[1][2] Shortly before the end of World War II, young soldier Shusaku, ill with tuberculosis, arrives at Akitsu, expecting to die soon.

They fall in love, and although she is first willing to follow him when he suggests to commit shinjū together, they eventually let go of their plan.

Over a span of 17 years, Shusaku, now married and a father, continues to meet with Shinko, but also has affairs with other women.

When he leaves Akitsu again after a visit, Shinko, who has sold her inn and is tired of living, commits suicide alone, later found by the grieving Shusaku.

Akitsu Springs was Mariko Okada's 100th film[3] and the first under the direction of her future husband Yoshida.