Tendo Onsen

Spreading near the center of Tendo, a city known nationwide for crafting shogi pieces, Tendo Onsen is a relatively young spring said to have welled up from the rice fields in the Meiji era. Though it sits on level ground, its cluster of inns makes it a handy base for touring Yamagata.

Highlights

The water is a colorless, soft sodium-chloride spring that leaves the skin smooth after a soak. Around town stand monuments themed on shogi, and nearby Maizuruyama hill hosts the famous human chess event.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings cherry blossoms to Maizuruyama and the lively human shogi spectacle. Autumn invites grape and cherry picking at orchards on the outskirts.

Access and Basic Information

Easily reached within walking distance of JR Tendo Station. The water is a sodium-chloride spring, said to help with poor circulation.

A Quick Tip

With its convenient station-side location, it makes an ideal base to pair with visits to Zao or Yamadera.