Complete Guide to the Area Around Namerikawa Hot Spring, Yamagata Prefecture｜The Charm of the Secret Hot Spring Fukushimaya and Surrounding Tourist Attractions
Nestled deep in the mountains of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Namerikawa Hot Spring is known as a secret hot spring with approximately 260 years of history. Located along the Maekawa Stream at an elevation of approximately 850 meters, the single-inn establishment “Fukushimaya” operates without electricity or running water and is a full-fledged hot spring therapeutic spa that is a member of the Association to Preserve Japan’s Secret Hot Springs. This article provides comprehensive information about the Namerikawa Hot Spring area, including detailed information, surrounding tourist spots, and access methods that you should know before visiting.
About Namerikawa Hot Spring
History and Origins
The opening of Namerikawa Hot Spring is said to date back to Horeki 13 (1763). This hot spring, opened by Sasaki Masanao, a rural samurai who received permission from the Uesugi clan lord, has been cherished by many people as a hot spring therapeutic spa with a long history of approximately 260 years.
The origin of the hot spring’s name involves an interesting anecdote. It is said that when a certain rural samurai attempted to cross a nearby stream, he accidentally slipped and fell, and immediately in front of him a hot spring was bubbling up. From this chance discovery, the spring was named “Namerikawa” (literally “slippery stream”). This fortuitous discovery marked the beginning of the secret hot spring’s history that continues to this day.
As One of the Yonezawa Eight Hot Springs
Namerikawa Hot Spring is counted as one of the “Yonezawa Eight Hot Springs.” The Yonezawa Eight Hot Springs is a collective term for eight unique hot spring areas scattered throughout Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, each with its own distinct spring quality and history. Among them, Namerikawa Hot Spring is positioned in the most remote mountainous location and is known as a hot spring that retains a strong atmosphere befitting a secret hot spring.
Fukushimaya Inn, a member of the Yonezawa Hot Springs Association, continues to preserve Yonezawa’s hot spring culture alongside 24 other hot spring accommodations.
Characteristics of Location and Environment
Namerikawa Hot Spring is located at the Itaya Pass of the Azuma Mountain Range, surrounded by steep mountains of the North Valley. With no electricity or running water, the facility is sustained by hydroelectric power and stored water in tanks—a setting that truly deserves to be called a secret hot spring.
The location along the stream at an elevation of approximately 850 meters is cool in summer and becomes a spectacular viewing spot with beautiful autumn foliage. The sound of the Maekawa Stream and the silence of the mountains free visitors from their daily lives.
Namerikawa Hot Spring Fukushimaya Facility Information
Hot Spring Quality and Source
The greatest charm of Namerikawa Hot Spring is the abundant supply of hot water flowing from its private source. The spring quality is sulfurous, characterized by milky white water. The hot spring, supplied directly from the source without water addition, heating, or circulation, provides a genuine hot spring experience.
As befits a therapeutic spa with a long history, its effects have long been trusted by many people. Hot springs containing sulfur components are said to be effective for skin conditions, neuralgia, and rheumatism.
Outdoor Baths and Indoor Baths
Fukushimaya’s hot spring facilities boast a variety of bathing areas.
Large Open-Air Bath (Rock Outdoor)
The most popular bathing area is the rock outdoor bath situated along the stream. This open-air bath offers views of the Maekawa Stream and surrounding mountains. Women-only hours are set from 16:00 to 17:30 and 9:00 to 11:00, allowing women to use the bath comfortably.
Cypress Outdoor Bath
An outdoor bath with pleasant cypress aroma is also available. In this space where the warmth of wood and the natural landscape harmonize, guests can spend a leisurely time.
Mixed-Gender Indoor Bath
A traditional mixed-gender indoor bath is also available, where visitors can experience the atmosphere of a therapeutic hot spring spa.
Women’s Indoor Bath
A women-only indoor bath is also provided, allowing bathing with consideration for privacy.
Accommodations and Amenities
Fukushimaya, as a secret hot spring’s single inn, provides simple yet comfortable lodging. Electricity is supplied by hydroelectric power, and at night, guests can view the starry sky in the quiet mountains.
Meals are provided in guest rooms at both breakfast and dinner, featuring mountain delicacies made with local ingredients. The simple cuisine befitting a secret hot spring, along with the hot spring itself, fulfills the hearts of visitors.
Guests can receive polite guidance at the front desk, ensuring that first-time visitors can stay with peace of mind.
Day-Use Bathing (Public Bath Access)
In addition to overnight stays, day-use bathing is also available.
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Fee: Approximately 600 yen for adults (subject to change)
Notice: Day-use bathing is unavailable during winter closure period (early November to late April)
Even for day-use bathing, guests can enjoy authentic hot spring water supplied directly from the source. It is recommended to stop by after a hike or during sightseeing.
