Namegawa Valley

[Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture] Enjoy Namegawa Onsen at Fukushimaya Ryokan, an unexplored area deep in the mountains! Enjoy the 80m waterfall

Namegawa Onsen is located near the prefectural border with Fukushima Prefecture. It is a hot spring village nestled in the Azuma mountain range, which represents Yonezawa City. It is also known nationwide as Yonezawa Ten Hot Springs.

This time, we will be introducing ``Fukushimaya,'' a famous inn surrounded by deep greenery, and ``Namekawa Otaki,'' the largest waterfall in Tohoku that can be accessed on foot from there.

Fukushimaya is truly a hidden hot spring inn

Fukushimaya Ryokan is a secret hot spring inn that stands alone in the mountains. It is built so that it is buried in a mountain at an altitude of 850m.

Since there is no electricity, we generate our own electricity

Because it is so deep in the mountains, Tohoku Electric Power's power transmission equipment does not reach the area, so electricity is provided by private power generation (hydroelectric power).

Some people come because they are interested in power generation equipment. If you ask the person at the hotel, they will actually show you the power plant.

There is no signal from my smartphone either.

It is best to keep in mind that your smartphone will basically not be able to receive radio waves. I've heard stories of people having no signal at Docomo or Softbank, but being able to make calls on au if they were sitting next to a window.

However, there is no guarantee that au will always work, so if you plan on going to an "unexplored region" in advance, it is better to be prepared for the possibility of not being able to use your smartphone.

A hot spring inn that mainly offers mixed bathing

Fukushimaya's hot springs are often referred to by enthusiasts as ``secret mixed bathing hot springs.'' This is because it is actually a mixed bathing inn, which is rare in this day and age.

There are four hot springs in total.

  • Rock open-air bath (mixed bathing)
  • Cypress open-air bath (mixed bathing)
  • Indoor bath (mixed bath)
  • Indoor bath (women only)

As you can see, most of the baths are mixed baths. The open-air bath is basically a mixed bath.

There are times reserved for women

There are some people, including women, who are reluctant to take mixed baths. For such people, there are designated times when women can take advantage of the open-air rock bath.

Open from 9am to 11am on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and 9am to 12:30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Both baths take place in the morning, but no male customers come in at this time, so even those who don't like mixed bathing can enjoy the baths with peace of mind.

Day trip bathing is also possible.

Fukushimaya opens its hot springs not only to overnight guests, but also to day-trippers. We recommend it because you can enjoy it at a low price of 500 yen.

Fukushimaya Ryokan's open-air bath

Hinoki open-air bath

The changing room in the cypress open-air bath is for both men and women. Women may also have concerns here. This facility can be reserved for private use by making a reservation in advance.

If you want to use it as a family or as a couple, it's a good idea to make a reservation in advance and request a private rental.

There is a river running beside the cypress open-air bath, and listening to the murmuring sound while taking a bath surrounded by greenery gives you a very refreshing feeling. The hot water is not very hot, so it is easy for even beginners to take a bath.

Rock open-air bath

You can walk from the cypress open-air bath to the rock open-air bath, but it is a surprisingly long walk. It's a hassle, but if you want to enjoy both, you'll need to get dressed and move around.

If you walk around naked even though it's not cold, you may pass by other people who are fully clothed, which can be very embarrassing and cause problems in many ways.

The rock open-air bath is considered a specialty of Fukushimaya Ryokan. Unlike Hinoki, the changing rooms are separated by gender.

The rock bath is famous, and it is certainly larger than the cypress tree, and the scenery is better. The cypress tree had signboards and poles that spoiled the view, but the rock open-air bath had a clear view of the mountain stream without any obstructions.

In the summer, many people jump out of the bathtub and play in the river.

Dishes using fresh river fish are also popular.

Fukushimaya Ryokan has a reputation not only for its hot springs but also for its food. The most recommended menu is the one that uses river fish. Unlike inns near the sea, we are particular about using freshwater fish.

The char, carp, and sweetfish caught in the nearby river are cooked to a high standard and served immediately, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of river fish without any odor.

Many people don't usually eat river fish. I often fall in love with river fish here.

The indoor bath in the morning is reserved for private use.

For those staying overnight, we recommend taking a morning bath. There aren't many people in the indoor bath, so you can often reserve it to yourself without asking anything.

The indoor bath has a smell of sulfur, probably due to the steam. It also feels a little tingly on the skin, and in a way, you can feel more of the characteristics of Namegawa Onsen.

*Fukushimaya Ryokan is located deep in the mountains, so it is covered in snow from November to April. Normally, business begins at the end of April and ends in November (resumption of business in 2019 is scheduled for the end of April).

Fukushimaya Ryokan＜Information＞

Google Map

Admire Namekawa Otaki, one of the most famous waterfalls in the country

Check-out time at Fukushimaya Ryokan is 11:00. The train from Toge Station is scheduled to depart at 1:00 p.m., and a courtesy car will be dispatched at that time. During that downtime, you can enjoy the hot springs even more while using the rest room that is open to the public free of charge.

However, if you have already experienced an open-air bath or an indoor bath, you often don't want to take another bath. In that case, it is best to cross the suspension bridge over the river near the inn and go to see the waterfall.

This waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Japan and is one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan. It is the largest waterfall representing the Azuma mountain range.

Check out early and go right in front of the waterfall

If you walk across the bridge from the inn, you will arrive at the observation deck in about 20 minutes. If you don't have time or are physically challenged, you can admire the waterfall here and then return.

If you have time or are still able to walk, we recommend going even closer to the waterfall. After walking 20 minutes to the stream, you will get much closer to the waterfall.

If you walk for another 20 minutes, the waterfall will be right in front of you. The drop is 80m, and the width near the basin of the waterfall is 50m. The power of seeing this huge waterfall up close is indescribable.

You have to walk for an hour from the inn to see it in person, but it's worth it. It's a good idea to leave the ryokan early and plan to go to the waterfall.

Namegawa Otaki <Information>

  • Name: Namegawa Falls
  • Address: Osawa, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, 992-1303
  • Phone number: -
  • Official URL: -

Google Map

Summary about Namegawa Onsen

From its appearance to the atmosphere inside, Fukushimaya Ryokan has a picturesque, unexplored feel. It is perfect for those who want to forget about reality for a while and spend some quiet time listening to the sound of a babbling stream.

Additionally, Namegawa Falls, which can be reached within walking distance from the inn, is a famous spot in Tohoku that is worth seeing. To get to the front of the waterfall, you will have to wade (cross the river on foot) along the way, but the experience is so impressive that it more than makes up for the difficulty.

Articles that may be related to this article

Other articles