Tohoku > Yamagata > Kaminoyama Onsen
Enjoy the excellent spring water quality in open-air baths with outstanding panoramic views and in uniquely designed private baths.
Tenboroten-no-Yu Arimakan
展望露天の湯 有馬館
6-5 Shinyu, Kaminoyama city, Yamagata 999-3141, JAPAN
Phone:+81-(0)23-672-2511
Spring Quality
Sodium, Calcium -
Chloride / Sulfate springs
ナトリウム・カルシウム-塩化物・硫酸塩泉
(Hypotonic, Weak alkaline, High temperature spring)
Soak to hydrate, drink to rebalance
—luxurious therapeutic springs /
Deeply warming, anti-aging hot springs for beautiful skin
Hot springs are believed to form when rainwater or snowmelt seeps underground, or when ancient seawater becomes trapped deep within the earth. Heated by magma or the earthʼs internal heat, this water dissolves minerals from underground rocks and slowly rises to the surface over years—or even tens of thousands of years.
Onsen Components

505.8 mg/kg
57.85 mval%
■ Moisturizes and helps soothe dry skin
■ Relieves muscle tension and eases pain
■ Promotes blood circulation, helping to reduce sensitivity to cold
■ Stimulates metabolism and supports natural detoxification
313.3 mg/kg
41.10 mval%
■ Promotes the formation and regeneration of the stratum corneum
■ Soothes pain and inflammation
■ Regulates the contraction and dilation of blood vessels
■ Strengthens the skin’s barrier function

727.3 mg/kg
56.36 mval%
■ Effective for minor cuts due to the bactericidal effect of salt
■ Salt coats the skin, helping lock in warmth
■ Sustained warmth helps balance the autonomic nervous system
■ Salt coating helps lock in moisture
733.1 mg/kg
41.94 mval%
■ Dilates blood vessels and promotes blood circulation to the extremities
■ Regulates the autonomic nervous system through the warming effect of increased blood flow
■ Promotes skin turnover to restore firmness and elasticity
■ Supports recovery from skin issues such as dry skin and minor cuts
*The bars for Metasilicic acid 50 mg/kg and Metaboric acid 5 mg/kg represent the qualification criteria for hot springs. The number of bars indicates values such as “more than XX times the hot spring standard” or “about XX times the hot spring standard”.
56.6 mg/kg
■ Natural moisturizing component
■ Exceeds the hot spring standard (50 mg/kg)
12.0 mg/kg
■ Helps keep the skin clean
■ More than 2 times the hot spring standard (5 mg/kg)
+
+
Total Dissolved Substances
(excluding gaseous)
2,389 mg/kg
16~24 times more components than commercial bath additives!

Hydrogen Ion
Concentration
pH 7.6
Weakly Alkaline
Spring Temperature
62.8 ℃
■Large public baths / Private baths → Spring water flow is adjusted to maintain a comfortable temperature.
■Rooftop open-air baths → The system heats the water to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Color of water /
Smell of water
Clear and Colorless
Odorless
Hot Spring Flow Rate
50 L/min
(Private hot spring source / Mechanically pumped)
Hot spring water usage per person (spring discharge / maximum capacity)
→ 50L / 120 guests = 0.4 L / min
*To meet the requirements for kakenagashi (flowing directly from the source),
at least 1 liter of hot spring water per minute per bather
is required for proper bath management
Status of Source Utilization
| Water added | Heated | Disinfected | Circulated | Bath additives |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | ABCE: No D: Yes (winter only) |
AB: No CDE: Yes |
AB: No CDE: Yes |
ACD: No BE: Yes |
A: Ceramic bath (Shigaraki-yaki) at large public bath “Kin no Yu” / Bathtub② at large bath “Roman Yu” / Private baths “Pamukkale” and “Yawaragi” → 100% natural free-flowing hot spring water (kakenagashi)
B: Private bath “Kihoseki (precious natural mineral stones) standing bath” → 100% natural free-flowing hot spring water (with Kihoseki mineral powder added)
C: Main bathtub at large public bath “Kin no Yu” → Combination of free-flowing hot spring water + circulation and filtration system
D: Rooftop scenic open-air baths “Tenku” and “Tensei” → Combination of free-flowing hot spring water + circulation and filtration system (heated in winter)
E: Bathtub①(Kihoseki bath) at large public bath “Roman Yu” → Combination of free-flowing hot spring water + circulation and filtration system (with Kihoseki mineral powder added)
Panaroma Open-air Bath “Tenku”
There are two open-air baths in rooftop, which are used as large public baths for men and women during the daytime, and as private baths at night. As the name of the inn implies, you can enjoy a 360 degree view of Kaminoyama city. Enjoying with a view of the majestic mountains in the distance is a special experience.
Skin Feeling Gauge

