Yamagata · Zao Onsen
Zao Onsen Kamiyu Public Bath
蔵王温泉 上湯共同浴場
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.
- Price (adult)
- ¥200
- Hours
- 06:00–22:00
- Closed
- Open daily
- Access
- 5 min walk from Zao Onsen bus terminal
- Water type
- Acidic spring
- Tattoos
- Ask ahead
- Phone
- 023-694-9328
- Official site
- www.zao-spa.or.jp ↗
- 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
- Strongly acidic sulfur water for ¥200
- Unstaffed, 6 am to 10 pm
- Hop all three public baths
Before you go
- No official tattoo policy is published — ask at reception.
- As a communal bath there is no soap or shampoo — bring your own or buy at the shop.
- Strongly acidic water — rinse off afterwards, avoid long soaks, and remove silver jewellery.
- The water runs hot (43–45°C). Don't add cold water; take short repeated dips instead.
- Payment is usually by ticket machine in cash — bring coins.
Features
Price
Mood & scenery
✔ Verified operating: 2026-09 4travel/温泉新選組 (共同浴場共通200円) / 2026-09 再確認（営業中）
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.
Ginzan Onsen Ginzansō (Day Bath)
The large ryokan at the entrance to Ginzan. Indoor, open-air and lie-down outdoor baths — far roomier than Shirogane-yu. Day use 11:30 am–2 pm (last 1:30), ¥1,500, closed Thursdays; day bathing has been suspended and resumed repeatedly, so check the website. Cash only.