湯田川温泉 共同浴場 正面湯

December 23, 2024 This year marks the finale of my annual "Michinoku Solo Trip," a two-day trip to Mogami, Shonai, Yamagata. Yunohama Onsen and Hanezawa Onsen are some rather sophisticated choices, and I'm craving seafood, mountain delicacies, and my favorite hot springs for a recharge trip before the New Year. Along the way, I enjoyed the snow-covered landscape. After finally arriving at Zenpo-ji Temple after three and a half hours, I filled my stomach at Iroha Shokudo, and paid visits to Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine and Yuzusame Shrine. I was ready for my long-awaited "Shomen-yu" bath. This Shomen-yu bath is one of the signature baths in the Yudagawa area, often featured in the reviews of my respected hot spring writer, Kazuyoshi Takahashi. [Yamagata Prefecture: A Treasure Trove of Famous Hot Springs! 5 Hot Springs to Visit on a Solo Trip], [Free-flowing Water is a Normal! In addition to "Top 5 Hot Spring Resorts with the Best Source Quality (Tohoku Edition)," "The Smaller the Bathtub at a Solo Hot Spring, the Better!" specifically mentions Shomen-yu, stating that "the key is the source supply." Even though I had decided to soak in the hot spring at my inn two hours later, I couldn't just pass up the long-awaited Shomen-yu after coming all this way. The exterior is impressive, the bathhouse is simple and clean, and there's absolutely no sense of the rustic feel often found in hot spring towns. It's also nice that there's the option of Tano-yu, for those who want to experience this rustic feel. I'll save Tano-yu for my next visit in February. The water temperature is to everyone's liking, not too hot, so you can soak in it for a long time. It's easy to understand why the former prefers lukewarm water. As someone who tends to like my baths a little hotter, I would like the water to be a little warmer, but I tell myself that it's perfect for soaking while admiring the beautiful hot spring water pouring from a clean spout. The highest "pouring feeling" I've felt so far is the one at Yoshidaya in Zao, Yamagata, which is ideal. I also love the water because I like it highly acidic and hot, which is another plus. The bathtub is about 1.5 times the size of the bath in front, but I think the bath in front has a better supply of water relative to its volume. Of the shared public baths, Naruko's Takinoyu has no complaints about the water itself, but the managers here are often quirky and come across as overbearing, so I have the mentality to match.

Free parking is available. It's located about 700m before the bathhouse, behind the lantern at the entrance to Yudagawa Onsen. (Across the road from the park) It's the easily recognizable public bathhouse. Funami Shoten, about 100m away, acts as the attendant. You pay 300 yen to have the automatic lock unlocked. (Locals have keys and it's like having a private bath at home.) The bathhouse doesn't have showers, but it has faucets. Contrary to its exterior, it's made of concrete, and the bathtub is quite deep. Unusual. The water is soft and lukewarm. It felt like a warm, cozy futon, and I became sleepy. It's the kind of water you'd want to soak in for a long time. I happened to be with a local (probably) who exhibited surprisingly bad manners. They stood up to wash their hair while soaking in the bathtub, repeatedly washed their face with the fresh water from the source, and spat every time. Brushing her teeth Throwing a towel around, etc., it was very unusual Like an arrogant old man from the early Showa era... It was a great pity that I couldn't soak in the hot springs without thinking about anything else, but perhaps I, as an outsider, was interrupting her sacred routine. In any case, it was an opportunity for me to examine my own behavior and see if I, too, am habitually committing unpleasant breaches of etiquette.

I went to bathe around 8am on October 11, 2023. Apparently, locals have their own key to the public bath, so they can come and go as they please. Outsiders should stop by Funami Shoten across the street, pay the 300 yen entrance fee, and receive a bathing ticket. There is a box for bathing tickets at the public bath, so you can put your ticket there. A member of Funami Shoten will open the door for you. The key is an auto-lock, so you cannot get back in once you leave. Please be careful not to leave anything behind. The public bath's parking lot is about a 5-minute walk away. I parked there too. The spring water is smooth and soft, with little odor. It leaves your skin feeling smooth and silky. It also has excellent heat retention. Amenities such as shampoo and body soap are not provided, so please bring your own. Even though it is a free-flowing hot spring, there is an incredible amount of hot water. With its stone bathtubs and tiled roof buildings, it gave the impression of being a mini version of Dogo Onsen.

I went there without doing my research and had trouble finding a parking space. There is a Yuda Onsen lantern? A lantern-shaped streetlight? Turn left and you will find a public parking lot. Park your car, walk to the bathhouse, understand the explanation, and pay the bathing fee at the store in front. It seems to serve as a meeting place for locals. I went in the evening, so I'm sorry that there were a lot of locals there. Everyone greeted each other when they entered and left the bathhouse, and I felt that the local ties were strong. The water was lukewarm and easy to enter, but it might be a little unsatisfying in winter. However, I didn't feel cold after leaving the hot spring, so it might be good water. Be careful because there is no hair dryer! I got my hair wet and made a big mistake. I don't know about the women's bath though. There are no chairs at the washing area, so wash your body quickly and give it to someone else efficiently. So, it's neither good nor bad, it's just average.

A rare and precious hot spring bath. To use the Yutagawa Onsen "Public Bath Shomen-yu", you will need to pay at the nearby Funami Shoten and be guided inside. The fee is 300 yen. Funami Shoten also provides parking. This is an important hot spring for locals, so please be aware that it is not okay to make noise in this hot spring bath, which is only for those who can follow etiquette. The water temperature was not too hot and felt just right. There are only three places to wash, so you may have to wait in line. No shampoo or soap. There is no rest room, and towels are not available for rental, so you will need to bring everything yourself. Please be careful. I used it for two days on my way back from mountain climbing. I used it at 5pm and after 6pm, but it was crowded in the evening. You can enter until 7pm, so I think it's better to use it earlier. By the way, this is just my personal opinion, so please forgive me.