Genshichi Roten no yu Zao Onsen — Attraction in Yamagata

Genshichi is a nice onsen on top of a hill in Zao Onsen, Yamagata. It has both an indoor and outdoor bath. Walking there up the main road is a little treacherous when it is snowing heavily, as there are blind corners that cars come speeding down.

There is a small walking path back to the main village that comes out at the top of the main road to the shrine, however it can be uncleared in winter and full of fallen ice from rooftops lining either side. It is a beautiful path though and quite convenient.

With a vehicle, access would be a bit more convenient, as they have two large car parks available.

The baths were okay. One thing to note is that the showers in the baths have privacy curtains, but in winter those can be very cold if you in advertently touch them, also, they make it hard to see if there is someone inside, which can be awkward.

The water in the outside bath was lukewarm, and though the scenery was beautiful out there, it is better to first warm up in the inside bath (which is popping hot), then make your way outside.

The water is acidic, but it’s not so much that minor cuts will instantly burn. However, the longer you stay in the water, the more irritated any cuts or nicks on your skin will be. But, the soft skin is worth it in the end.

They have a nice selection of drinks in glass bottles in the rest area, though it is quite a...

Our go to commercial Onsen in Zao Onsen. Small and privately run, very rustic. I love the wooden joinery in the inside bath which is hotter than the two outdoor ones. Shampoo and body soap have been supplied since end 2020. The outdoor baths are blue which at night give a nice glow. The first is not as warm as the second as it feeds off the indoor bath. The second is supplied by a rock in the middle and from one edge. On the facing mountain slope on the ladies' side, Kamoshika can be seen sometimes. Because of COVID, opening times are currently shorter, 10:00 - 19:00. Vending machine and fridge with milk etc in foyer. Buy your ticket(s) from machine and hand in at reception. If you need a hair dryer, ask for one then to take to the changing room. The changing room is basic i.e two wash basins with no chairs to move traffic at busy times. Toilet...

This is our go to onsen in Zao Onsen (apart from the 3 public ones on the Onsen street). If you're expecting a large dressing room with all the amenities then this isn't for you. The point is the rustic charm and the two outdoor baths and their blue colour. The basic changing room means that people don't hang around. I wouldn't say that the indoor bath is small as per one review (this is not a hotel or large modern commercial Onsen). It is there to warm up first before going out when cold and is bigger than many other places. It is also in a nice wooden setting. Shampoo and body soap have been there for over a year now. If you need a hairdryer, you need to get it from the front desk. There are vending machines and a fridge for milk and other drinks. I only wish that they didn't close so early (19:00) but it is a small...