Access to Namerikawa Hot Spring
Access by Train and Bus
By JR
- Get off at “Touge Station” on the JR Ou Main Line
- Approximately 20 minutes by car from Touge Station
- Complimentary shuttle service available (reservation required)
From Yonezawa Station
- Approximately 55 minutes by car from Yonezawa Station
- Taxi service also available
Public transportation access is limited, so it is recommended to contact the inn in advance to arrange a shuttle service. Touge Station is a small station, and the journey up the mountain road from there is part of the travel experience.
By Car
From the Expressway
- Approximately 45 minutes from “Yonezawa Chuo IC” on the Tohoku Expressway
- Proceed toward Itaya on National Route 13 and follow the signage
Points to Note
- Mountain roads continue, so careful driving is necessary
- Roads are closed during winter (early November to late April), and the hot spring is also closed
- Search for “Namerikawa Hot Spring” or “Yonezawa City, Osawa, Namerikawa 15” on your car’s navigation system
The route includes some narrow mountain roads, but they are paved, making access possible in ordinary vehicles. However, special caution is necessary during rainy weather or poor conditions.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 〒992-1303 Yonezawa City, Osawa, Namerikawa 15, Yamagata Prefecture
Inquiries: Fukushimaya Inn (telephone number can be confirmed on the official website or the Association to Preserve Japan’s Secret Hot Springs website)
For reservations and detailed guidance, it is recommended to contact the inn directly. Advance notice is essential, especially if you wish to use the shuttle service.
Recommended Tourist Attractions Around Namerikawa Hot Spring
Namerikawa Waterfall
Near Namerikawa Hot Spring is the Namerikawa Waterfall, which has been selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls.” This waterfall, boasting a drop of approximately 80 meters, creates a magnificent landscape in harmony with the surrounding greenery.
It is within walking distance from the hot spring and is also popular as a trekking course. Especially during the seasons of fresh green foliage and autumn leaves, visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery created by the waterfall and surrounding nature.
Kamei Falls and Nunobiki Falls
In addition to Namerikawa Waterfall, the surrounding area has scenic spots such as Kamei Falls and Nunobiki Falls. These waterfalls scattered among the steep mountains of the North Valley each possess their own distinctive beauty.
Waterfall touring while hiking, combined with the hot spring, provides a refreshing experience for both body and mind.
Azuma Mountain Range Hiking
Namerikawa Hot Spring is an ideal base for hiking the Azuma Mountain Range. The trailheads for Higashi-Azuma Mountain and Ichiketsukyo Mountain are nearby, and many hikers use the inn for lodging or day-use bathing.
Starting a hike from the 850-meter elevation hot spring makes relatively accessible hiking possible. A soak in the hot spring after hiking is exceptional and provides the perfect environment to ease a tired body.
Hiking Season: May to October
Major Hiking Courses:
- Higashi-Azuma Mountain (elevation 1,975m)
- Ichiketsukyo Mountain (elevation 1,949m)
When planning a hike, it is important to submit a hiking notification in advance and prepare adequate equipment and supplies.
Sightseeing in Yonezawa City
When visiting Namerikawa Hot Spring, you can also enjoy sightseeing in Yonezawa City.
Uesugi Shrine
A shrine dedicated to the Sengoku-period warlord Uesugi Kenshin, serving as a symbol of Yonezawa. The grounds contain numerous historical sites related to the Uesugi clan.
Yonezawa Castle Ruins
The ruins of Yonezawa Castle, the former residence of the Uesugi clan. Currently developed as Matsugasaki Park, it is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Yonezawa Beef
Yonezawa beef, one of Japan’s three finest wagyu, can be enjoyed at numerous restaurants throughout the city. Gourmet dining can be savored along with hot spring travel.
Itaya Pass and Touge Station
Itaya Pass, encountered along the way to Namerikawa Hot Spring, is located at the prefectural border between Yamagata and Fukushima. Historically known as a difficult section of the Oshu Kaido, it was traversed by many travelers.
Touge Station is also popular with railroad enthusiasts as a hidden gem station. The quiet station surrounded by mountains is worth visiting in itself.
Four Seasons at Namerikawa Hot Spring
Spring (May to June)
Namerikawa Hot Spring resumes operations from late April to early May after the winter closure. The spring mountains feature beautiful fresh greenery, and the Maekawa Stream swells with snowmelt, creating a powerful flow.
This is also the beginning of the hiking season, attracting many hikers. Dishes featuring mountain vegetables can be enjoyed during this season.
Summer (July to August)
The 850-meter elevation location remains cool even in summer. Many people visit as a summer retreat from urban heat.