Ideal for:
People seeking
beautiful skin
People with dry skin
People concerned
about
minor cuts
People feeling
stressed
People sensitive
to cold
Indications by Spring Quality
(for bathing)
Cuts
Peripheral circulatory disturbance
Sensitivity to cold
Depression
Dry skin
General Indications (for bathing)
Chronic pains or stiffness of muscles or joints (chronic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lower back pains, nerve pains, frozen shoulder, bruises, sprains, etc.), Muscle stiffness in motor paralysis, Sensitivity to cold, Peripheral circulatory disturbance, Gastrointestinal hypofunction (slow digestion, intestinal gas formation, etc.) Mild hypertension, Impaired glucose tolerance (diabetes), Mild hypercholesterolemia, Mild asthma or Emphysema, Hemorrhoidal pains, Autonomic instability, Various symptoms from stress (sleep disorders, depression, etc.), Restorative phase from illness, Recovery from fatigue, Health promotions
General Contraindications (for bathing)
Active stage of diseases (especially when fever is accompanied), Active tuberculosis, Advanced
malignant tumor or the case of significant debility involving severe anemia, Severe cardiac or lung
diseases involving suffocation feelings with a little movement, Severe kidney diseases involving
edema, Gastrointestinal bleeding, When bleeding is visible, Acute exacerbation stage of chronic
diseases
*There are no general indications or contraindications for drinking.
Onsen Power Chart




Large Public Bath “Roman-Yu” gemstone bath
A bath with gemstone powder added to hot spring water. Gemstones are characterized by their ability to emit far-infrared rays and negative ions. When crushed and mixed with hot spring water, they are expected to promote blood circulation, activate cells, and improve immunity.
Keywords of this Onsen


Cuts・・・③Metaboric Acid help cleanse wounds, ②Calcium – Sulfate springs promote tissue regeneration, and ①Sodium – Chloride springs contribute to disinfection.
Peripheral circulatory disturbance・・・②Calcium – Sulfate springs dilate blood vessels, and ①Sodium – Chloride springs prevent heat loss while promoting peripheral blood flow.
Sensitivity to cold・・・②Calcium – Sulfate springs dilate blood vessels to warm the body from within, and ①Sodium – Chloride springs lock in warmth with a protective salt layer.
Depression・・・②Calcium – Sulfate springs regulate the autonomic nervous system through improved circulation and sedative effects, while ①Sodium – Chloride springs promote parasympathetic activity with lasting warmth, helping to relieve mental tension.
Dry skin・・・④pH 7.6 (weakly alkaline) eexfoliates dead skin cells to smooth the skin, ②Calcium – Sulfate springs provide rich hydration, and ①Sodium – Chloride springs help retain moisture with a protective salt layer.

