Atsumi Onsen

Spreading along the Atsumi River in the south of Tsuruoka, Atsumi Onsen is one of the Shonai region's finest old springs, said to have opened over a thousand years ago. Inns and public baths line both banks, keeping the mellow mood of a hot-spring town.

Highlights

Its specialty is the morning market held in the spa town, lined with locally grown vegetables, wild mountain greens, and pickles. Along the river stand three public bathhouses and a footbath, so you can clatter along in wooden clogs on a bath-hopping walk.

Enjoying the Seasons

From spring through autumn the morning market bustles, and in early summer the clear Atsumi River carries a cooling air. Nearby Mount Atsumi is a noted spot for autumn foliage.

Access and Basic Information

About 5 minutes by bus from JR Atsumi-Onsen Station. The water is a sodium-calcium chloride spring that warms the body well.

A Quick Tip

The morning market has the best selection early on, so an ideal flow is to drop by right after a morning soak.