Enjoy Yamagata's Famous Hot Springs! 7 Excellent Inns and Hotels

Enjoy Yamagata's Famous Hot Springs

Yamagata Prefecture boasts a number of onsen (hot spring) resorts, such as Ginzan, Zao, Tendo, and Kaminoyama. There are also facilities like Tenjin no Yu in Uwano Onsen, where day trippers can enjoy bathing.

We itroduce the popular hot spring resorts and inns in Yamagata for those who are planning a visit. Use it as a guide to find a spot to renew both the mind and body.

Yamagata's Famous Hot Spring Resorts

There are many onsen resorts in Yamagata, each with its unique appeal. The following are five locations that are worth visiting.

1. Ginzan Onsen

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Wooden buildings reminiscent of the Taisho Period line the streets of Ginzan Onsen. Discovered during the Edo Period, the townscape reminds visitors of scenes from Spirited Away, a film by Studio Ghibli.

In winter, visitors will be enchanted by the snow-covered landscape and the glow of gas lamps. The onsen is said to be effective for cuts, burns, and muscle or joint pain, and it also aids in recovery from fatigue. Be sure to take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Official website: https://www.ginzanonsen.jp/

2. Kaminoyama Onsen

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Kaminoyama Onsen, known for its gentle spring quality, is a popular destination for families.

Even babies can bathe in the mildly alkaline water, which has a moisturizing effect and helps keep the body warm. It is also referred to as "bijin no yu" (spring of beauty).

The onsen is said to be effective for dermatitis, neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, and poor circulation. Additionally, it aids in recovery from fatigue and helps relieve stress.

There are many ryokans (Japanese-style inns) and hotels in the area that are suitable for families, making Kaminoyama an ideal place to enjoy bathing.

Official website:https://yamagatakanko.com/en/attractions/detail_12299.html

3. Zao Onsen

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Zao Onsen is a major resort in the Tohoku Region, renowned for its sulfur spring with strong acidity.

The spring water is said to stimulate mucopolysaccharide-protein in humans, which increases body water levels and revitalizes the skin and blood vessels.

Additionally, the sulfur spring possesses antimicrobial properties and strengthens the skin.

Zao Onsen offers a variety of hotels and inns, as well as three public baths, three footbaths, and five onsen facilities for day trippers.

Official website: https://zaomountainresort-com.translate.goog/about/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja

4. Tendo Onsen

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The source of Tendo Onsen was discovered in 1911 in the rice fields north of Mount Maizuru.

Located in the central area of the prefecture and close to the airport, Tendo Onsen is popular for its accessibility. It is said to be effective for various symptoms, including arteriosclerosis, cuts, burns, dermatosis, neuralgia, joint pain, and gastrointestinal disorders. The onsen also helps relieve fatigue.

There are many lodging facilities in the area, along with unique events that draw a large number of tourists, such as Ningen Shogi (Japanese chess using humans) in spring and Nabe Gassen (a contest of hot pot dishes) in winter.

Official website: http://www.tendoonsen.or.jp/

5. Atsumi Onsen

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Atsumi Onsen, with a history spanning 1,200 years, has been celebrated by poets and authors such as Matsuo Basho, Yosano Akiko, and Yokomitsu Riichi.

The onsen is said to be effective for cuts, burns, eczema, and dermatosis. Throughout history, a vast number of people have visited Atsumi.

In the area, there are public baths and footbaths frequented by locals. Visitors can also sample the onsen water at the drinking fountain. With historic and scenic spots located nearby, each visit offers a new experience.

Official website: https://atsumi-spa.or.jp/about_atsumispa/

For Day Trip Visitors: Tenjin no Yu in Uwano Onsen

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Tenjin no Yu at Uwano Onsen, located near Zao Onsen, is a popular facility for those who visit on a day trip.

The source is a calcium sulfate/sodium sulfate spring, a rare type that contains both sodium and calcium. It is said to have skincare benefits, and drinking the onsen water is effective against obesity and chronic constipation.

Private baths can be booked for 800 yen per hour, making it perfect for those who want to bathe alone or with family and friends.

Official Site:https://yamagatakanko.com/attractions/detail_2793.html

7 Recommended Inns and Hotels in Yamagata's Onsen Areas

1. Kozankaku in Ginzan Onsen

Picture courtesy of Rakuten Travel.

Guests can experience the charms of Ginzan Onsen at Kozankaku, a long-established onsen inn currently managed by the eighteenth-generation owner. The clear water, drawn directly from the source, provides comfort to bathers.

The wooden main building, with a history of about 90 years, exudes historical charm. There are two types of guest rooms: the town side, where the soothing sounds of the river can be heard, and the mountain side, which offers views of the natural surroundings.

The inn serves a kaiseki dinner, featuring local ingredients such as Tsuyahime, a Yamagata brand of rice, and Obanazawa beef. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Yamagata through their palate.

Access: A 35-minute drive from Ohwada Station.
Address: Yamagata, Obanazawa, Ginzan Onsen 423
Check-in: 14:30 to 18:30 / Check-out: 10:00

2. Koyo in Kaminoyama Onsen

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Koyo has been ranked in the top 10 of 100 Hotels and Ryokans Selected by Professionals for 40 consecutive years. Visitors are warmly welcomed in the lobby, which has a distinct Japanese ambiance.

Meals are prepared with carefully selected ingredients, including Yonezawa beef.

Guests can enjoy views of the townscape and the Zao Mountains from the large bathing room, and the water is known for its skin care benefits.

