.jp ↗
- Open in Google Maps
- Google Maps ↗
Essentials
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Why go
- A spout shaped like a bandit's face at a nine-room family-run inn founded in the Meiji era
- A free-flowing natural-spring indoor bath overlooking the Asaseishi River, plus family baths
- Day bathing for 250 yen; 8:00-21:00, with the communal bath Tsuru no Meiyu right across the way
About this onsen
Nuruyu Onsen belongs to the Kuroishi Onsen Village in Kuroishi, Aomori, a healing-spring resort opened about 400 years ago. Legend says it was discovered by watching a crane heal its wounds in the water, and true to its name — 'warm water that lingers' — it appeared on Edo-period onsen rankings. It is a humble hot spring village clustered around the communal bath Tsuru no Meiyu, also known as the birthplace of Tsugaru-style kokeshi dolls. Sanzokukan, opened in the Meiji era, is a family-run inn with a free-flowing spring bath.
Good to know
Day bathing is 8:00-21:00 for just 250 yen. The free-flowing water pours from a spout shaped like a bandit's face; it runs hot and warms the body well. Family baths are available, so those uneasy about shared bathing can relax. Combining a visit with the communal bath Tsuru no Meiyu across the way (5:00-22:00) is recommended. Kōnan Bus runs infrequently, so check the timetable.
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- Ryokan day-use hours are limited and may be suspended in peak season — phone the same morning.
- Payment is usually by ticket machine in cash — bring coins.
- Last entry is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Features
Rules & private
Mood & scenery
Convenience
Amenities
✔ Verified operating: 2026-10 Operating status and rates cross-checked against the official site and onsen guides (full source notes in Japanese on the JA page)
Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.
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