Atrophic Gastritis・・・① Sodium–Chloride springs:Sodium ions moderately stimulate the gastric mucosa (helping activate its function), while chloride ions provide the essential raw material for gastric acid (hydrochloric acid), supporting healthy digestion.
Constipation・・・① Sodium–Chloride springs:Stimulate the intestinal walls, activating peristalsis (the wave-like muscle contractions) for smoother passage.② Calcium – Sulfate springs:Stabilize intestinal movement and soften the stool.
How each component works:
Sodium ions: Stimulate the intestines to activate movement (pushing out)
Chloride ions: Promote gastric juice production to aid digestion
Calcium ions: Relieve abnormal intestinal tension to regulate movement
Sulfate ions: Draw water into the intestines to soften the stool
Biliary dysfunction・・・② Calcium – Sulfate springs:Calcium ions stabilize intestinal movement, while sulfate ions promote bile secretion and support gallbladder function.
Hypercholesterolemia・・・② Calcium – Sulfate springs:Calcium ions help inhibit the absorption of lipids (cholesterol), while sulfate ions promote lipid metabolism and excretion.
Large Public Bath “Kin-no-Yu” shigaraki-ware bath
The bath is 100% natutal free-flowing hot spring water. At times it may feel hot, but this is proof that the spring water is poured into the bathtub as it naturally gushes out. You can feel the most natural effects of the hot spring.
Onsen Classification
️Hot springs are classified not only by their spring quality, but also by three additional factors: osmotic pressure, hydrogen ion concentration (pH level), and spring temperature.
Osmotic Pressure
(Hypotonic, Weakly alkaline, High temperature Spring)
In hot spring classification, “osmotic pressure” refers to comparing the concentration of dissolved components in the spring water (mainly salts) with that of human body fluids (such as blood and intracellular fluid). Based on this comparison, springs are categorized as hypotonic, isotonic, or hypertonic. The difference in concentration serves as an indicator of how easily water moves between the hot spring water and body fluids.
Total Dissolved Substances
2,389 mg/kg
Classified as a Hypotonic spring
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Isotonic It has the same osmotic pressure as human body fluids. This is equivalent to a saline solution made by dissolving 8.8 g of salt in 1 liter of water. Because its concentration is close to that of body fluids, there is minimal movement of water and minerals due to osmotic pressure, making it the least stimulating and placing the least burden on the body. |
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Hypertonic Water is more likely to be drawn out of the body, while hot spring minerals are more readily absorbed, allowing for stronger therapeutic effects. However, it can also cause “yu-atari” (bath fatigue) more easily and may be more physically demanding. It is generally considered a “strong” or highly concentrated hot spring. |
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Hydrogen Ion Concentration
(Hypotonic, Weakly alkaline, High temperature Spring)
In the hot spring analysis report, the section titled “Examination and test results at gushing location” includes the listed pH value. Chemically, a pH of 7.0 is considered neutral; values below this are acidic, and values above it are alkaline. According to the “Guidelines for the Mineral Spring Analysis Methods”, the chemical nature of a mineral spring is classified based on its pH value at the time of emergence, as shown in the table below.
pH 7.6
Classified as Weakly Alkaline

Spring Temperature
(Hypotonic, Weakly alkaline, High temperature spring)
62.8℃
Classified as Hot spring

Under the “Hot Springs Act”, water that contains one or more designated substances at or above the legally specified levels and has a source temperature of 25°C or higher is classified as a “hot spring”. If the temperature is below 25°C, it is labeled a “mineral spring”. Furthermore, as noted above, hot springs are classified by source temperature as high-temperature spring, hot spring, or low-temperature spring.
Private Bath “Pamukkale”
This bath is based on the motif of the “Hierapolis Pamukkale” World Heritage Site in Turkey. The bath was created by the same craftsmen who worked on Disneyland. It is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your stay at this inn.
Facility Data
| Founded in | 1921 |
|---|---|
| Check in | 3:00 PM |
| Check out | 10:00 AM |
| Location | Mountain / Town |
| Rooms | Total 35 rooms |
| Capacity | 120 people |
| Parking | 60 cars |
| Facilities | Banquet hall, Karaoke room, Lounge, Cafe, Shop |
| Internet | Wi-Fi available |
| Barrier-free | Supported |
| Bidet toilet | Equipped |
Keywords for this inn
| Rooftop open-air bath overlooking the Zao mountain range and the Hot spring area |
| Unique private baths modeled after World Heritage sites |
| Hot spring department store where visitors can enjoy a variety of baths |
| Japanese modern suite available for anniversaries |
| Japanese-style creative kaiseki cuisine served in your room |
Hot Spring (Onsen) Report
| Kaminoyama Onsen, where “Arimakan” is located, is an area that uses a “centralized management” system for its hot springs. “Centralized management” system is a hot spring management system in which hot spring water is collected from each source well, mixed and stored in a storage tank, and then supplied to each facility. This system efficiently utilizes hot spring sources and stabilizes the quantity and quality ... Read more → |
Transportation Access
| By train | Get off at JR Yamagata Shinkansen Kaminoyama-Onsen Station, then a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute drive |
|---|---|
| Shuttle bus | Available [Shuttle service upon arrival at Kaminoyama-Onsen Station by phone reservation (for hotel guests only)] |
| By car | From Tokyo: About 10 minutes from Tohoku-Chuo Expressway Kaminoyama-Onsen IC From Sendai: About 30 minutes from Yamagata Expressway Yamagata-Zao IC |
| Address | Yamagata Prefecture/Kaminoyama Onsen/Tenboroten-no-Yu ARIMAKAN 6-5 Shinyu, Kaminoyama city, Yamagata 999-3141, JAPAN +81-(0)23-672-2511 |


