Yamagata: 10 Recommended Day Trip Onsen
10 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Yamagata! From Natural Hot Springs to Private Open-Air Baths
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Yamagata has many attractive day trip hot springs!
Yamagata's day trip hot springs are attractive for their diverse spring qualities and seasonal scenery. There are various types, such as highly acidic sulfur springs and weakly alkaline springs, which are said to be good for skin and vascular health. From the spacious open-air baths, you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature. Especially from spring to autumn, there are special evening hours, making bathing under the starry sky appealing. Strolling through the hot spring town and enjoying local food are also highlights.
10 Recommended Day Trip Hot Springs in Yamagata
"Relax in Nature" Gokurakuyu Group Takayama no Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Gokurakuyu Group Takayama no Yu, located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a day trip hot spring facility featuring natural hot spring water drawn from the clear stream of the Mogami River's underground water. It offers a variety of baths, including the "Komeiseki Onsen" open-air bath, rock baths, bubble baths, and relaxation baths, providing a comforting and healing experience. You can also sweat it out in the kura sauna and steam sauna, enjoy over 600 manga in the comic corner, and savor local specialty Yonezawa ramen at the dining area. With reasonable prices (600 yen on weekdays, 680 yen on weekends and holidays) and open year-round, it's a popular hot spring spot in Yonezawa perfect for visiting with family and friends.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 491-1 Nakadamachi Wakamiya, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | Public transport: From JR Yonezawa Station, take the Yamakoh Bus "Kubota/Nukanome Line" for Sotonoichi, get off at "Kita Sangyo Dori", and walk for 8 minutes. Car: 3.6km (10 minutes by car) from JR Yonezawa Station via National Route 13 |
| Parking | 200 spaces (free) |
| Operating Hours | 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Last entry 10:30 PM) |
| Fees | Weekdays: Adults 600 yen, Children 300 yen. Weekends/Holidays: Adults 680 yen, Children 350 yen (Children under 3 free) |
"Adults' Retreat" Miizumi Onsen Yoshino Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Miizumi Onsen Yoshino Yu is an adults' retreat day trip hot spring in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture. Opened in 2017, the traditional Japanese-style building features jazz music and a tranquil atmosphere. You can slowly enjoy the beautifying hot spring water, which is a sodium-chloride spring directly from the source, containing metasilicic acid. The lukewarm water at 40-41 degrees Celsius is perfect for a long soak. It features indoor and open-air baths, and the attached "Umeichi Soba" offers authentic handmade soba. The fee is a reasonable 400 yen for adults. This hot spring is recommended for those who want to relax their mind and body in a quiet environment.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 153-2 Shimogawara, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | From Sagae Station, take the Yamakoh Bus and get off at "Shimogawara". About 10 minutes by car north from Sagae Station. |
| Parking | Free parking available (30 spaces) |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Fees | Adults (junior high school age and older): 400 yen, Children (under junior high school age): 250 yen |
"Heal Your Heart with Mysterious Cloudy Water" Zao Onsen Dai-rotenburo
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Zao Onsen Dai-rotenburo is an open-air bath boasting an impressive scale, located slightly away from the Zao Onsen town in Yamagata Prefecture. It's a spacious area where approximately 200 people can bathe simultaneously, characterized by its mysterious bluish cloudy water. It's a highly acidic sulfur spring, 100% free-flowing from the source, and is expected to have skin-tightening beautifying effects. There are two separate baths for men and women with different temperatures, allowing visitors to enjoy bathing while appreciating nature. If you're lucky, you might even spot a serow. It's open from late April to mid-November and closed during winter. You can enjoy extremely fresh water as it's close to the source, but due to its high acidity, be careful not to stay too long and remember to rehydrate frequently.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 853-3 Zaō Onsen Arashiki, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | From Yamagata-do Yamagata Zao IC, about 20km via National Route 13 and Prefectural Road 21, approximately 35 minutes by car. From JR Yamagata Station, about 37 minutes by Yamako Bus to Zao Onsen, then about 15 minutes walk after getting off at the last stop. |
| Parking | Available (60 spaces, free) |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM), Weekends and Holidays 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:30 PM) |
| Fees | Adults 800 yen, Children (1 to under 12 years old) 400 yen *Fees are subject to change |
