Lots of unique hot springs! Hot spring inns you'll want to visit on your trip to Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata Prefecture, which faces the Sea of ​​Japan, is home to many famous hot springs. Some overlook the sea, while others are located deep in the mountains, allowing you to enjoy bathing in the hot springs while immersing yourself in nature. In this article, we will introduce some particularly recommended hot springs and famous inns

Yunohama Hot Springs

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As its name suggests, Yunohama Onsen, which springs up in a location overlooking the Sea of ​​Japan, is also known as Kame-no-yu (Turtle Hot Spring). Yunohama Onsen boasts a history of over 1000 years and has tourist spots that have received Michelin stars, with Shimenji Temple and Chido Museum being particularly popular. Yunohama Onsen is a chloride hot spring, so it warms the body and is perfect for people who are sensitive to the cold.

Recommended accommodation in Yunohama Onsen: Yusuitei Isagoya

Yusuitei Isagoya boasts a large public bath overlooking Shonaihama Beach, which has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 sunset spots. There are a wide variety of guest rooms, including those with open-air baths and special rooms, and some rooms offer beautiful sunset views. Dinner is generously made with seafood caught off Shonaihama, allowing you to savor the local flavors

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Zao Hot Springs

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Zao Onsen, considered one of the "Three Great Hot Springs of Oshu," is a highly acidic sulfur spring said to be effective for beautiful skin. For this reason, it is sometimes called "Princess's Bath" or "Beauty-Enhancing Bath."
Located at an altitude of 900m, it seems to attract many visitors as a highland resort, especially in the summer. There are
also plenty of places to stop by for a day trip.

Zao International Hotel: A recommended hotel in Zao Onsen

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The Zao International Hotel, which has received high ratings on online accommodation sites, uses free-flowing hot spring water in its large public bath, allowing guests to enjoy fresh water. The open-air bath is full of a sense of openness, and you can enjoy two types of water with different temperatures. For dinner, the stone-grilled set meal using local Yamagata beef is very popular.

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Akakura Onsen

Akakura Onsen, located near Akakura Ski Resort, has been visited by many famous people, and even today many historical sites and famous places remain. The hot spring town along the Oguni River is full of charm, and you can enjoy touring the hot springs. The spring water is rich in calcium, sodium, and sulfate, and many people come here for hot spring therapy

Recommended accommodation in Akakura Onsen: "Ryokan Shakunage-so, a bath-loving inn"

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Shakunage-so Ryokan, a bath-loving inn, is limited to four groups per day and is the perfect inn for those who want to enjoy a hot spring away from the hustle and bustle. The four open-air baths and two indoor baths can be reserved for private use free of charge, and you can bathe whenever you like, 24 hours a day. You can enjoy the fresh water, which is 100% natural, directly flowing from the inn's own hot spring

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summary

In addition to the hot springs introduced here, Yamagata Prefecture has many other famous hot springs, such as Sakuranbo Higashine Onsen and Ginzan Onsen. Many inns use water straight from the source, so why not stay overnight and soak in the hot springs multiple times? You'll be sure to blow away all your daily fatigue