Kaminoyama Onsen

Kaminoyama Onsen (かみのやま温泉) is a hot spring town located in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. The town boasts a rich history of hot springs, with records indicating that the waters have been used for over 1,200 years. Today, Kaminoyama Onsen is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its therapeutic waters and captivating blend of historical and natural attractions.

One of the main draws of Kaminoyama Onsen is its diverse array of hot spring baths. The town offers several public and private hot spring facilities, as well as ryokans (Japanese inns) that provide guests with private hot spring baths. The waters of Kaminoyama Onsen are believed to possess healing properties, attracting many visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

Beyond the hot springs, Kaminoyama Onsen is also celebrated for its unique cultural heritage. The town is home to numerous historic temples and shrines, as well as Kaminoyama Castle, built in the 16th century, where visitors can explore the castle grounds and relish panoramic views of the surrounding area. Additionally, the town features charming public baths, footbaths, and samurai residences, all of which contribute to its distinctive appeal.

Kaminoyama Castle

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:15 PM Reception closes at 4:45 PM. Closed on Thursdays.
Admission	Adults: 420 yen High school and university students: 370 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 50 yen
Phone	+81 23-673-3660
Address	3-7 Motojonai, Kaminoyama, Yamagata 999-3154
Official Website	https://kaminoyama-castle.info/

Getting there

By Train

• From Tokyo:
  • Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Kaminoyama Onsen Station
  • Journey time: About 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Cost: Around 11,500 yen one-way
  • Fully covered by Japan Rail Pass and some regional JR passes
• From Sendai:
  • Take the JR Yamagata Shinkansen to Kaminoyama Onsen Station
  • Journey time: About 1 hour

By Plane

• Fly to Yamagata Airport, then:
  • Take a bus or taxi to Kaminoyama Onsen
  • Journey time from airport: About 45 minutes by car

By Bus

• From Tokyo:
  • Take a highway express bus to Yamagata
  • Transfer to a local bus to Kaminoyama Onsen
  • Total journey time: About 6-7 hours

By Car

• From Tokyo:
• Take the Tohoku Expressway to Murata JCT
• Transfer to Yamagata Expressway
• Exit at Kaminoyama Onsen IC
• Total driving time: About 4-5 hours