Shirabu Onsen

On the slopes of the Azuma range in Yonezawa, at about 900 meters, Shirabu Onsen is a mountain hideaway said to have opened some 700 years ago. Counted among the three high spas of old Oshu, it has been loved by healing-spa guests as a quiet mountain retreat.

Highlights

Its specialty is a waterfall-like pouring bath, handed down at the thatched-roof inns, that drops the water from high above. With abundant free-flowing source water, you can enjoy a colorless, soft-textured bath.

Enjoying the Seasons

Summer is cool, making it a base for climbing or strolling via the ropeway up to Tengendai Highland. Autumn brings the foliage of Azuma, and winter offers skiing and a snow-viewing soak.

Access and Basic Information

About 40 minutes by bus from JR Yonezawa Station. The water is a calcium-sodium sulfate-chloride spring with a soft touch on the skin.

A Quick Tip

Temperatures drop easily up in the mountains, so bringing an extra layer whatever the season gives peace of mind.