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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Yunohama Onsen is a seaside hot spring resort stretching along the Sea of Japan coast in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. It is popular as a hot spring town integrated with a beach, and has long been used as a health resort by fishermen and travelers. Many of the inns face the sea, and the great attractions include the view of the Sea of Japan sunset from the window and the open-air baths where you can listen to the sound of the waves. The water quality is mainly chloride springs (which have a high heat-retaining effect and are said to be gentle on the skin), which are common in seaside hot springs, and is characterized by its ability to warm up easily and not cool down easily after a bath.
Highlights
- Open-air baths and large public baths overlooking the sea: It is common to watch the sunset from the open-air baths of inns and hotels located right on the coastline.
- Yunohama Beach: In the summer, the white sand and calm sea spreads out, and it is crowded with people who enjoy swimming and surfing. It is also a popular spot for watching the sunset.
- Local seafood cuisine: Enjoy kaiseki cuisine and sushi made with fresh seafood (squid, sweet shrimp, sea bream, etc.) caught off Shonai Beach.
- Stroll through the hot spring town: Stroll along the streets lined with hot spring inns, or try out the local hot springs at a day-use bathing facility.
- Seasonal events: There are events held during the summer beach season, fireworks festivals, and seasonal food events tailored to your accommodation plan.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest major station: JR Tsuruoka Station (the central station of Tsuruoka City). From Tsuruoka Station, you can generally get to Yunohama by local bus, taxi, or rental car.
- By air: Shonai Airport (commonly known as the Shonai/Sakata Airport) is the nearest airport. There are direct flights from Haneda, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes by rental car or taxi from the airport to Yunohama.
- Train + Bus: From Tsuruoka Station, take a city bus or local bus bound for Yunohama (takes about 20-30 minutes). The number of buses varies depending on the season, so please check the timetable in advance.
- By car: Access is easy via the national highways and expressways that run along the coast of the Sea of Japan. There are parking lots and accommodation parking lots in the surrounding area.
- Note: Public transportation may be limited at certain times and during certain seasons. Please check the service status, especially at night, early in the morning, and during the winter, and we recommend using a taxi or rental car in some cases.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: A day trip with bathing, strolling, and a meal takes about 3 to 5 hours. You can enjoy the hot springs and the ocean atmosphere in a short amount of time.
- Accommodation (2 days, 1 night): A classic plan where you arrive in the evening, enjoy a hot spring and dinner (seafood), and then go sightseeing in the area (Kamo Aquarium, Dewa Sanzan, etc.) the next day. If you want to take it easy, we recommend a 2-day, 1-night plan.
- Relaxed stay: If you want to relax in the hot springs and enjoy sightseeing in the area, a stay of two nights or more is ideal.
Nearby spots
- Kamo Aquarium (Tsuruoka City): This aquarium is famous for its jellyfish exhibits and is popular with families.
- Dewa Sanzan (Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono): A center of mountain worship where you can enjoy worship and nature walks (please be aware of the season and appropriate equipment).
- Tsuruoka city (Tsuruoka Castle ruins, Shonai Shrine, etc.): There are many spots where you can experience history and culture.
- Nearby hot spring areas such as Yutagawa Onsen and Atsumi Onsen: You can also travel by car and enjoy hot spring hopping.
- Shonaihama coastal drive: This is a scenic drive along the coast of the Sea of Japan, where you can enjoy the coastline scenery.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: Accommodations and beaches tend to be crowded during the summer swimming season (July to August), consecutive holidays, the New Year's holiday, and Obon. We recommend making reservations early.
- Bathing etiquette: When using public baths or inns, please observe basic etiquette, such as washing your body before entering, not putting towels in the bath, and bathing quietly. Many facilities have bathing restrictions for those with tattoos, so please check in advance.
- Winter transportation: As the area is on the Sea of Japan side, snow accumulation and frozen roads are common in winter, causing road conditions to deteriorate and public transportation to be delayed. If you are coming by car in winter, be sure to take measures to protect yourself from snow (winter tires and chains).
- Consideration for the natural environment: Please be considerate to protect the local environment by taking home any trash you leave on beaches and coastlines, and by not collecting coastal creatures unnecessarily.
- Business hours and days: Day-trip bathing facilities, restaurants, and bus schedules vary depending on the season and the facilities. Please check the official website or accommodation in advance for the latest information.
Yunohama Onsen is a casual resort where you can enjoy both the sea and hot springs at the same time. Enjoy a relaxing time surrounded by the ocean views, local seafood, and warm waters.
