Yamagata · Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen Gokan-no-Yu Tsuruya
蔵王温泉 五感の湯 つるや
An inn right in front of the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal in Yamagata City, running 100% free-flowing water from its own self-springing source - a certified natural-hot-spring display facility of the Japan Spa Association. That source feeds the main bath, the open-air bath and all four private baths: a lavish use of water. The bath is Zao's classic milky, strongly acidic sulfur spring, and the sulfurous halls live up to the inn's name - enjoying onsen through the five senses of sight, touch, scent, sound and taste. Day bathing runs 12:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30) at 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for ages 3-12, covering the indoor and open-air baths. The four characterful private baths are available for 2,500 yen per 50 minutes (12:00-17:00, until 15:00 when crowded). An ideal base for the Zao Ropeway and the communal-bath tour, with free parking for 30-40 cars.
- Price (adult)
- ¥800
- Hours
- 12:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
- Closed
- Open daily
- Access
- 710 Zao Onsen, Yamagata, Yamagata (postal code 990-2301), in front of the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal (Sanko Bus). About 40 minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station, or 25 minutes by car from Yamagata-Zao IC. Free parking for 30-40 cars. Tel 023-694-9112.
- Water type
- Sulfur spring
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Phone
- 023-694-9112
- Open in Google Maps
- Google Maps ↗
Essentials
Stay in this onsen town
Compare and book stays in Zao Onsen. Day bathing itself needs no booking.
Opens partner booking site (affiliate)
Why go
- Right at the Zao bus terminal; self-springing own source free-flows to every bath
- Milky strongly acidic sulfur spring; main + open-air baths and four private baths (2,500 yen/50 min)
- Day bathing 12:30-17:00 (entry till 16:30): 800 yen adults / 400 yen ages 3-12; free parking 30-40 cars
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- Ryokan day-use hours are limited and may be suspended in peak season — phone the same morning.
- Payment is usually by ticket machine in cash — bring coins.
- Last entry is 30–60 minutes before closing.
Features
Rules & private
Convenience
Amenities
✔ Verified operating: 2026-10 Operating status and rates cross-checked against the official site and onsen guides (full source notes in Japanese on the JA page)
Prices and hours change. Check official sources before visiting.
More in this area
Zao Onsen Dai-Rotenburo
A terraced open-air bath along a mountain stream that holds 200 people, with bluish-white strongly acidic sulfur water. Open late April to late November only; closed in winter. Summer starlight sessions at night.
Shirogane-yu (Ginzan communal bath)
A Kengo Kuma-designed communal bath at the entrance to Ginzan's Taishō-era street. Hot water with drifting mineral flakes for ¥500. The one place day visitors can bathe in Ginzan's water — reception closes at 3:30 pm.
Zao Onsen Kamiyu Public Bath
A log-cabin-style communal bath at the top of Takayu-dōri. Zao's three public baths (Kamiyu, Shimoyu, Kawarayu) all cost ¥200, paid into an honesty box. No washing stations — just rinse and sink into the strongly acidic milky sulfur water.
