759. Kawarayu, Zao Onsen, Yamagata ★ An old-school onsen for ¥300. The stated hours are 06:00 to 22:00. No staff, no showers. Indoor bath. The boards on the bottom are not fully fixed and move around a bit. The water is acidic and clear with a bluish tint, and there is lime on the bottom. Temperature: 44. Breathing inside feels great, but in January it is cold. A solid old-school onsen. If you like a rough atmosphere, keep that in mind. 09.01.2026
Kawarayu
蔵王温泉 川原湯共同浴場ざおうおんせん かわらゆきょうどうよくじょう
Public Bathhouse
Day Use
Yes06:00–22:00
¥300
Adults ¥300, children ¥100. Payment via coin box at entrance.
Bathing & Water
Natural onsen water
Uses natural hot spring water
Outdoor BathNo
Open-air outdoor bath
Indoor BathYes
Enclosed indoor bathing area
Capabilities
Mixed BathingNo
Shared bathing area for all genders
Policies & Services
DiningNo
Restaurant or dining open to visitors (not just hotel meal plans)
WashingNo
Shower, wash stations, soap and shampoo provided
TowelsNo
Towels available to rent or borrow
About
One of three public baths at Zao Onsen (蔵王温泉, Zao Onsen), this one has a feature the others don't: the spring water rises directly through a wooden-slat floor beneath you (ashimoto-yushutsu, 足下湧出). The water is a sharp, acidic sulfur spring run as kakenagashi (かけ流し, free-flowing), with well water blended in to bring the temperature down from the hot source. No showers, no soap allowed, no amenities at all. You rinse with a bucket and soak. The building sits over a hot-spring stream, and outside you can see the water flowing underneath. Unmanned facility with a coin box at the entrance.
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Last updated July 18, 2026