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Hot Springs in Yamagata: 3 Public Bath Recommendations in Zao
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“Takayu-dori street” is the main street of Zao Onsen. There are day-use hot springs such as communal baths, and the smell of sulfur and steam rising from various places on this street is perfect for enjoying the atmosphere of Zao Onsen. This time, we will introduce Takayu-dori street and three publi...
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Yamagata City is the prefectural capital of Yamagata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, the city offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Famous sightseeing spots include "Zao", which is popular for its frost-covered trees and hot springs, and "Yamadera", a place related to Basho Matsuo. In terms of food culture, dishes that make use of Yamagata's abundant ingredients, such as ``Yamagata imoni'', ``cold ramen'', ``dashi'' and ``ball konjac'', have been passed down. Yamagata City has many images of such nature and history, but in fact, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and there are many places where you can relax. On this page, we will post recommended spots and articles to introduce the attractions of Yamagata City, such as popular spots, hidden attractions, and delicious restaurants, in more detail and in an easy-to-understand manner! (Images and videos on this page: Provided by Public Relations Division, General Affairs Department, Yamagata City)
public bath
The spring quality of Zao Onsen is a strongly acidic sulfur spring, and it is known as "hot spring of beauty". The public baths on Takayu-dori street are Kamiyu, Simoyu, and Kawarayu. It is a hot spring rooted in the local area that is often used by local people.
Walk Takayu-dori street
The entrance to Takayu-dori street is a short walk from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal. Look for the words “Honobono Takayu-dori street”.
Simoyu
If you go straight from the entrance of Takayu-dori street, you will see Simoyu on your right.
Appearance of Simoyu. In addition to the Simoyu, Shimoyu also has a footbath and a handbath that anyone can use for free (on the right side of the photo). *The footbath cannot be used in winter.
I will put money here.
Hotels near Shimoyu
Kawarayu
Go all the way down Takayu-dori street dori and when the uphill becomes steep, you will see a footbath information sign on the right. If you follow the sign and go to the right, you will find a footbath, and beyond that you will find Kawarayu.
There is a footbath along the road, but it cannot be used in winter. When you come this far, it's a little further to Kawarayu.
The exterior of Kawarayu. It is located in a slightly recessed area.
A view of the bathroom. The feet are slatted, and hot water comes out from the bottom. It is said that hot springs like this are rare even in Japan. (Image provided by: Zao Onsen Tourism Association)
Hotels near Kawarayu
Return to the footbath sign and go up the slope to reach Kamiyu. It is the oldest communal bath among the three.
A view of the bathroom. (Image provided by: Zao Onsen Tourism Association)
Hotels near Kamiyu
Sugawa Onsen Shrine
If you go further from "Kamiyu", you will find "Sukawa Onsen Shrine". The approach to the shrine matches the atmosphere of the hot spring town and is a very photogenic place. However, please be careful when climbing the stairs as they are steep.
Hotels near Sukawa Onsen Shrine
[Information common to all three public baths]
User: Anyone can use it.
Business hours: 6:00~22:00
Price: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for children
*When entering the hot spring, we recommend that you prepare coins in advance.
Precautions when bathing ("Zao Onsen large open-air bath Quoted from "Zao style" How to take a hot spring 7 points to note when bathing in a strong acid spring" https://www.jupeer-zao.com/roten/ )
1. Be sure to pour hot water on it as it feels hot due to the quality of the spring.
2. Zao Onsen is easy to remove oil, so don't rub too much.
3. If the hot spring gets into your eyes, it will hurt a lot.
4.The hot spring is not drinkable.
5. Precious metals are blackened and corroded due to strong acidity. Always remove accessories.
6. If hot springs adhere to clothing, it will be damaged. Please wipe your body well after bathing.
7. Due to the quality of the spring, the floor and the edges of the hot water will be slippery. Please be careful not to fall.
others:
・There are no facilities such as showers.
・Alkaline soaps and shampoos are neutralized by strongly acidic spring water. Therefore, you cannot use soap, etc., but the hot springs have bactericidal properties, so there is no problem even if you do not wash your body.
・There are restrooms in the Kamiyu(Western style) and Simoyu(Japanese style), but not in Kawarayu.
Details on how to use the three public baths in Zao are also provided on the following website, so please take a look.
[ VISIT YAMAGATA `` [Feature article] Zao Onsen day trip bath | Kamiyu, Kawarayu, Simoyu public baths | Old-fashioned place of relaxation ]
・Japanese version
https://www.visityamagata.jp/topics-zaohigaerionsen-kyodoyokujo/
・English version
https://www.visityamagata.jp/en/topics-zaohigaerionsen-kyodoyokujo-en/
summary
This time, we introduced three public baths that can be reached from Takayu-dori street. There are many shops and facilities on Takayu-dori street dori that we couldn't cover in this article, so why don't you visit them?
After enjoying the hot spring town, it is also recommended to see the famous “juhyo” in Zao. This article introduces recommended routes for viewing frost-covered trees at Zao Onsen Ski Resort.
Yamagata City is the prefectural capital of Yamagata Prefecture. Surrounded by mountains, the city offers beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Famous sightseeing spots include "Zao", which is popular for its frost-covered trees and hot springs, and "Yamadera", a place related to Basho Matsuo. In terms of food culture, dishes that make use of Yamagata's abundant ingredients, such as ``Yamagata imoni'', ``cold ramen'', ``dashi'' and ``ball konjac'', have been passed down. Yamagata City has many images of such nature and history, but in fact, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, and there are many places where you can relax. On this page, we will post recommended spots and articles to introduce the attractions of Yamagata City, such as popular spots, hidden attractions, and delicious restaurants, in more detail and in an easy-to-understand manner! (Images and videos on this page: Provided by Public Relations Division, General Affairs Department, Yamagata City)
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