Relax Your Mind and Body at Yura Onsen in Yamagata | The Ultimate Guide to Shonai’s Hot Springs
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Discover Yamagata’s Shonai area, home to four national hot spring resorts, including Yura Onsen. Enjoy healing waters, rich history, and serene nature.
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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
- 1. Yura Onsen: Spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and historic hot springs
- 2. Other hot spring areas (Yunohama Onsen, Atsumi Onsen, Yutagawa Onsen)
- 3. Shonai Region: Nearby Tourist Spots
- 4. The charms of Shonai's hot springs
- 5. Access
Please also see here for recommended day trip hot springs and accommodations in Yura Onsen.
1. Yura Onsen: Spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and historic hot springs
Features
Yura is a fishing town with a long history. The hot springs boast spectacular views of the Sea of Japan and fresh seafood. It is the place where Prince Hachiko was washed ashore 1,400 years ago, and there is a legend that it is also connected to the founder of Dewa Sanzan.
The spring quality is classified as a sodium-calcium sulfate spring, and is known for its strong effect of warming the body from the core. It has a strong moisturizing effect, and is also known as a "beautiful skin bath" because it leaves the skin moisturized after bathing. The colorless, transparent water with a slight salty taste is said to be effective in relieving fatigue and improving poor circulation, making it the perfect spring quality for those seeking healing and health.
Tourist attractions
Yura Coast has been awarded many titles, including being selected as one of the "100 Best Sunsets in Japan," "100 Best Beaches in Japan," and "100 Best Swimming Beaches in Japan," and is also popular as a spot for marine sports and diving. Hakusan Shrine on Hakusan Island, the symbol of Yura Coast, is known as a place of worship where people pray for safe voyages and bountiful harvests, and is deeply connected to local legends. The view of Hakusan Island and the Sea of Japan dyed in the sunset is particularly spectacular, attracting tourists.
Accommodation and cuisine
At the hotels and guesthouses in Yura Onsen, you can enjoy exquisite cuisine that makes use of seasonal seafood that is unique to the Shonai region. Fresh seasonal flavors, such as winter cod in winter and rock oysters in summer, adorn the dining table and fascinate visitors. The seafood used is freshly caught at the market, so it is extremely fresh! The great appeal of the inns in Yura Onsen is that you can enjoy the hot springs as well as cuisine that makes full use of local produce.
2. Other hot spring areas (Yunohama Onsen, Atsumi Onsen, Yutagawa Onsen)
Yunohama Onsen
Yunohama Onsen has a history of over 1000 years and is a hot spring resort with hotels and inns lined up along the beautiful coast. Like Yura Onsen, it is located along the coast, so it is characterized by a vast sandy beach, beautiful sunsets over the Sea of Japan, and views of the coastline.
The spring quality is a chloride spring containing sodium and calcium, and it has a high moisturizing and heat-retaining effect, and is said to be effective for chronic gastrointestinal diseases, cuts, skin diseases, neuralgia, burns, etc. There are foot baths and drinking springs in the town, and some inns offer drop-in bath services, so you can enjoy touring the hot spring town. It is also very convenient, with good access to Shonai Airport and the Yamagata Expressway. It is the largest hot spring resort in Shonai.
Atsumi Hot Springs
Atsumi Onsen is a historic hot spring area that flourished around the Atsumi River that runs through the hot spring town. It flourished as a hot spring resort during the Edo period, and the hot spring town we know today was established. It is characterized by its highly effective sulfate springs, and is also popular as a "skin-beautifying bath."
At Atsumi River, you can see cherry blossoms in spring, sweetfish fishing in summer, and salmon swimming upstream in autumn. You can spend a relaxing time listening to the murmuring of the river and enjoying the changing seasons. The foot baths, drinking fountains, reclining benches, and cafes on the riverside are also part of the attractions, where you can enjoy beer and local snacks under the blue sky.
Yutagawa Onsen
Yuda Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in the Tohoku region, boasting a history of 1,300 years. The spring water is a sodium-calcium sulfate spring, known for its therapeutic properties. In spring, the hot spring water is used to make rice seeds sprout, and seedlings are made using the hot spring water. The sight of bags of rice placed in a waterway through which the hot spring water flows is a seasonal sight in spring in Yuda.
Surrounded by bamboo and plum groves, this quiet hot spring resort retains the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring resort, allowing you to enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. At the accommodations, you can enjoy flavorful dishes made with local produce and wild plants, and the "Tsuruoka Moko"* that is available in spring is particularly delicious! Meals made with seasonal ingredients will satisfy your body and mind along with the hot springs.
※Bamboo shoots
3. Shonai Region: Nearby Tourist Spots
Kamo Aquarium
Kamo Aquarium in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, is an aquarium that boasts one of the world's largest jellyfish exhibits. Its highlight is the "Jellyfish Dream Theater," where about 10,000 moon jellyfish float in a five-meter-diameter tank.
The light and shadow effects of the jellyfish projected in the giant aquarium are truly mystical. You can see over 80 species of jellyfish collected from all over the world. There are also comprehensive explanation exhibits on jellyfish, so you can have fun learning about their ecology.
Besides jellyfish, fish that live in the rivers, ponds, and seas of Shonai are also on display. The marine mammal area where you can see sea lions and seals swimming is also popular.
At the on-site restaurant, Uosho Dining Okimizuki, you can enjoy dishes made with an abundance of fresh seafood caught off Shonaihama. The menu, created by head chef Takeshi Suda, ranges from set meals and set menus that make use of local seasonal ingredients to unique jellyfish dishes. There are also special dishes that can only be enjoyed here, such as jellyfish ramen and jellyfish ice cream! The view of the Sea of Japan from the window is also spectacular.
Aomoriya
When it comes to gourmet food around Tsuruoka Station, the transportation hub and starting point for tourism in the Shonai area, there's Fruit Shop Aomoriya. The shop was founded when the first generation brought apples from Aomori Prefecture to Tsuruoka. Currently, the third-generation president personally visits the producing areas and offers carefully selected fruits.
On the first and second floors of the shop, there is a cafe where you can enjoy tarts and fruit salads made with plenty of seasonal fruits, and spend a relaxing time. In particular, the tarts made with a generous amount of seasonal fruits are dishes that bring out the best of the fruit's flavor. The antique-style interior with a white base provides a relaxing space for tourists.
4. The charms of Shonai's hot springs
Yura Onsen, Yunohama Onsen, Yudagawa Onsen, and Atsumi Onsen in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture each have their own unique characteristics, allowing you to enjoy a tour of the hot springs depending on the season and purpose. For example, why not enjoy swimming in the sea at Yura Onsen or Yunohama Onsen in the summer, and savor the atmosphere of the quiet hot spring towns at Yudagawa Onsen or Atsumi Onsen in the spring or fall? Of course, even during the different seasons, you can also experience the rich local food culture, and new discoveries await you every time you visit along with the beautiful nature of each season.
A tour of the hot springs in the Shonai region will be a special journey that will soothe your soul and allow you to enjoy the bounty of nature and food.
5. Access
1. Access to the hub "Tsuruoka" 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 Mitsuse 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.
2. Access from Osaka
Another route is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo Station, then change to the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki to Niigata Station, then transfer 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
When using 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 Atsumi Onsen IC
Take the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway to Tsuruoka-Nishi IC. The total time is 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.
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