Yujimata Onsen Yamagataya Inn

I visited in early September 2025. A certain hot spring blogger highly recommended this inn, and I was very impressed, so I hope this will be helpful to others. It retains a traditional Japanese hot spring healing style, and the breakfast and dinner, as shown in the photos, were served in the room, which was very satisfying. Wi-Fi is available. The entire building is non-smoking. Moreover, the accommodation fee is reasonable. The meals are well-balanced nutritionally. Breakfast, in particular, was excellent, with a salad topped with a nut dressing, grilled fish, natto (fermented soybeans), and a soft-boiled egg – a high-protein, low-calorie, healthy menu. They even offer a complimentary lunch for guests staying multiple nights. It's easy to see why it's so popular. However, the mountain road leading there is narrow in places, and bus service is limited. From the bus stop, there's a steep 200-meter climb, so those concerned about their legs or back should inquire about transportation or room preferences in advance. Check-in is as early as 1 PM! Depending on the booking site, check-out may also be possible until 11 AM. The guest rooms on the second floor of the main building are simply partitioned off from a large tatami room with flimsy walls, so conversations from the next room can be heard. Free earplugs were available for those who were bothered by noise. The uphill road leading from the prefectural road to the inn was under construction, so we were instructed to take a long detour and visited from the back. The construction appears to be continuing for some time. ◯ Separate building rock bath * Approximately 10 meters from the inn's entrance * Water temperature is slightly lukewarm, around 38-39 degrees Celsius * Water quality: Clear, almost tasteless and odorless, slightly alkaline, smooth-feeling spring water * Open 24 hours (basically mixed bathing, bathing attire permitted) * Women-only hours: 9:00-10:00 / 14:00-15:00 / 21:00-22:00 (for overnight guests) * Day use available: 10:00-15:00, 500 yen for one hour * The bath is about 4 tatami mats in size, with two separate tubs for rinsing off. No cold bath. There is a step with a slight handrail, and magnificent granite rocks jut out into the bath, with small bubbles rising from the bottom (naturally flowing). The greenery outside the window is beautiful. * Changing room: Women's area at the back. Manual spin dryer available. ◯ Private Indoor Bath - Select your desired time slot upon arrival - Free during the evening and morning - Has a slightly stronger slippery feel than the rock bath - Suitable for 2-3 people - Especially pleasant in the morning with the rising sun ◯ Rooms, etc. - Tatami-style room with AC, TV, electric kettle, mini safe, etc. - Shared refrigerator in the hallway - Separate shared toilets for men and women (with bidet) and sinks - The free coffee machine in the entrance hall is a welcome feature Meals are generally served in the room, and one complimentary drink was included depending on the booking website. They boast a wide selection of sake, and it seems they can also host banquets.

It took about an hour and a half on public roads from central Mito. It's located deep in the mountains, with only one other inn nearby. Studless tires are required in winter. I made a reservation through the inn's official website (using Rakuten's system) and received complimentary drinks at dinner (only on the first night, even for multiple-night stays). The hot spring treatment plan included a limited number of dishes, but I was still full. I was told that rice refills were allowed, but there was so much I couldn't eat that much. While there is a hot spring treatment plan, I couldn't find any hot spring treatment equipment such as pots, dishes, or stoves in the inn. They may be available somewhere. There was a shared refrigerator. In addition to the detached building's famous "rock bath," where hot spring water springs from the bottom, the small bathhouse in the inn is available for private use by room from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on check-in days, with reservations required for approximately 40 minutes at a time. After that time, bathing is permitted if there is availability, so it essentially functions as a women's bath.

The warm spring water gushing out from under your feet is irresistible. It's said to be a simple hot spring, but it's slightly carbonated, so you can soak for a long time. The fizzy bubbles cling to your body, and after about 20 minutes you're warm enough to be drenched in sweat. And since you can soak multiple times a day, it's like heaven for hot spring lovers. The friendly hospitality of the inn staff is also great. I'll definitely be staying here again. I wonder when I'll go next. Revisited on December 4, 2025 The dinner menu had changed, replacing beef croquettes with grilled salted chicken. I didn't ask where the chicken was from, but it was dry and crumbly, making it a little difficult to eat. It must be good for young people looking for something filling. The roads near Yamagataya are narrow and steep. The road may have been icy, but it was fine with standard tires.

The road to Yugi Onsen is a narrow one. Well, you're used to it after visiting Ubayu in Yonezawa and the Tepid Onsen in Fukushima. The room at the inn was just as everyone has described. I've experienced the Tepid Onsen before, so I think the room is fine, even though it's old. The hot spring is the inn's pride and joy, the rock bath, which is a charming addition that may appeal to hot spring lovers. The fact that it's open 24 hours a day is an added plus. I stayed for multiple nights, and was pleased to see the thoughtful touches of complimentary lunch and free coffee on the first floor for consecutive guests. With coffee beans so expensive these days, it was a welcome addition. I relaxed in the lukewarm water for multiple nights, and it was very relaxing. I could see why it has such high ratings.

A quiet hot springs inn with nothing nearby. Please note that trains and buses only operate on weekdays, and shuttle service is only available on the official website and only on weekends. The food is delicious with a subdued hot springs-style flavor, and the rock bath with water springing from beneath your feet is the best part. It's a mixed-gender bath, but bathing suits are allowed, and there are time slots for women, so it's not too difficult. You'll want to stay in the soft, smooth, and extremely fresh water for as long as you like. There is one private bath on site, and you can choose the time you want to use it when you check in. The facility can be quite loud, so if that bothers you, it's a good idea to bring earplugs.