There are various types of guest rooms available, including Japanese, Western, and Japanese modern styles. Rooms with open-air baths are especially popular among couples and families.

Access: A 10-minute drive from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station.
Address: Yamagata, Kaminoyama, Hayama 5-20
Check-in: 15:00 / Those arriving after 18:00 must notify the inn in advance. Meals will not be served after 20:00.
Check-out: 10:00

3. Hayama-kan in Kaminoyama Onsen

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Hayama-kan is a lodging facility located on a hill, offering views of the Zao Mountains. Designed in a Japanese-modern style, it features a beautiful Japanese garden visible from the lobby, providing a comforting atmosphere for guests.

The water, drawn directly from the source, is gentle on the skin and warms bathers. Various types of rooms with private baths are available, with those offering views of the landscape being especially popular.

The inn serves a kaiseki-style dinner made with local products from the mountains and the sea, which pairs well with Yamagata wine.

Access: A 5-minute drive from JR Kaminoyama Onsen Station.
Address: Yamagata, Kaminoyama, Hayama 5-10
Check-in: 15:00 to 19:00 / Check-out: 10:00 (Times may vary according to the accommodation plan.)

4. Meito-ya So in Zao Onsen

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Meito-ya So is a ryokan where guests can enjoy a highly effective onsen, drawn directly from the source. All guest rooms are designed in a Japanese-modern style and are non-smoking, making them particularly appealing to female guests.

Dinner features dishes made with Zao beef, a Yamagata brand, as well as a variety of seafood that pairs beautifully with local sake. Guests also have the opportunity to taste rare types of dai-ginjo, sourced from 49 breweries in Yamagata.

Nestled in Zao, this facility offers a comfortable environment for guests to relax and unwind.

Access: A 50-minute drive to Zao Bus Terminal from Yamagata Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to the inn from the bus terminal.
Address: Yamagata, Yamagata, Zao Onsen 48
Check-in: 15:00 to 21:00 / Check-out: 10:00

5. Zao Shiki no Hotel in Zao Onsen

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Zao Shiki no Hotel, located at the foot of the Zao Mountains, provides the opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery throughout the year.

Guests can view Ryuzan, one of the peaks in the Zao Mountains, from the open-air bath in the detached building.

From spring to autumn, the area offers numerous trekking routes where visitors can take in the lush greenery or the vibrant autumn foliage, making it perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

In winter, guests can ski or snowboard at Zao Snow Resort and marvel at the snow monsters, a rare sight along the way. The slopes are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere that is ideal for couples.

Access: A 50-minute drive from Yamagata Station. A shuttle service is available with a reservation made three days prior to the stay.
Address: Yamagata, Yamagata, Zao Onsen 1272
Check-in: 14:00 to 21:00 / Guests with an accommodation plan that includes dinner must arrive at the inn no later than 19:00.
Check-out: 10:00

5. Hohoemi no Kuhyufu Tsuruya in Tendo Onsen

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In April 2024, some of the rooms at Tsuruya were renovated. The inn offers a variety of accommodations, including tatami rooms with open-air baths, Japanese-Western rooms, and Japanese-modern rooms.

Guests seeking privacy will appreciate the rooms with dining spaces.

Throughout the inn, you will find furniture made by Tendo Mokko, a local company.

Attractive sightseeing spots, such as Yama-dera (Hoshu-zan Risshaku-ji) and Wakamatsu Kannon (Reiryu-zan Jakusho-ji), are located nearby.

Access: A 5-minute drive from Tendo Station.
Address: Yamagata, Tendo, Kamata Honcho 2-5-14
Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 10:00

6. Tendo Hotel in Tendo Onsen

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Tendo City is known for its production of shogi pieces. Tendo Hotel features a gallery displaying fifty sets of shogi pieces, each with a unique font, created by master artist Meisho Kagetsu.

The hotel includes Asoboya, a playroom equipped with various slides and activities, making it ideal for family groups.

Other facilities include a comfortable lounge and a massage salon.

Day trippers can also enjoy the onsen and sauna facilities, making this hotel perfect for casual visits.

Access: A 4-minute walk from Tendo Station.
Address: Yamagata, Tendo, Kamata Honcho 2-1-3
Check-in: 15:00 / Guests arriving after 18:00 must notify the inn in advance.
Check-out: 10:00

7. Bankoku-ya in Atsumi Onsen

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Bankoku-ya is a hot spring ryokan with over 300 years of history and has been ranked in the 100 Hotels and Ryokans Selected by Professionals for 40 consecutive years.

The facility is surrounded by nature, allowing guests to listen to the soothing murmur of the river from their rooms.

Atsumi Onsen, which has been visited by notable figures such as Matsuo Basho and Yosano Akiko, was once chosen as the best onsen in the Tohoku Region. The inn features Sakura no Yu, an open-air bath that includes a barrel sauna.

This inn combines tradition and modernity, offering guests a luxurious atmosphere.

Access: A 5-minute drive from Atsumi Onsen Station, with a shuttle service available.
Address: Yamagata, Tsuruoka, Yuatsumi, Tei 1
Check-in: 15:00 to 22:00 / Guests with accommodation plans that include dinner who arrive after 18:00 must notify the inn in advance.
Check-out: 10:00

Enjoy the Hot Springs in Yamagata

Photo by Pixta.

Yamagata Prefecture boasts numerous onsen resorts nestled in nature, with ample facilities for day trippers as well.

If you have the opportunity to visit the prefecture, even if only for a day trip, be sure to stop by an onsen to rejuvenate both your mind and body.

Main image by Pixta
Written by Kakutama Editorial Team