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Namegawa Valley

[Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture] Enjoy Namekawa Onsen at Fukushimaya Ryokan, a hidden gem deep in the mountains! Admire the 80m waterfall!

Namegawa Onsen is located near the border with Fukushima Prefecture. It is a hot spring resort surrounded by the Azuma mountain range, which is representative of Yonezawa City. It is known nationwide as one of the Ten Hot Springs of Yonezawa

This time, we will introduce Fukushimaya, a famous lodging surrounded by deep greenery, and Namekawa Otaki, the largest waterfall in Tohoku and accessible on foot from Fukushimaya

Fukushimaya is truly a hidden hot spring inn

Fukushimaya Ryokan is a hidden hot spring inn nestled in the mountains, buried in the mountains at an altitude of 850m

Electricity is unavailable, so we generate our own electricity

Because the area is so deep in the mountains, Tohoku Electric Power's power transmission facilities do not reach the area, so electricity is generated in-house (hydroelectric power)

Some people visit because they are interested in the power generation facilities, and if you ask the hotel staff, they will show you the actual power plant

There is no signal from my smartphone

It's best to assume that your smartphone will basically lose signal. I've heard stories of Docomo and Softbank having no signal at all, but being able to make calls with au if you're sitting next to a window

However, there is no guarantee that this will be the case if you use au, so it is best to plan ahead and prepare for the possibility that you may not be able to use your smartphone when you go to a ``remote area.''

A hot spring inn that mainly offers mixed bathing

Fukushimaya's hot springs are often referred to among enthusiasts as the "secret mixed-bathing hot spring," because it is actually a hot spring inn that primarily focuses on mixed bathing, 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 bathing)
  • Indoor bath (women only)

As you can see, most baths are mixed. Open-air baths are generally mixed

There are women-only hours

Some people, such as women, are reluctant to mix bathing. For those people, there are designated times when the women-only rock open-air bath is available

The baths are open from 9:00 to 11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and from 9:00 to 12:30 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Although these times are in the morning, male bathers are not allowed in, so even those who are uncomfortable with mixed bathing can enjoy the baths with peace of mind

Day trip bathing is also possible.

Fukushimaya is open to day visitors as well as overnight guests, and we recommend it as it is an affordable option at just 500 yen

Fukushimaya Ryokan's open-air bath

Cypress open-air bath

The changing room for the cypress open-air bath is unisex. Here too, there are some concerns for women. However, if you make a reservation in advance, you can reserve the bath exclusively

If you would like to use the facility with your family or as a couple, it is a good idea to make a reservation in advance and request exclusive use of the facility

There is a river running beside the cypress open-air bath, and bathing while listening to the babbling brook and surrounded by greenery is a very refreshing experience. The water is not too hot, so it is easy to enter even for those who are new to hot springs

Rock open-air bath

It's a bit of a hassle to walk from the cypress open-air bath to the rock open-air bath, but it's actually quite a distance. If you want to enjoy both baths, you'll need to walk while wearing your clothes

If you walk around naked even if it's not cold, you may pass by other people who are 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 the cypress bath, the changing rooms are separated by partitions for men and women

The rock bath is a specialty of the resort, and it is certainly larger than the Hinoki bath, with a nicer view. The Hinoki bath has signs and poles that spoil the view, but the rock open-air bath offers a clear view of the mountain stream without any obstructions

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

The fresh river fish dishes are also popular

Fukushimaya Ryokan is renowned not only for its hot springs but also for its cuisine. The most recommended dish is the one made with river fish. Unlike other inns located near the sea, Fukushimaya Ryokan is particular about using river fish

The char, carp, and sweetfish caught in the nearby river are cooked while still fresh and served immediately, so you can enjoy the deliciousness of river fish without any unpleasant odor

Many people who don't usually eat river fish often become fascinated by them here

The indoor bath is reserved for private use in the morning

For those staying overnight, we recommend taking a morning bath. The indoor bath is often not crowded, so you will often have it all to yourself without even having to ask

The indoor bath has a strong sulfur smell, probably due to the steam that builds up inside. It also has a slight tingling sensation on the skin, which in a way makes it even more characteristic of Namekawa Onsen

*Fukushimaya Ryokan is located deep in the mountains, so it is closed off by snow from November to April. Normally, the inn opens at the end of April and closes in November (it is scheduled to reopen at the end of April in 2019)

Fukushimaya Ryokan＜Information＞

Google Map

See one of the most famous Namekawa Falls in Japan

Check-out time at Fukushimaya Ryokan is 11:00. The train from Toge Station is scheduled to depart at 1:00 PM, so a shuttle bus will be dispatched to coincide with this. During this time, you can enjoy the hot springs further while using the free-use rest room

However, if you have already experienced the open-air bath and indoor bath, you may not want to take another bath. In that case, it is a good idea to cross the suspension bridge over the river next to the inn and go see the waterfall

This waterfall is one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan and is one of the largest in the country. It is the largest waterfall representing the Azuma Mountain Range

Check out early and head right to the waterfall

If you walk across the bridge from the inn, you'll reach the observation deck in about 20 minutes. If you're short on time or not in good physical condition, you can admire the waterfall here and then head back

If you have time or can still walk, we recommend going even closer to the waterfall. After walking 20 meters to the stream, you will be much closer to the waterfall

After another 20 minutes of walking, you'll be right in front of the waterfall. It has a drop of 80m and is 50m wide at the base of the falls. The power of seeing this huge waterfall up close is indescribable

It takes an hour's walk from the inn to see it up close, but it's well worth it. It's a good idea to plan to leave the inn early and make your way to the waterfall

Namekawa Falls <Information>

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

Google Map

Summary of Namekawa Onsen

Fukushimaya Ryokan, from its appearance to the atmosphere inside, is filled with the feeling of being in a picturesque, unexplored region. It is perfect for those who want to forget reality for a moment and spend some tranquil time listening to the babbling brook

Furthermore, Namekawa Otaki Falls, which is within walking distance from the inn, is a famous spot in Tohoku that is well worth a visit. To get right in front of the waterfall, you will need to ford (walk across the river), but the excitement that awaits you will more than make up for the difficulty

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