Yamagata Prefecture is a mountain-ringed prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region, home to the cliffside temple of Yamadera, the gas-lit hot spring town of Ginzan Onsen, the ice-crusted "snow monster" trees of Zao Onsen, and the sacred pilgrimage peaks of Dewa Sanzan — a prefecture built around hot springs, cherry orchards, and centuries of mountain worship.
Top spas
Curated picks for treatments and day spas.
Zao Onsen Dai-Rotenburo
Zao Onsen Genshichi Rotenburo
Zao Onsen Public Bathhouses (Kami-no-Yu, Shimo-no-Yu, Kawarayu)
Ginzan Onsen Shirogane-yu Public Bath
Kaminoyama Onsen Shimo-no-Yu
Kaminoyama Onsen Ryokan Day-Use Baths
Tendo Onsen Day-Use Ryokan Baths
Akayu Onsen Yukotto Public Bath
Tansen Hot Spring Hotel Private Bath
Atsumi Onsen Shomen-yu
Atsumi Onsen Shimo-yu
Atsumi Onsen Yunosato Public Bath
Wellness retreats
Multi-day immersive experiences.
Dewa Sanzan Yamabushi Training Retreat (Mount Haguro)
Where: Haguromachi, Tsuruoka City
Mount Yudono Sacred Purification Walk
Where: Mount Yudono, Tsuruoka City
Wellness travel tips
Get the most from your wellness experience.
Book treatments in advance — popular slots fill up quickly during peak season.
Hydrate well before and after treatments, especially massages and saunas.
Communicate any allergies or skin sensitivities before treatments begin.