Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Onogawa Onsen (Onogawa Onsenkyo) is a historic hot spring town located in the northern part of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It has long been popular as a quiet hot spring resort in the mountains, and even today it is a tranquil hot spring resort with charming inns and public baths remaining. Although small in size, each inn offers its own unique charm in its indoor and outdoor baths, making it an ideal place for a relaxing stay and a chance to sample local cuisine.
The quality of the spring water varies slightly depending on the inn and bath, but the local hot springs are often said to warm you up easily and help relieve fatigue and coldness, and the area is also characterized by the preservation of a simple hot spring therapy culture.You can enjoy the changing seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and snowy scenery in winter, and spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Highlights
- Visiting traditional inns: There are many small, unique inns lined up, each with its own unique baths and scenery, so you can enjoy visiting different inns and soaking in different baths (some inns offer bath-hopping tickets or day-trip bathing for overnight guests).
- Public baths and town atmosphere: Experience the nostalgic atmosphere of a hot spring town with its old-fashioned public baths, narrow alleys, and old buildings.
- Seasonal scenery: The fresh greenery and cherry blossoms of spring, the autumn leaves, and the snowy scenery of winter are particularly beautiful, and the view from the open-air bath is also captivating.
- Local Cuisine: Yonezawa is famous for its Yonezawa beef, so we recommend trying local beef dishes and other regional cuisine during your stay at the hot springs.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Yonezawa Station (Yamagata Shinkansen/Ou Main Line)
- Transportation from the station:
- Taxi: It takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station to Onogawa Onsen (depending on traffic conditions).
- Bus: There are buses and shuttle buses that run from Yonezawa Station. Please check the timetable in advance as there are not many buses running.
- Rental car: If you plan to visit nearby tourist spots, renting a car is convenient (please be aware of snow on the roads in winter).
- By car: Accessible via the Tohoku Expressway, Yonezawa-Hachimanbara IC or the Tohoku Chuo Expressway. Parking is available at your accommodation or in public parking facilities.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: Approximately 2-4 hours for hot spring bathing and meals. This is a rough estimate assuming you stay at one or two lodgings that accept day trip bathers.
- Accommodation: Two days and one night is the standard. If you want to enjoy dinner (such as Yonezawa beef) and leisurely bathing in the hot springs in the morning and evening, we recommend staying at least one night.
- If you want to visit hot springs, we recommend staying for at least two nights: If you want to enjoy the hot springs at multiple inns, we recommend staying for at least two nights.
Nearby spots
- Uesugi Shrine (Yonezawa City): A representative tourist spot in Yonezawa. It houses historical sites and a museum related to the Uesugi clan.
- Uesugi Museum Keishoden: Exhibits the history and art of the Uesugi family. A must-see for history buffs.
- Yonezawa Castle Ruins (not Tsuruga Castle, but the castle ruins park, etc.): Also famous as a great spot for strolling and cherry blossom viewing.
- Restaurant serving Yonezawa beef: Enjoy local beef along with your hot spring stay.
- Surrounding nature: Enjoy hiking and scenic spots in each season (spring to autumn), and in winter it serves as a base for accessing snowy scenery and ski resorts.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Accommodations can be difficult to book and can be crowded during Golden Week, summer vacation, the New Year holidays, and other consecutive holidays. We recommend making reservations early, especially for popular accommodations.
- Bathing etiquette: Please observe general hot spring etiquette, such as washing your body in the washing area before bathing, not putting towels in the bathtub, and refraining from loud conversations. Also, tattoo policies vary by facility, so be sure to check in advance.
- Hot spring water may be hot: Some facilities have hot spring water that is quite hot. Please do not overdo it, and avoid bathing for long periods of time or after drinking alcohol.
- Winter Transportation: In winter, snow and frozen roads can occur, so if you are visiting by car, be sure to bring winter tires and chains and check road information. Public transportation may also be affected by winter schedules.
- Facility opening hours: Day-trip bathing hours and availability vary depending on the inn. Please call or check the official website before visiting to confirm opening hours and day-trip availability.
If you need other recommended information or suggestions for lodgings that fit the dates you want to visit, please let us know the dates, number of people, and desired style of stay (quiet stay/prioritize food/prioritize visiting hot springs, etc.). We will suggest the best lodgings and model itineraries.