"Traditional Wooden Bathhouse" Zao Onsen Public Bath Kami-yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Zao Onsen Public Bath "Kami-yu" is one of the oldest hot springs in Zao Onsen. It features a traditional wooden building standing near the torii gate of Sukawa Onsen Shrine, retaining its charming atmosphere even after renovations in 2010. The free-flowing, highly acidic sulfur spring boasts an abundant flow of over 4,000 liters per minute and is expected to have beautifying effects, sterilizing properties, and promote blood circulation. The admission fee is a reasonable 200 yen for adults, and it's open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (open all year round). Since the water temperature is high, it's recommended to soak slowly. This spot is perfect for those who want to experience the hot spring culture of Zao.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 30-2 Zao Onsen, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | Approx. 40 minutes by local bus from Yamagata Station, 5 minutes walk from Zao Onsen bus terminal |
| Parking | No dedicated parking. Please use nearby "Reisen Hiroba Parking" or "Zao Taiikukan-mae Parking" |
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
| Fees | Adults 200 yen, Children 100 yen |
"Heal Your Heart in a Secluded Hot Spring in a Hidden Area" Namekawa Onsen Fukushima-ya
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Namekawa Onsen Fukushima-ya is a secluded hot spring inn nestled deep in the mountains of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, boasting over 200 years of history and a charming atmosphere. It features milky white cloudy water directly from the source, and offers four types of baths: a rock bath, a cypress bath, a mixed-gender indoor bath, and a women-only indoor bath. The spring quality is a sulfur-containing sodium-calcium-bicarbonate-sulfate spring, known for its excellent beautifying effects and ability to relieve fatigue. Located along a mountain stream, it's also attractive for enjoying the hot spring surrounded by magnificent nature. Day trip bathing is available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a reasonable fee of 600 yen, but note that it's only open seasonally from late April to early November. Access is via mountain roads, so it's recommended to allow plenty of time for your visit.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 Namekawa, Osawa, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | From Fukushima Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, transfer to the Ou Main Line and get off at Toge Station. About 10 minutes (with shuttle service) or 20 minutes by car from Toge Station. About 45 minutes by car from Tohoku Expressway Yonezawa Chuo IC [1][2][5] |
| Parking | Available (free) |
| Operating Hours | [Day Trip Bathing] 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed in winter: early November - late April) |
| Fees | Day trip bathing: Adults 600 yen, Children under elementary school age 300 yen (tax included) |
"Convenient and Cost-Effective Day Trip Hot Spring" Sagae Hanasaka Onsen Yu~Cherry
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Sagae Hanasaka Onsen Yu~Cherry is a day trip hot spring facility in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, offering excellent cost performance. It's located right near the Yamagata Expressway Sagae IC, making it easily accessible. There are three different baths for men and women, each offering 100% natural spring water with distinct qualities. The spring water, which includes simple hot spring and sulfur-containing sodium-calcium-chloride spring (hydrogen sulfide type), is expected to have skin-beautifying and relaxing effects. It features open-air baths, two types of saunas (high and low temperature), a relaxation room, and a dining hall. The admission fee is a reasonable 350 yen for adults, and it's open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (last entry 9:30 PM). Furthermore, it's a noteworthy spot for its unusual endeavor of cultivating hot spring pufferfish on its premises.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 15 Kubō, Ōaza Sagae, Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | 1 minute by car from Yamagata Expressway Sagae Smart IC, 5 minutes by car from Sagae Station |
| Parking | Free parking available (over 250 spaces), also handicapped parking available |
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM (closing time 10:00 PM) |
| Fees | Adults 350 yen, Children 150 yen |
"Seasonal Scenery and Open-Air Bath" Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu is a day-trip hot spring in Zao Onsen, Yamagata Prefecture, a luxurious spot where you can enjoy an open-air bath with 100% natural spring water while gazing at the beautiful mountains throughout the four seasons. The facility features three types of baths: "Mogami Takayu," which boasts the second strongest acidity in Japan, "Shi-Roku no Yu," a blend of hot spring and water, and "Kame Yu," all popular as "Bihada no Yu" (beauty hot springs) for their skin-beautifying effects. There are also an adjacent restaurant and souvenir shop, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the charm of Zao along with the hot spring. Operating hours are 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last admission 5:30 PM), with admission fees of 1,000 yen for adults and 400 yen for children. Due to its strong acidity, "Shi-Roku no Yu" is recommended for those with sensitive skin.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 905 Zaō Onsen Kawamae, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | From Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station, approximately 45 minutes by bus bound for Zao Onsen, then about 5 minutes walk from the Zao Onsen bus terminal. About 1 hour by car from Sendai Station via Yamagata Expressway. |
| Parking | Dedicated parking available (65 spaces). Paid during winter season depending on conditions. |
