Introducing the charm of Namekawa Onsen, Fukushima-ya. Heal your body and soul in the open-air bath of our own hot spring!

Namekawa Onsen, Fukushima-ya is a hot spring inn located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, famous for its Yonezawa beef.
The warmth of the open-air bath with its own source will soothe your tired mind and body amidst the scenic beauty of the mountainous area.
Here, I will introduce the charms of Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya.

Fukushimaya’s Location

Namekawa Onsen, Fukushima-ya is a hot spring inn quietly nestled in the mountains at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level.
In autumn, the leaves change color. In spring, you can enjoy the vivid green of young leaves.
In the summer, some people come here as a summer resort to cool off.

Namekawa Onsen was opened 250 years ago, in the 13th year of the Houryaku Era, by Masanao Sasagi (owner of Fukushima-ya), who received permission from the lord of the Uesugi Clan.

Nearby are Namekawa Otaki Falls, which is registered as one of the best 100 waterfalls in Japan, Kamedaki Falls, and Nunobiki Falls, where you can enjoy a moment of tranquility in the pure flow of water.

When visiting Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya by train, from Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Fukushima Station, transfer to the Ou Main Line, and get off at Toge Station.
From Yamagata or Niigata, take the Yonesaka Line, transfer to the Ou Main Line at Yonezawa, and get off at Toge Station.

Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya also offer free pick-up service for overnight guests.
Please contact us in advance.
Pick-up time: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The charm of Fukushima-ya

Namekawa Onsen, Fukushima-ya is such a secluded hot spring that it is closed from early November to early April due to snow accumulation.
The baths are all natural hot spring water (from the source), and you can choose from the following four types of baths.

Iwa-buro (rock bath)

In the open-air “rock bath,” you may feel as if you are melting into nature with the view of the Maekawa River flowing nearby.
There are also times set aside for women only.

Hinoki outdoor bath

Fukushima-ya also has another open-air bath made of Japanese cypress.
It is also available for private use, so couples, couples, and families can enjoy it in a relaxed and carefree manner.

Mixed bathing indoor bath

The mixed bathing indoor bath made up of stones is the most popular bath among bathers.
The high ceilings provide a sense of openness, and you can enjoy the seasonal beauty of nature through the windows.

Women-only indoor bath

This is also a semi-circular inner bath made of stone.
Only women are allowed to take a bath here.

Fukushima-ya Room

Namekawa Onsen, Fukushima-ya has 25 guest rooms with a capacity of 60 people.
There are two types of rooms to choose from: an accommodation building and a self-catering building.

Accommodation building

The lodging building is the room to which those who choose to stay overnight with half-board are guided.
They are divided into two patterns: one with a toilet and the other without a toilet.

You can choose the one facing the river, surrounded by the sound of murmuring streams, or the one facing the mountains, where the tranquility soaks in, depending on the view you prefer.

In-room facilities include a TV, internal telephone, and a safety box.

Self-Catering Building

The self-catering building is literally a room where you can cook for yourself.
The rooms are divided by shoji screens, which have been used since the Edo period.
TV is shared.

Fukushima-ya’s cuisine

The cuisine at Namekawa Onsen’s Fukushima-ya features locally caught river fish such as iwana (rockfish), seasonal vegetables and wild plants, all gently and carefully prepared and seasoned.
You will be able to enjoy the unique flavors of seasonal ingredients.

Fukushima-ya’s cuisine (4 options)

The following four options can be added to the cuisine of Fukushima-ya.

Yonezawa Beef Shabu Shabu (standard)

This is a shabu-shabu of Yonezawa beef, a famous brand of beef.
The fat is not cloying and refreshing, so your chopsticks won’t stop moving and you may find yourself devouring everything in no time.

The price for Yonezawa beef shabu-shabu (regular) is 2,450 yen (excluding tax) per person.
Reservations required.

Yonezawa beef shabu shabu (top)

This option is for those who want to taste more Yonezawa beef.
Yonezawa beef is rich in sashi and melts in your mouth.
Experience the taste as if you can “drink” it.

The price for Yonezawa beef shabu-shabu (top) is 3,450 yen (excluding tax) per person.
Reservations required.

River fish bone liquor

The bone wine of river fish is a savory and richly flavored dish made by placing uncooked rockfish and other river fish in a bowl and then pouring heated sake into it.
The price is 1,450 yen (excluding tax), which includes two cups of hot sake.
Reservations required.

Lunch

The basic accommodation plan at Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya includes two meals per night, but for those who wish to stay for consecutive nights, etc., lunch such as udon or soba is available.
The optional charge for lunch is 680 yen (excluding tax).

Information and summary of Fukushima-ya

So far, I have introduced the charms of Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya.
From early summer to autumn, you can enjoy a relaxing soak in the hidden hot spring, savor the seasonal scenery, and indulge in locally harvested food.
These accommodations are perfect for those who want to spend a quiet and relaxing time in the mountains.

It may help you remember something important that you may have forgotten in your busy life.
Please visit Namekawa Onsen and Fukushima-ya.