The sound of the stream and green surroundings combined with the hot spring offer a refreshing sensation unique to summer. At night, a starry sky can be viewed, and the beautiful stars visible in an environment with limited electricity provide a sense of wonder.
Autumn (September to October)
The autumn foliage around Namerikawa Hot Spring typically reaches its peak from late September to mid-October. The foliage along the stream is particularly beautiful, and viewing it from an outdoor bath is spectacular.
Autumn leaf viewing while touring waterfalls is also recommended. Cuisine featuring autumn flavors can be enjoyed, making this the most popular season of the year.
Winter (November to April)
Namerikawa Hot Spring is closed during winter. From early November to late April, operations are difficult in the deep snow of the mountains, and the inn closes.
During this period, Fukushimaya staff enter a state of “nearly mountain lodge maintenance.” Overcoming the harsh winter and awaiting the spring reopening is part of the unique operation of a secret hot spring.
Usage Guide and Notices
Operating Period
Operating Period: Late April to early November (subject to change by year)
Closure Period: Early November to late April (winter closure)
The exact dates of operation opening and closing change depending on the year’s weather conditions. It is recommended to confirm with the inn before visiting.
Reservation Methods
- Telephone reservations are standard
- Reservations possible through the Association to Preserve Japan’s Secret Hot Springs official website
- Also available through reservation sites such as Jalan.net and Rakuten Travel
- Always inform the inn of shuttle service requests during reservation
Especially during autumn foliage season and weekends, reservations become difficult to obtain, so early booking is recommended.
Items to Bring and Preparation
Essential Items
- Flashlight (convenient for nighttime movement)
- Insect repellent spray (summer season)
- Warm clothing (mornings and evenings are cold in spring and autumn)
- Hiking boots (if planning to hike or explore the surrounding area)
Useful Items
- Camera (for scenic photography)
- Binoculars (for birdwatching)
- Regular medications
As this is a secret hot spring, there are no nearby convenience stores or shops. It is important to prepare necessary items in advance.
Precautions
- Mobile Phone Reception: Signal is out of range or weak in some areas
- Medical Facilities: The nearest hospital takes time to reach; those with chronic conditions should bring medications
- Weather: Mountain weather changes rapidly, so check forecasts
- Wildlife: There is a possibility of wild bears appearing; avoid solo travel
- Road Conditions: Roads may be closed during bad weather
Tips for Maximizing the Charm of Namerikawa Hot Spring
Multi-Night Stays Recommended
While day-use or single-night stays are sufficient, staying two or more nights allows for a deeper experience of the secret hot spring’s charm. Bathing can be enjoyed without time constraints, offering a leisurely therapeutic experience.
Morning bath, midday bath, sunset bath, and bath while gazing at stars at night—visitors can enjoy the hot spring’s changing appearance across different times of day.
Digital Detox
The weak signal and limited electricity provide modern people with a valuable digital detox opportunity. Stepping away from smartphones and listening to the sounds of nature and the hot spring is ideal for refreshing the mind.
Early Morning Walks
The mountains are particularly beautiful in the early morning, with the stream and waterfall emerging mysteriously from the morning mist. An early morning walk before breakfast combined with a morning bath is one of the best ways to spend time at Namerikawa Hot Spring.
Interaction with Local People
Interaction with Fukushimaya staff and other guests is also part of the enjoyment of a secret hot spring trip. Exchanging information about hot springs and hiking, or listening to local stories, creates deeper travel memories.
Conclusion
The area around Namerikawa Hot Spring in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, possesses diverse attractions: a secret hot spring with approximately 260 years of history, pristine nature at an 850-meter elevation, waterfalls selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls, and a base for hiking the Azuma Mountain Range.
Fukushimaya, a single-inn establishment without electricity or running water, provides an authentic secret hot spring experience. The direct-source milky white sulfurous spring water, outdoor baths along the stream, and simple meals served in guest rooms promise special time away from daily life.
The winter closure is a constraint but also part of a secret hot spring’s charm. The hot spring is worth visiting precisely because it operates only during the limited period from late April to early November.
As one of the Yonezawa Eight Hot Springs and a member establishment of the Association to Preserve Japan’s Secret Hot Springs, Namerikawa continues to preserve tradition and nature. For those seeking to forget urban bustle and find healing in mountain silence and hot springs, this secret hot spring comes highly recommended.
Hiking, waterfall touring, autumn leaf viewing, and above all, enjoying the hot spring itself. Around Namerikawa Hot Spring, you will find the “genuine rest” that modern people are forgetting. Why not embark on a journey of relaxation for heart and body to the depths of the mountains of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, during your next vacation?
