Yamagata · Ginzan OnsenTattoos: Ask ahead
Ginzan Onsen Omokage-yu (Private Communal Bath)
A private-rental communal bath in Ginzan Onsen, Obanazawa, Yamagata - the Taisho-romance gaslamp street famous nationwide. Renovated from the former Kaminoyu public bathhouse, it is the only bathhouse in the spa town you can book out entirely for one party. The free-flowing sulfur water carries a faint sulfurous scent with yunohana drifting on the surface, and its crisp, hot soak (around 44°C to the touch) sinks right into you. The tub room of roughly eight tatami fits four or five adults, and even the wash taps run spring water. Use is 2,000 yen for 50 minutes; check in at the Haikara-san Curry Pan shop on the main street - no advance reservations, same-day only (10:00-17:50, last entry 17:00, irregular closures). A rare chance for families and couples to have Ginzan's water entirely to themselves. Ginzan has evening entry restrictions in winter, so check current rules before visiting.
Public bathhouse (sento)Natural hot springDay use ¥2,000