Takanoyu Onsen Yamagata Shinkansen (Shinjo Station). Takanoyu Onsen Takanoyu Onsen (♨鷹の湯温泉) is one of several hot spring resorts in the Akinomiya Hot Spring Resort area of Yuzawa, a town in southern Akita Prefecture. The onsen is nestled in a small gorge along the banks of the Yakunai River. Because of its secluded location, it is referred to as a Hitou, or hidden hot spring. Legend has it that the Akinomiya Hot Springs, the oldest in Akita Prefecture, were found 1,200 years ago. Local legend also has it that Takanoyu, or Falcon's Hot Spring, got its name when a falcon led a hunter
Takanoyu Onsen on the river bank. Besides soaking in a spring fed ofuro, visiting an onsen provides an opportunity to experience several aspects of traditional Japanese culture, including the Japanese love of nature. Many hot springs are located in rural mountainous areas, and visiting an onsen allows one to leave the city and commune with nature throughout the four seasons, especially in the fall when trees are ablaze in color. Onsen inns are typically in the traditional Japanese ryokan (Japanese inn) style where one dons a yukata and sleeps in a futon on tatami mats. Onsen food is typically Kaiseki style that