Hijiori Onsen, Yamagata: Discover the Essence of Japan’s Hot Spring Culture and Healing Retreats
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The Japanese have long believed in the idea of "touji," or bathing in hot springs to hasten the recovery from illness or injury. In this article, we will introduce Hijiori Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, a quiet hot spring resort where the toujiba culture remains strong.
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National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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Table of Contents
- What is Hijiori Onsen? A hot spring area with over 1,200 years of history
- Beautiful skin baths! Introducing the features and benefits of Hijiori Onsen
- Enjoy casually! 3 hot spring resorts that are available for day trips
- Take a break listening to the sound of the river. Relax in a park rich in water
- If you want to enjoy Hijiori Onsen more
What is Hijiori Onsen? A hot spring area with over 1,200 years of history
The Hijiori Onsen area is a quiet hot spring resort with a strong 1200-year history, designated as a national hot spring resort due to the beneficial effects of its hot springs and its ideal environment for health care. It is made up of three hot spring areas, Hijiori Onsen, Kogane Onsen, and Ishidaki Onsen, and you can enjoy a total of 21 hot springs.
In the snowy town of Hijiori, there have been strict village rules known as "contract groups" since the Edo period. Some of these groups are still carefully passed down today. The most representative of these is the "Thirty-six Groups," which have been passed down from generation to generation.
The word "toujiba" has become less familiar to younger people, but in order to preserve Japan's hot spring culture, the "Thirty-six" continue to maintain the hot springs and protect the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, and culture.
In the 2023 Hot Spring General Election, these efforts and the promotion of hot spring protection and appropriate use were recognized, and the organization was awarded the Minister of the Environment Award.
Beautiful skin baths! Introducing the features and benefits of Hijiori Onsen
The source of Hijiori Onsen is a therapeutic spring with an abundant flow rate. Although it is a small village, you can enjoy various sources such as "Source No. 2" and "Source No. 5". Each source has a different color and bathing sensation, so it is fun to compare them at each inn, public bath, and day-trip hot spring facility.
It also has a high heat retention effect, and is known as "warming water" and "beautiful skin water" because it emulsifies and washes away old dead skin cells.
Enjoy casually! 3 hot spring resorts that are available for day trips
①Kogane Onsen Caldera Onsenkan
Caldera Onsenkan, located in the Kogane Onsen hot springs, which has a secluded atmosphere, is a warm, wooden hot spring facility for day trips. Two types of springs flow from the premises: hot springs and cold carbonated springs, which is rare even nationwide. The hot springs are great for bathing, and the cold carbonated springs are great for drinking.
Some of you may be wondering, "Drinkable spring water?! Can you drink hot spring water?"
Yes, you can drink the carbonated spring water here.
The instructions said, "Drink about one cup slowly over a period of time before a meal. Do not drink tea, coffee, or black tea immediately after drinking the spring water as it can damage the stomach wall. In general, it is more effective to drink the spring water 30 minutes to an hour before a meal. It is best to avoid drinking the spring water after dinner or before going to bed."
Carbonated springs improve blood circulation five times more than regular hot springs. In Europe, they are called "heart baths." They are said to activate the internal organs, have a diuretic effect, and are effective in treating constipation, chronic digestive diseases, and boosting the immune system. The large bath also has a cold carbonated spring where you can bathe your hands and feet, so we recommend alternating between this and the warm golden hot springs.
②Hijiori Ideyukan
Here you can enjoy the hot springs while working remotely, which is a recent trend. In other words, you can have a "toujibacation." In addition to rental conference rooms, a restaurant, a souvenir corner, and a chance to try painting a Kokeshi doll, the symbol of Hijiori Onsen, the hot springs are also fully equipped with showers and hot springs for lying down.
You're taking advantage of the hot spring cure. You'd like to know the correct bathing method that suits you, right? Here, you can receive treatment from a hot spring doctor who specializes in hot spring cure. The fee is free, but please check the website for the dates of the treatment. If you have knee or back pain, have just had surgery, or want to improve your health, you can get advice on diet and bathing methods.
③Kaminoyu
Kaminoyu, the public bathhouse where Hijiori originated, is located in the center of the hot spring town.
There are separate indoor baths for men and women, and a Jizo statue is enshrined in the bathtub, making this hot spring seem like it would bring you good luck. It is said to be effective against cuts, so it is often visited by locals.
Take a break listening to the sound of the river. Relax in a park rich in water
If you go upstream along the river in Hijiori Onsen town, you will arrive at Gensen Park, a place of relaxation for locals. There are also some interesting spots here, so we will introduce them to you.
In Gensen Park, there is the Hijiori Dam, which is a registered tangible cultural property, and right next to it you can see the "Hatsukoi Footbath" and the hot spring gushing out. It is not possible to go there in winter due to snow, but if you are going there from spring to autumn, please be sure to stop by!
In between strolls around Hijiori Onsen, take a break in a foot bath or hip bath while looking at the dam and listening to the sound of the river. Relax by eating some Hotei Manju buns you bought in the hot spring town. Wouldn't a holiday like this be wonderful? Please visit Hijiori Onsen.
If you want to enjoy Hijiori Onsen more
Please check out this article for information on access, sightseeing spots, souvenirs, and gourmet food at Hijiori Onsen.
National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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