Located right next to another popular onsen in Obuse, Akebi-no-Yu is my personal favorite between the two—mainly because it’s more spacious, and its rotenburo (open-air bath) definitely wins when it comes to atmosphere and overall vibes.

The layout feels more open, and the outdoor area has a calm, relaxing feel that’s perfect for a longer soak. There’s also an indoor bath and sauna, and the entry fee is similar—around ¥700.

Just like the nearby onsen, the natural hot spring water here is very concentrated and has a strong sulfur smell. If you’re not a fan of that classic “rotten egg” onsen scent, you might want to skip this one. The smell can linger on your skin and clothes, even after a rinse, so I wouldn’t recommend wearing anything fancy—bringing a change of clothes is a good idea.

Note: Tattoos are NOT allowed.