Discover the Charm of Yura Onsen in Yamagata | Best Attractions, Stays, and Activities
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
Yura Onsen in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata, is a national hot spring resort. Learn about its relaxing day-use options, top accommodations, and unique appeal!
Written by
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.
-
Table of Contents
- 1. Overview of Yura Onsen: A place rooted in fishing village culture and mysterious legends
- 2. Yura Onsen's spring quality and effects: Recommended accommodations
- 3. Tourist attractions
- 4. Summary
- 5. Access
Please also see here for information on gourmet food and tourist spots in the area around Yura Onsen.
1. Overview of Yura Onsen: A place rooted in fishing village culture and mysterious legends
Yura is a traditional fishing town. Fresh seafood is landed at Yura Fishing Port, where you can enjoy seafood unique to the Shonai region, such as rock oysters and winter cod. At the accommodations, you can enjoy dishes made with locally caught seafood, attracting many visitors.
In Japan, there is a saying that goes, "Pilgrimage to Ise in the west, pilgrimage to Oku in the east." Oku-mairi refers to a journey around the Dewa Sanzan (Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono) in Yamagata Prefecture, a place of training that many long to visit at least once in their lifetime. It is said that Prince Hachiko, who is said to be the founder of Dewa Sanzan, landed in Yura after escaping from his pursuers in Kyoto. The legend of Yaotomeura, in which eight young women welcomed him with flutes, is still told today.
2. Yura Onsen's spring quality and effects: Recommended accommodations
The waters of Yura Onsen are sodium and calcium sulfate springs, and are known for their effectiveness in warming the body from the inside out. The clear, colorless, slightly salty waters are known as "beauty waters" that are gentle on the skin, and are also good for recovering from fatigue and improving poor circulation. Here we will introduce three lodgings where you can fully enjoy Yura's hot springs.
Enjoy the spectacular view: Hotel Yaotome
Hotel Yaotome is a resort hotel with a great location overlooking the Sea of Japan. The charm of this hotel is the large public baths in both the West and East wings. From the open-air baths where you can relax and feel the sea breeze, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the setting sun melting into the sea, and at night you can enjoy the starry sky.
Priority is given to guests staying at the hotel, but it is also possible to use the hot springs as a day trip if you make a reservation by the day before. However, it depends on how busy it is, so we recommend inquiring in advance. In summer, a luxurious plan that allows you to enjoy swimming on the beach in front of the hotel and then enter the hot springs is very popular. After the bath, you can enjoy a meal made with fresh local ingredients, providing a special experience for all visitors.
This hotel is extremely popular with foreign visitors tourists visiting Japan, and is highly praised for its hospitality and comprehensive facilities. Why not experience a special time at Hotel Yaotome, where you can refresh your mind and body while taking in the magnificent panorama of the Sea of Japan?
If you want to enjoy a traditional guesthouse: Yoshikazu Homma
Named after the previous owner, Onsen Minshuku Honma Yoshikazu has a simple, nostalgic atmosphere. Run by a married couple, this hot spring inn offers warm service and free-flowing hot spring spring water.
The baths and washing areas are simply designed for men and women, with two or three seats, but the quiet and calming space soothes visitors. The hot spring water is replaced every morning, so bathing is only available from 3pm onwards. Day use is also possible between 3pm and 7pm.
If you want to enjoy cuisine and cypress baths: Hori Ryokan
"Hori Ryokan" is a hot spring inn where you can enjoy a hot free-flowing hot spring bath. Although it is a compact structure with one bathtub and two washing areas, you can enjoy high-quality hot spring water in a bathtub with a cypress scent. Generally, priority is given to overnight guests, but day-trip use of the hot spring is also possible depending on the crowding situation.
They are also well-known for their dedication to their cuisine, carefully selecting and cooking only the freshest seafood caught at the market that day. You can enjoy exquisite dishes made with high-quality ingredients such as rare rock oysters and Kitamae crabs. This is a special place where you can enjoy both comfortable baths and delicious food.
3. Tourist attractions
Hakusan Shrine
Hakusan Shrine is located on Hakusan Island, the symbol of Yura Coast, and is connected to the coast by a red bridge. It has long been worshiped as a place to pray for safe voyages and bountiful harvests, and is known for its deep connection to the nearby "Legend of Yaotomeura."
