Masugataya, Ubayu Onsen, is a secluded hot spring inn located at an altitude of 1,300 meters in the Azuma mountain range in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. Soaking in the open-air bath with a view so spectacular that you can almost see an antelope is like a border between the ordinary and the extraordinary. Here, we will introduce the charm of Masugataya, a hot spring resort in Ubayu
The location of Masugataya
Source:http://www.ubayuonsen.com/
Masugataya, a hot spring resort in Ubayu, was opened in 1533 (Emperor Go-Nara/Muromachi period) when the first head of the Masugataya family discovered the Ubayu hot spring. It is a hot spring inn with a long and storied history spanning 17 generations.
It is closed in winter due to snow accumulation, and is open only from late April to early November. 2021, it will be open from April 28 to November 5. Reservations can be made from March 1, 2021.
Surrounded by vivid greenery in early summer and colored leaves as far as the eye can see in autumn, you will feel as if you are part of a landscape painting.
To get to Masugataya, Ubayu Onsen, from Tokyo, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Fukushima Station, change to the Ou Line, and get off at Toge Station.
Pick-up service is available only for guests who make a reservation in advance.
When walking from Toge Station, it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach the place along an 8km mountain road.
By car, from the Fukushima-Iizaka Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway, take National Route 13 toward Yonezawa, drive 20 minutes to Itaya in Yonezawa City, turn onto a mountain road, and drive 14 km to Masugataya, a hot spring resort in Ubayu.
The charm of Masugataya
Source:http://www.ubayuonsen.com/
One of the most attractive features of Masugata-ya, a hot spring resort in Ubayu, is the hot spring water that flows from the source with the smell of sulfur in the air. The hot spring is characterized by its thick, cloudy white water, and some people may feel a unique sense of efficacy as well as a sense of elegance.
There are separate indoor baths for men and women made of Japanese cypress, and outdoor baths for mixed bathing and women only.
The indoor baths are open 24 hours a day, and the outdoor baths are open until 10:00 p.m. for guests only.
Souvenir of Masugataya
Masugataya, a hot spring resort in Ubayu, offers the following souvenirs that are thought to be available only in Yamagata.
Ubayu “Yuka”
Ubayu Onsen Soap “Ubayu”This organic soap is made by kneading the source of Ubayu into a mixture of herbal oil and natural honey. Retail price is 540 yen (tax included).
Senkyo Ubayu “Special Honjozo”
This sake is brewed from carefully selected rice harvested in Yonezawa and pure water from Mt. It is suitable for savoring with seafood and other dishes.
Retail price is 2,160 yen (tax included).
The Masugata-ya Room
Source:http://www.ubayuonsen.com/
Masugataya, Ubayu Onsen, is a two-story wooden facility. A total of 13 guest rooms are all equipped with heating and toilets with washlets.
Amenities at Masugataya, Ubayu Onsen are as follows.
Hand towel, bath towel, body soap, soap, shampoo, rinse
Shaving, cotton swabs, hair dryer, comb and brush, toothbrush, toothpaste
Yukata, slippers, down quilt
If you want to wear pajamas or a bathrobe, it would be better to bring your own.
The food at Masugataya
Source:https://tabelog.com/
The food at Masugataya, Ubayu Onsen, is served in the dining room for both breakfast and dinner.
The basic dishes are made with seasonal ingredients such as wild vegetables from the local area, sashimi and boiled river fish such as carp, grilled Yonezawa beef and taro stew.
It is also fun to taste them with Yamagata’s local sake.
Information and Summary of Masugata-ya
| Facility Name | Masugataya |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Osawaubayu, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture |
| Phone number | 090-7797-5934 |
| Approximate budget | From 12,500 yen (excluding tax) per person |
| Official website | http://www.ubayuonsen.com/ |
So far, we have introduced the charm of Masugataya in Ubayu Onsen.
Masugataya” is a member of the “Japan Association for Secluded Hot Springs”.
Only those who visit Masugataya can enjoy the experience of surrendering themselves to the milky white water while looking at the rocks formed by the gentle flow of time.
Be sure to make a reservation during the early summer and fall seasons.