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Yamagata Zao Onsen is located at the foot of the Zao mountain range in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture. The popular hot spring resort, which has been popular as a historic hot spring, is famous as a " beauty hot spring ", and tourists from all over the country still visit us in search of high-quality hot springs. We will introduce the history of Zao Onsen, the benefits of hot springs, and how to enjoy them on a day trip.
Yamagata Zao Onsen is a famous hot spring with a history of over 1,900 years.
Zao Onsen opened in 110 AD . One theory is that it was discovered by Kibino Tagayu, who served in the Eastern Expedition by Yamato Takeru Nomikoto. This is a traditional Japanese old-fashioned hot spring where Kibi Tagayu, who was injured, had a bath at Zao Onsen, and the wound healed within a few days.
During the period of high economic growth in the Showa era, development progressed as a ski resort area, and the construction of large hotels around Zao Onsen increased. In recent years, the number of tourists from overseas has increased, and it has become a lively mountain resort that allows you to enjoy hot springs, activities and nature.
Super acidic hot water! Effects of Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen has five springs, and 47 springs branched out from the springs. The water quality is a highly acidic sulfur spring, and is characterized by its cloudy, thick water. Bijin no Yu is a type of water that can be expected to promote blood circulation, promote skin bactericidal properties, and have the unique effects of sulfur springs.
Furthermore, by promoting blood circulation, it can be expected to have a wide range of benefits, including arteriosclerosis, constipation, and diabetes, and it gently heals the body.
Enjoy Yamagata Zao Onsen on a day trip!
Yamagata Zao Onsen is not only available to enjoy at a leisurely stay at an inn or hotel, but there are many things to do as well as day trips.
Three common baths in the hot spring town
There are three common baths in the hot spring town of Yamagata Zao Onsen, where you can take a bath for 200 yen per session. The small communal bathhouse, with the warmth of wood, has a rustic atmosphere that can only be enjoyed in a hot spring town. You can enjoy a special moment that will relax and soothe your fatigue while thinking about the history of Zao Onsen.
<Kamiyu-san public bath> Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
Kamiyu Onsen is located in the heart of Zao Onsen town, just a short distance from Zao Onsen Bus Terminal, and is considered to be the easiest bathhouse to access. The bathhouse is a wooden building with a relatively large bathtub. The temperature of the water is slightly hot.
The water quality is a cloudy, highly acidic sulfur spring. It has a tingling sensation the moment you enter it, but once you get used to it, it becomes addictive.
<Shimoyu-san public bath> Opening hours: 6:00-22:00
Shimoyu Onsen is a slightly less common place than the Shimoyu hot spring, and is a bathhouse located in a quiet, residential area. It is a small structure and is used by many local residents, and has a calm atmosphere.
The water quality is slightly more transparent than other hot springs, and is said to be relatively easy to get in because it is milder.
<Kawaharayu Community Bath> Opening Hours: 6:00-22:00
Kawarayu Onsen is a bathhouse located in a low-lying riverside, and steam is surrounded by steam, making it the most wild and popular among hobby hot spring tour fans.
The water quality is particularly acidic among Zao Onsen, and is characterized by its strong sulfur smell and hot water.
The three common baths are Shimoyu → Kamiyu → Kawaharayu, and it is said that they gradually become accustomed to the stronger water quality and put less strain on the body. There are no hot spring tour passes or other services available at this time, but it is no exaggeration to say that conquered Zao's Hot Springs
However, none of the public baths have any equipment such as shampoo or body soap, and of course there are no towels. Don't forget to bring it with you if you need it.
Google Map(Zao Onsen Joint Bathhouse)
Foot baths and hand baths
Foot bath and hand bath next to Shimoyu-san public bath
Zao Onsen Town has several spots where you can enjoy foot baths and hand baths, making it a great place to take a break from walking. Enjoy the smooth water with the smell of sulfur while enjoying the views of the hot spring town.
Enjoy the wild atmosphere and a sense of freedom! Zao Onsen's large open-air bath with a spectacular view
Along a mountain stream slightly off the center of Yamagata Zao Onsen town, there is Zao Onsen Large Open-Air Bath, one of the largest open-air baths
The most distinctive feature of this place is that it is surrounded by nature and allows you to enjoy forest bathing and hot spring bathing at the same time. It's a climb from the center of Yamagata Zao Onsen, but it's about a 15-minute walk away, and you can enjoy the perfect location and authentic natural spring water.
During the opening period, nighttime will also be open only on the day of the event. The hot springs are surrounded by a starry sky and fantastic lights, and you can expect even more benefits. For more information, please check the link below.
After bathing, take a break with local alcohol! "Yamagata Sake Museum"
After a good sweat in the hot springs, we also recommend quenching your thirst with delicious Yamagata alcohol. Located about a 5-minute walk from the center of the hot spring town, the Yamagata Sake Museum offers sake from 49 breweries in Yamagata Prefecture, making it easy to enjoy a taste of sake.
There are also exhibits related to sake inside the restaurant, and a relaxing space where you can relax with a sake in hand.
When you think of hot springs, you think of "kokeshi"! Introducing Zao Takayu Kokeshi, perfect for souvenirs
There are many souvenirs at Yamagata Zao Onsen, but "Zao Takayu Kokeshi" is one of the souvenirs that you should definitely recommend when visiting Yamagata Zao Onsen.
The reason for this is that it is a rare craft that conveys the traditional kokeshi culture of Tohoku to the present Zao Takayu Kokeshi was developed independently, following the trends of the Doyu and Togata styles, and is a valuable souvenir that is now produced only by a limited number of craftsmen in Yamagata Prefecture.
The beauty of its design and rustic warmth are also attractive, with its rounded head, thick, stable body, and radial hand-shaped patterns and flower paintings that are gorgeous in appearance and stand out as interior decoration, so it can be said to be not just souvenirs, but also artworks that can be enjoyed for a long time.
The wood is made from high-quality wood such as locally produced maple and itaya , and when you pick it up, you will be impressed by its comfortable weight and smoothness.
For more information, please see the link below, as we have also introduced it in previous NEFTs.
We have introduced some places to enjoy on a day trip to Yamagata Zao Onsen, what did you think? I think the places I introduced this time are only a few. If you visit Yamagata Zao Onsen, there are 100 ways to enjoy it for 100 people.
Finally, we would like to introduce a day trip model course focusing on the locations we introduced this time, so please use this as a reference!
time
Content
10:00
Departs from Yamagata Station by bus to Zao Onsen (approx. 40 minutes, about 1,000 yen one way)
11:00
Experience "ladder bath" at the public bath (1) Shimo bath 2) Kami bath 3) Kawahara bath order, 200 yen each bath)
12:30
Lunch and experience Yamagata local sake at Yamagata Museum (approx. 2,000 yen)
13:30
Purchased Zao Takayu Kokeshi as a souvenir (approx. 3,500 yen, with a difference in price depending on the item)
14:30
Experience forest bathing and hot spring water in Zao Onsen's large open-air bath (800 yen for adults)
15:30
Strolling around the hot spring town (tama konjac, snacks, local sake tasting)
16:30
On the way home, depart Zao Onsen → To Yamagata Station (approx. 40 minutes, about 1,000 yen one way)
Even if you don't buy souvenirs roughly, it would cost around 6,000 yen in 7 hours. For under 10,000 yen, you can enjoy local sake and a souvenir from local sake! Isn't it a good course?
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