Once you pass through the torii gate, you will come across 263 stone steps, creating a solemn atmosphere. The steps are quite steep, so please be careful when climbing! Another attraction is that you can enjoy the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan between the trees, and the scenery changes with the seasons.
At Hakusan Shrine, a monthly festival is held on the 1st of every month, and only at that time can you receive a goshuin at the shrine office! Hakusan Shrine is also said to be the god of matchmaking. It is also called "monthly visit," so if you visit on the 1st, you may be blessed with good fortune!
Yura Beach
Yura Coast, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan," "100 Best Beaches in Japan," and "100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan," has been designated as part of the Shonai Seaside Prefectural Natural Park. In particular, the view of Hakusan Island bathed in the sunlight and the Sea of Japan spreading out behind it is breathtaking, and many tourists and photography enthusiasts come to enjoy this moment.
The shallow, clear ocean makes it a safe swimming spot for families. The water temperature rises to nearly 30 degrees from July to September in the summer, making it one of the best marine sports spots in the Tohoku region. It is also becoming increasingly popular as a diving spot, as a wide variety of marine life can be seen in the crystal clear waters.
Ocean Fishing Pond
The "Marine Fishing Pond" on Hakusan Island is a popular fishing pond where fresh fish caught locally are released right into the water! You can take home any fish you catch right away, and it's designed so that even beginners can enjoy it casually. It's only open for a limited time, from late April to the end of October, but it attracts many tourists as they can enjoy fishing in the midst of lush nature.
Umi Terrace Yura Iso no Kaze
"Umi Terrace Yura Iso no Kaze" is an ocean view cafe that is open for a limited time only from late April to mid-October. The cafe has raised seating, window seats, and even terrace seats where you can feel the pleasant sea breeze, so you can relax and enjoy your meal or tea while looking out at the beautiful Yura ocean.
All of the dishes made with fresh, locally caught seafood are delicious! One of the most popular dishes is the "homemade bean paste shaved ice." Its subtle sweetness makes it the perfect cooling treat for the hot summer.
4. Summary
Yura Onsen is a hot spring resort where you can refresh your mind and body while enjoying the beautiful view of the Sea of Japan and the healing waters. In addition to the excellent quality of the spring water, the area's history and culture, as well as the gourmet experience of being able to enjoy fresh local seafood, are also attractive. Surrounded by nature in all four seasons, you will experience something new every time you visit.
Yura Onsen, designated as a national hot spring resort , is sure to attract more attention and develop into a hot spring resort beloved by many people. Why not visit this hidden seaside spot in search of a heartwarming moment?
5. Access
1. Access from Tokyo
When traveling by Shinkansen and local trains
From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki to JR Niigata Station, then transfer to the Inaho Limited Express to Tsuruoka Station.
From Tsuruoka Station, it is about a 20-minute taxi ride. (Some accommodations may be able to pick you up, so please inquire.)
The nearest station is Mise Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line.
If you travel by plane
Take a flight from Haneda Airport to Shonai Airport.
There is a bus bound for Tsuruoka Station from Shonai Airport.
From Tsuruoka Station, take the JR Uetsu Main Line and get off at Mise Station.
2. Access from Osaka
Another route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then take the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki to Niigata Station, then change to the Inaho Limited Express and get off at Tsuruoka Station.
3. Access from Sendai
When using express buses
Buses bound for "Yamagata City" and "Tsuruoka Station" depart from Sendai Station. (Travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes)
*Some flights on the Sendai line depart from Sendai Airport (1 flight per day).
From Tsuruoka Station, take the JR Uetsu Main Line and get off at Mise Station.
By car
From "Miyagi Sendai IC" take the Tohoku Expressway to "Murata JCT"
Take the Yamagata Expressway to Tsuruoka. Total time: about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Access from Niigata
If you use local trains
Take the Uetsu Main Line from Niigata Station and take the express train to Tsuruoka Station, which takes about 2 hours.
It is about a 20-minute taxi ride from Tsuruoka Station.
By car
From Niigata Chuo JCT, take the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway to Asahi Mahoroba IC
Take National Route 7 to Yura Onsen
Overall about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
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.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
Special Features
More
