[Yamagata Prefecture] A complete guide to Hijiori Onsen full of retro charm ~Tourist spots, accommodation, access, etc.~

• Table of Contents
• About Hijiori Onsen
• What is ”Toji”?
• Highlights of Hijiori Onsen
• Access
• Summary of local information

About Hijiori Onsen

``A long time ago. Hijiori Onsenkyo, where there is a legend that an old monk who broke his elbow bathed in this hot water, instantly healed his wounds, is located at the bottom of a caldera created by a volcanic eruption in Okura Village, Yamagata Prefecture. Due to the effectiveness of the hot springs and the environment suitable for relaxation, it has been designated as a national hot spring resort.

This hot spring area, which is quiet and has a retro Showa feel, is one of the areas with the heaviest snowfall in the country in winter. In the summer, the hot spring town is dotted with picture lanterns of the traditional Hijiori no Tori. Although it is a small village, there are other sights to see in the spring, summer, fall, and winter, such as the tangible cultural property Hijiori Dam, the new symbol Hijiori Kibo Bridge, and the nearby magnificent Shikamura Rice Terraces.

What is ”Toji”?

The best way to enjoy Hijiori Onsen, which has been open for 1200 years, is at its hot springs. Here at Hijiori Onsen, the atmosphere of a spa is still very strong.

Actually, ”Toji” and a usual hot spring trip are a little different. While a usual hot spring trip involves soaking in a hot spring for one or two nights to heal the daily fatigue and sightseeing in a hot spring area, "Toji" is a trip for the purpose of recuperating from a specific disease. They will stay there for a long time to receive hot spring treatment. In the past, people lived in harmony with nature and centered their lives on agriculture, so hot springs developed because many people took a break during the off-season.

Highlights of Hijiori Onsen

Walk

Jizo storehouse
The legendary place where Hijiori Onsen opened.
The path from the hot spring town to Jizokura is a little difficult in some places, and the monk who appears in the legend may have fallen down and broken his elbow from here. ? There seems to be a theory.
A temple was built in the cave where the monks practiced asceticism, and is worshiped as the god of matchmaking, fertility, and prosperous business.

Detailed link: https://ohkura-kanko.com/archives/kanko-spot/jizougura

Hijiori Dam, Gensen Park
It has been designated as a registered tangible cultural property, and you can go right next to the impressive dam.
Although it is closed during the winter due to snow, it is lit up on the first and third Saturdays of June, July, September, and October, creating a magical atmosphere.

Detailed link: https://ohkura-kanko.com/archives/kanko-spot/gensenkouen

Former Hijiori Post Office Building
It is located right in the middle of Hijiori Onsen town and is also a popular photo spot.
If you look closely at the cute exterior, you'll see a post office mark on the window lattice.

Detailed link: https://ohkura-kanko.com/archives/kanko-spot/oldpostoffice

morning market
Hijiori Onsen's famous morning market, run by local mothers, sells fresh vegetables and side dishes grown in Okura Village, as well as souvenirs unique to Hijiori. It is closed during the winter season due to snow, but other than that it starts at around 5:30 in the morning.

Detailed link: https://ohkura-kanko.com/archives/kanko-spot/asaichi

Gourmet

Soba restaurant Kotobukiya
If you want to eat lunch, come here! ! I recommend Kotobukiya.
This soba restaurant is crowded with locals, and there is a veranda where you can enjoy a leisurely meal while looking out at the Dozan River.

``Freshly ground, freshly made, freshly boiled'' soba is Mogamiwase, which is said to be used by 40% of Yamagata prefectures. Sansai soba, which is popular overseas for its aroma and sweetness, is thick, chewy, and extremely filling. It seems that Hijiori's style is to add shichimi directly to soba noodles. There is a wide variety of menu items, and the fried tofu called ``Zabuton'' is crispy on the outside and fragrant, making it an addictive dish. I was told that they use tofu made in Hijiori.

Soba Restaurant Kotobuki Official Website

Kaneyama store
At Kaneyama Shoten, which sells local sake, souvenirs, food, and daily necessities, you can enjoy ``Kakuuchi'' where you can compare sakes.

If you order a sake set from the drinking space in one corner of the store, you can choose from three different types of sake. It's fun to consult with the staff and choose the seasonal alcoholic beverage or your favorite alcoholic beverage.

Kaneyama Shoten Official Website

Stay

Japanese-style Inn: Yushin no Yado Kangetsu
This pure Japanese-style inn, located right in front of the Tongshan River, welcomes regulars from Shanghai, as well as guests from Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as tourists visiting Japan.

The hot springs include an indoor bath, an open-air bath with a view that is rare in Hijiori Onsen Town, and a private hot spring bath available for free in the annex. The source of Hijiori Onsen contains carbonated water, so you can expect warm and smooth skin in no time.

Hijiori-style meals feature a variety of ingredients, including wild vegetables and tofu grown in Hijiori, Yamagata's specialty imoni, and Yamagata beef. Both dinner and breakfast are luxurious and will definitely leave you satisfied! !

The inn also has free Wi-Fi, you can pay by credit card, and if you make a reservation for 2 or more people, they will even pick you up from JR Shinjo Station for free! A truly tourist-friendly inn. I feel like I can feel safe here.

Japanese-style Inn: Yushin no Yado Kangetsu official website

Souvenirs

Hijiori's famous Hotei Manju

Hijiori Caldera Cider, blended with natural carbonated water from Caldera Onsenkan

Sake "Hijiori Onsen"

Yu no Sato Hijiori no Yu (bath salts)

Rice (harvested in Hijiori)

Access

If you go by Shinkansen from Tokyo

Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo Station and get off at JR Shinjo Station. (About 3 hours and 30 minutes ride)

When you exit JR Shinjo Station, there is a bus stop inside the rotary, so take the village bus ``Hijiori Yukemuri Line bound for Hijiori Onsen''. Click here for the bus landmark.

The timetable is only in Japanese and there are only a few trains, so be sure to check in advance.
If you have a long wait time, there is a waiting area inside the station, so please take advantage of it.
Ride for about 60 minutes and get off at the last stop, Hijiori Onsen waiting room.

Payment can only be made in cash, so be sure to have enough money for your return trip.
It costs 600 yen one way and 1200 yen round trip, but if you purchase a round trip ticket in advance, you can get on the train for 1100 yen, so we recommend it. Please refer to the following for details.

Check round-trip ticket purchase details and timetable

Take a taxi from Ginzan Onsen

It can also be accessed by taxi from Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, a popular tourist destination. Please check the link below for plans if you are going by taxi.

Access from Ginzan Onsen (taxi)

Summary of local information

✔︎As it is a small village, it is safe to carry plenty of cash.

✔︎Free Wi-fi available in the hot spring town

✔︎The ryokan's " Handmade Cave Hot Spring Matsuya " has vegetarian vegetarian cuisine.

✔︎It snows from December to March, so dress warmly.