| Operating Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM). Closed on Wednesdays. |
| Fees | Adults 1,000 yen, Children 400 yen, Infants 200 yen (3 years and older) |
"Abundant Hot Spring Water and Luxurious Open-Air Bath" Genshichi Roten no Yu
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Genshichi Roten no Yu is a day trip hot spring facility in Zao Onsen boasting an abundant supply of hot water, where you can enjoy highly acidic sulfur springs flowing directly from the source. In the rock-built open-air bath surrounded by beautiful nature, you can indulge in a luxurious bathing experience while gazing at the seasonal scenery. The spring quality is acidic, sulfur-containing aluminum-sulfate-chloride spring, known for its high beautifying effects and benefits for chronic skin diseases and women's health issues. It features indoor and open-air baths, and at night, it's lit up, creating a fantastical atmosphere. Admission is 550 yen for adults and 300 yen for children, with operating hours from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, which is relatively long. It's recommended for those who want to enjoy authentic hot springs while feeling the nature of Zao.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 862-1 Zao Onsen Arashiki, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | From Yamagata Shinkansen Yamagata Station, approx. 40-45 minutes by Yamakoh Bus to Zao Onsen, then 10 minutes walk from Zao Onsen bus terminal. Approx. 30 minutes by car from Yamagata Zao IC. |
| Parking | 60 spaces (free) |
| Operating Hours | Usually 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Wednesdays 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM). Irregular closures may occur. |
| Fees | Adults (junior high school age and older) 550 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen |
"Adjusting Health with Strong Saline Spring" Hyakumeoni Onsen
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Hyakumeoni Onsen is a day-trip hot spring in western Yamagata City featuring a strong saline spring that flows directly from the source. This highly concentrated sodium-chloride spring warms the body to the core with just a 3-minute soak, and is expected to have detoxifying effects. Due to the very strong spring quality, short stays are recommended. The open-air bath offers panoramic views of the Zao mountain range and the night view of Yamagata city, making its expansive location another highlight. Renovated in 2018 with new saunas and shower rooms, it's now even more comfortable to enjoy the hot springs. Admission is a reasonable 400 yen for adults and 100 yen for children. Said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and digestive diseases, it's a perfect hot spring for those looking to relieve daily fatigue.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 42-1 Hyakumeoni, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | About 20 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station, then about 20 minutes walk from "Niida" bus stop. About 4.8km from Tohoku-Chuo Expressway "Yamagata Chuo IC". |
| Parking | 50 spaces (free) |
| Operating Hours | 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last entry 9:30 PM) |
| Fees | Adults 400 yen, Children 100 yen (elementary school age and younger) |
"Rock Bath in the City" Health Natural Hot Spring Yaobou
Provided by: Nifty Onsen
Health Natural Hot Spring Yaobou is a day-trip hot spring facility located along National Route 13 in Yamagata City, marked by its distinctive octagonal building. It features a weakly alkaline hot spring flowing directly from the source, affectionately known as "Bihada no Yu" (beauty hot spring). You can enjoy a luxurious hot spring experience in the rock bath, and despite being in the city, it boasts abundant hot water and a healing space enveloped in the scent of cypress. Admission is 630 yen for adults and 330 yen for children. With long operating hours from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry 10:00 PM), it's convenient for morning baths or after-work visits. It's effective for skin beautification, fatigue recovery, and alleviating neuralgia and muscle pain. As the temperature is on the higher side, it's recommended to alternate with a cold bath.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-1-1 Higashi-Aota, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Access | About 17 minutes by bus from Yamagata Station, then about 3 minutes walk from the bus stop. About 15 minutes by taxi. Along National Route 13, immediately to the right after turning left at the Aota intersection. |
| Parking | Free parking available, 30 spaces. |
| Operating Hours | 6:30 AM - 11:00 PM (last entry 10:30 PM), closed on the third Wednesday of the month. |
| Fees | Adults 630 yen, Children 330 yen |
Enjoy Yamagata's popular day trip hot springs!
A trip to Yamagata's recommended day-trip hot springs offers a special experience that heals both mind and body. The rich ingredients of the natural hot springs will envelop your skin and relieve your fatigue. Enjoying nature in a private open-air bath is also a charm. Yamagata's hot springs offer many places where you can relax in a natural environment, and you can fully enjoy them even on a day trip. Visiting a hot spring allows you to forget daily stress and gain time to have peace of mind. Please visit Yamagata's hot springs and spend a pleasant time with nature. By experiencing the charm of hot springs, you will discover new joys of travel.