There are four main onsens ("hot springs") sites in Tsuruoka, deeply anchored to the city's history. Two along the sea, one along the river, and one in the inner city. Each has special properties and provides a unique environment to spend a pure moment disconnected from the loud and oppressing world.
SOOTHING HOT SPRINGS
Atsumi Onsen
A hot spring site that is more than 1000 years old. You will also find plenty of free public footbaths, cafés, restaurants, and a magnificent view on the mountain behind the establishments, splendid during winter when covered with snow, and the hundreds of cherry trees along the river.
WHERE TO STAY:
Bankokuya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Kuon
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Kashiwaya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Tachibanaya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Takinoya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
ATSUMI'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Atsumi's rose park
あつみ温泉ばら園
3000 roses that belong to more than 90 species display their most beautiful colors from June to October. Atsumi's Rose Festival is held during the whole month of June. Entry to the park is free.
Fudoiwa
不動岩
20 min away from Atsumi onsen's hot spring village, you will find this beautiful sightseeing spot on top of the sea. There are picnic tables, but we remind you to take your trash with you. Thank you!
Public footbaths
あんべ湯
What's more relaxing than a good footbath under the cherry trees, next to the Atsumi river? Footbaths are free to use.
Yajo Shrine
矢除神社
Two giant rocks protruding from the sea, and a shimenawa rope in-between. Yes, there is no doubt, there is a kami living here.
Yunohama Onsen
A hot spring site alongside the beach that is around 1000 years old. Conveniently located near Kamo Aquarium, Zenpoji Temple, and Shonai Airport. The place is famous for its marine activities. You will find on Yunohama square a free public footbath and a drinkable spring water fountain.
A giant establishment along the river that will remind you of the Ghibli movie Spirited Away. To go there by bus, get off at Ashiyu Anbeyumae. Look for the biggest building near the river and there you are!
A warm and comfortable atmosphere reigns in this onsen. Experience the peace of soul when soaking in the bath facing the zen garden.
YUNOHAMA'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Sea Kayak
Come with your lover, your friend or your children and test your cooperation spirit in a fun sea kayaking experience. 4500 yen/pairs.
World's biggest jellyfish aquarium
Kamo Aquarium
加茂水族館
If you're staying at Yunohama Onsen, you have no excuse for not going to Kamo Aquarium! Only 8 minutes by car separate the two places. A good occasion to visit the aquarium that displays the largest collection of jellyfish in the world.
Zenpoji Temple
善宝寺
Not far from Yunohama Onsen, there is the Zenpoji Temple, famous for its human-faced fishes and its particular way of reading the Heart Sutra according a technique called: tendoku, the rapid flapping of the prayer book's pages to absorb its essence.
WHERE TO STAY:
Hana yubi Nihonkai
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Kameya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Isagoya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Yura Onsen
An old legend is at the origins of this onsen site. Yura's hot springs are famous mostly for the splendid sunsets on the coast, reflecting through Hakusanjima islets scattered rocks. Yura Onsen's beaches are registered in the 100 most beautiful sunsets in Japan.
The water is said to have healing effects on rheumatism, skin injuries, burns, and (pre)menstrual pains.
WHERE TO STAY:
Hotel Sun Resort Shonai
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Yaotome
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
YURA'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Natural Monument (National)
Kihi Shrine
気比神社
This shrine was built in 1707; it worships the gods of "enmusubi" ("tying links"); hence it is often visited by couples who wish for a happy marriage. The shrine's territory exceeds 9 hectares, and comprehends a lake that has been registered in the National Natural Monuments in 1977.
TOP 100 Japan's most beautiful beaches, TOP 100 Japan's Onsens, TOP 100 Japan's Sunset Views
Yura Beach
由良海水浴場
The scenic view on Yura Onsen's Hakusan Islet has been registered as one of the 100 most beautiful sunset views in Japan.
Fishing pit
由良温泉釣り堀
From Late April to Mid October, 9 am to 5 pm (excepted on Tuesdays), visitors can try themselves at fishing the local fishes. Price per adult: 1200 yen. Per children: 600 yen. Watching: 100 yen.
Hakusan shrine
白山神社
The Hakusan Shrine is located at the top of Hakusan Islet. Cross the red bridge and access to the world of the gods.
Yutagawa Onsen
A peaceful atmosphere reigns in this onsen site, known for being circled with plum trees and bamboo forests. Not far from the hot spring houses, you will find a park where 300 plum trees stand proudly, waiting for the end of winter to bloom magnificently. Many little restaurants around will also concoct for you the local bamboo soup: Moso-jiru. But the more interesting in this onsen is all the shinrin'yoku ("forest bathing") experiences you can do around the hot spring village!
This onsen was named after a legend that is more than 1300 years old.
Prince Hachiko (7th century), son of Emperor Sushun, was fleeing his father's murderers, and left Kyoto under the pseudonym of "Yura". Searching for Dewa Sanzan, he eventually got lost at sea. But eight beautiful young girls (in Japanese: yaotome 八乙女) appeared from the sea and showed him the way. After that, the eight ladies didn't stop helping the prince, by giving him food or guiding his way in secret. The prince never forgot their kindness.
YUTAGAWA'S HIGHLIGHTS:
Mt. Kinbo
金峯山
10 km away from Yutagawa Onsen, there is a sacred mountain of Shugendo, that once had a strong link with Mt. Haguro. Couples like to come here to pray for a happy married life.
Important Cultural Property (National)
Minakami Hachiman Shrine
水上八幡神社
A path covered in moss, a thatched-roof shrine... There is something mystical about this place. It is located in Mizusawa, 20 minutes away from Yutagawa Onsen on foot.
Natural Monument (Prefecture)
Yuzusame Shrine
由豆佐売神社
Yuzusame Shrine has been protecting Yutagawa Onsen for centuries. Its "breasted tree" is registered as a Prefectural Natural Monument.
Yutagawa's plum park
湯田川温泉林公園
You can't wait for the cherry flowers to show up? The 300 plum trees of Yutagawa Onsen are waiting for you from late March to mid April.
Natural Monument (National)
Kumano Shrine
熊野神社
Kumano Shrine's giant cedar tree, on top of being a "goshinboku" ("god-tree"), is a national natural monument.
WHERE TO STAY:
Masuya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Kuhe
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Tsukasaya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Tamaya
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
Senso
1 night, 2 meals (reference price):
.jpg)
