One of the most enjoyable aspects of travel is the local cuisine, the spectacular scenery that changes with the seasons, and of course, the hot springs! Did you know that there are many hot springs in eastern Japan that are called "ji-onsen," or "local hot springs," and have been loved by local people for a long time? Once used as therapeutic hot spring baths, and even today there are many hot spring resorts that continue to heal people. We will introduce the charms of "local hot springs" that warm the body and soul in the form of an interview!
What is "Yumori"?
The word "yumori" means "guardian of hot spring water. In other words, a "yumori" is a caretaker of a hot spring. They are in charge of controlling the amount and temperature of the hot water. The traditional hot spring baths that have taken root in each area and are the pride of the yumori of the "local hot springs" introduced in this project have been protected by them throughout their long history.
Feel the 700-year history of Shirabu Onsen Higashiya Ryokan
In this fourth installment of our series "Ask a Yumori-no-Morin (hot spring guardian)", we introduce you to Higashiya Ryokan in Yamagata Prefecture's Shirabu Onsen. We asked Mr. Shishido, the innkeeper of the inn, for his opinion.
A relaxing stay with hearty and simple hospitality and a variety of baths
Azumaya Ryokan Exterior Please tell us about the features and pride of Shirabu Onsen Azumaya Ryokan.
Mr. Shishido, the hot-spring guardian "We are proud of our abundant hot-spring water, which flows from the source at a rate of about 1,500 liters per minute, and our variety of baths, including our famous uchiseyu, open-air baths, and private baths. With a strong desire to provide as much of the hot spring water as possible as it is, including abundant hot spring flowers, the hot water is drained every day and cleaned over a period of two hours. Our simple hospitality will provide you with a peaceful and relaxing experience. (Left) Lobby (Right) Guest room
700 years of hot spring water fills a stone bathtub
I think one of the charms of Shirabu Onsen is that you can enjoy a hot spring that has a long history, dating back 700 years to the end of the Kamakura period (1192-1333).
Yuumamori Shishido "The bathtub in the historic waterfall bath is made of Shirabu stone, and its smooth, heavy texture and the continuous flood of hot water make you feel the passage of time." The famous waterfall bath We also recommend the stone bath, which was created by hand-carving large garden stones over a period of two years. Enjoy the hot water in an open atmosphere. Stone bath It is a nice point to be able to lock the inside of the bath and relax. Enjoy the hot spring to the fullest in a private space. (Reservations are not required, so you can use the baths freely, but please remember to be considerate so that as many people as possible can use the baths!)
After relaxing in the hot spring, enjoy Yonezawa beef!
Sukiyaki using Yonezawa beef (image) Yonezawa City in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for "Yonezawa beef! If you are staying at a hot spring ryokan, you will want to enjoy the meals as well.
Mr. Shishido, Yumamori "We are proud of the freshness and quality of our Yonezawa beef, and we offer a choice of steak, sukiyaki, or shabu-shabu for each guest to enjoy. We also use local wild vegetables and river fish to provide local flavors in each season. The "cold soup," a traditional Yonezawa dish, uses seasonal wild vegetables, local vegetables, and traditional ingredients such as frozen kelp. Meal (image) It is a luxury to be able to enjoy Yonezawa beef, which you must have on your trip to Yamagata, in your favorite way. It is hard to decide which one to choose! It is also attractive to enjoy local cuisine and seasonal local foods. Make sure to go hungry!
Shirabu Onsen in summer is the perfect place to refresh yourself!
Women's open-air bath Shirabu Onsen is located in Bandai-Asahi National Park, a hot spring resort surrounded by rich nature. I am curious about its seasonal charms. What kind of scenery can we enjoy in summer? Also, what is your recommended way to spend time?
Yumori Shishido "Located at an altitude of about 850 meters, Shirabu Onsen is cool even in summer, so you can forget the heat of the city and refresh yourself in the clear air. The greenery of the mountains is vibrant, and walking along the promenade, you can hear the sound of the river and birdsong, while the seasonal flowers and grasses soothe your soul. Shirabu Great Falls, which can only be reached in summer due to the heavy snowfall, is also a popular spot. Men's open-air bath (left: summer scene, right: winter scene) The open-air baths at Azumaya Ryokan also have a different look from season to season. In summer, you will see lush greenery, and in winter, you will see thick snowfalls. Why not find your favorite season?
Yumoro-no-sho's specialties
Please tell us about Yumori's commitment and thoughts, and give us a message to our customers.
Shishido-san, Yumamori "Since the opening of Shirabu Hot Spring in 1312, we have enshrined a Jizo (guardian deity) at the source of the spring once every 100 years. We feel that we must continue to protect the spring so that it will continue to spring forth unceasingly and satisfy our visitors. Please come to Shirabu, surrounded by nature, for a relaxing soak in our hot springs and to heal yourself from the fatigue of daily life. Mr. Shishido, the bath keeper
Enjoy a relaxing stay at Azumaya Ryokan in Shirabu Onsen!
How was it? In this article, we asked you about "Shirabu Onsen Azumaya Ryokan" in detail. Please visit Azumaya Ryokan to be healed by the hot springs that remind you of the eternal time, the unique Yamagata delicacies, and the hospitality of the Yumamori. Waterfall bath
Let's combine your favorite train and lodging to save money!
You can make your own original trip!
The " JR East View Dynamic Rail Package " is a variable-price individual travel product sold exclusively through the Internet that allows you to freely select a train and accommodations and make a reservation at once. Depending on the timing and conditions of your reservation, you may be able to save even on the day of departure at the earliest! We also offer one-day trip plans! Enjoy your own unique trip according to your schedule and purpose.
1537 Oaza-Seki, Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture
Access
50 minutes by bus from Yonezawa Station (shuttle bus available)
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
*All images are for reference only.
Next time
We will continue to bring you the charms of eastern Japan's "local hot springs" in our series, "The Charms of Local Hot Springs"! Please look forward to the next installment and beyond. For more information about "Ji-onsen", please click the link below.JR East HP "Places and Onsen" Interview Support: Higashiya Ryokan in Shirabu Onsen
