Tohoku > Yamagata > Zao Onsen
100% free-flowing hot spring with richly therapeutic, milky waters
Mogami Takayu Zenshichi-no-Yu
825 Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-2301, JAPAN
TEL：+81-(0)23-694-9422
Spring Quality
Acidic, Sulfur-containing
Aluminum-Sulfate / Chloride Springs
(Hypotonic, Acidic, High temperature spring)
Exquisite milky waters for beautiful skin
Total Dissolved Substances
Hydrogen Ion Concentration
pH1.7
（Strongly acidic）
| Spring Quality | ||
| Acidic, Sulfur containing-Aluminum-Sulfate / Chloride Springs | ||
| 酸性・含硫黄－アルミニウム－硫酸塩・塩化物泉 | ||
| (Hypotonic, Acidic, High temperature spring) | ||
100% natural free-flowing hot spring! Exquisite milky waters for beautiful skin |
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Total Dissolved Substances
Hydrogen Ion Concentration
Hot springs are believed to originate from rain and snow seeping into the ground, or ancient seawater trapped deep within the earth. This water is heated by geothermal energy or magma, absorbing mineral components over a period of years—or even millennia—before finally emerging at the surface.
Indoor bath in Large Public Bath
An indoor bath located within the large public bathing area for both men and women. The bath alternates between men and women depending on the time of day. Spring water flows into the tub at a rate of 30 liters per minute, enough to fill this large bath in roughly 15 minutes. It is a signature bath where the owner insists on using only 100% free-flowing hot spring water.
Premium milky hot springs: Highly effective for skin conditions, skin-beautifying effects, and therapeutic benefits
Ideal for:
| People with skin conditions (e.g., atopic dermatitis, eczema) | People sensitive to cold | People concerned about dark spots | People feeling stressed | People wanting firm, radiant skin |
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| People seeking beautiful skin | People with lifestyle-related conditions (e.g., diabetes) | People with dry skin | People concerned about minor cuts | |
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Indications by spring quality
Evidence of
“Hot springs for beautiful skin”
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Chloride springs
Skin coating and moisturizing effects -
Sulfate springs
Anti-wrinkle and skin revitalizing effects -
Sulfur springs
Skin whitening and spot prevention effects -
Metasilicic acid
Dewy and moisturizing effects
Onsen Power Chart
Garden Open-air Bath (mixed bathing)
Beyond the large public baths lies the only open-air mixed bathing area in Zao Onsen. Please note that you must borrow a special bathing suit at the front desk before entering. Here, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery such as fresh greenery in spring and summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snowy views in winter.
100％ Natural Free-flowing Hot Spring! Multi-benefit hot springs! Combines 4 qualities: Acidic, Sulfur, Sulfate, and Chloride
100％ Natural Free-flowing Hot Spring! Multi-benefit hot springs! Combines 4 qualities: Acidic, Sulfur, Sulfate, and Chloride
than commercial bath additives!
Private Open-air Bath “Daigokuten”
This is one of the private open-air baths that define this inn. Located closest to the source, it allows you to enjoy the freshest hot spring water. It is especially popular for its immersive, nature-surrounded setting.
Spring Temperature
Color of water / Smell of water
Osmotic Pressure
“Osmotic pressure” classification in hot springs is a method of categorization based on the difference in concentration between the spring water's dissolved components and human bodily fluids.
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Hypotonic
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Isotonic |
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 | It has the same osmotic pressure as human bodily fluids. This is equivalent to a saline solution (salt water) made by dissolving 8.8 grams of table salt in 1 liter of water. |
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Hypertonic |
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 | The high osmotic pressure means your body moisture is easily released while the hot spring components are more readily absorbed into the body. Please be cautious of “Yu-atari” (hot spring fatigue). This is generally considered a “highly concentrated” hot spring. |
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Spring Temperature
Color of water / Smell of water
Milky white color
Sulfur smell
Osmotic Pressure
“Osmotic pressure” classification in hot springs is a method of categorization based on the difference in concentration between the spring water's dissolved components and human bodily fluids.
|
Hypotonic
|
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Isotonic |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| It has the same osmotic pressure as human bodily fluids. This is equivalent to a saline solution (salt water) made by dissolving 8.8 grams of table salt in 1 liter of water. |
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Hypertonic |
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| The high osmotic pressure means your body moisture is easily released while the hot spring components are more readily absorbed into the body. Please be cautious of “Yu-atari” (hot spring fatigue). This is generally considered a “highly concentrated” hot spring. |
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Private Open-air Bath “Fukurokuju”
The stone baths blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings and offer a wonderfully rustic atmosphere. The temperature is set slightly lower than the other baths, at 41°C. Even so, prolonged bathing may still cause fatigue, so we recommend not staying in too long.
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100% Free-Flowing Spring Source
No circulation or chemical treatment / Water continuously overflows and is blended from multiple sources to maintain a stable temperature
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Naturally Emerging Private Source
Located near the bathing facility and close to the surface, enabling a clean, constant supply with minimal contamination
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Densely Composed Hot Spring
A total of 3,432 mg in dissolved substances signifies a highly concentrated therapeutic composition
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Acidic Composition with pH 1.7
A tingling sensation may occur / Metal items should be removed due to possible discoloration
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Strong Bactericidal Properties
Effective for addressing cuts, eczema, dry skin, infections, and other skin conditions.
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Cloudy Water and Distinct Aroma
Initially clear, the water turns milky upon contact with air / Features a characteristic hydrogen sulfide scent
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Support for Lifestyle-Related Conditions
Sulfur-related elements may help with high blood sugar, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis / Acidic components may support diabetes care
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Hot Springs for Beautiful Skin
Sulfur supports skin clarity and tone / Sulfate content helps maintain firmness and hydration
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Inhalable Spring Steam
Hydrogen sulfide in the vapor may help loosen phlegm and support respiratory comfort
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Mental Relaxation Support
The warming effect of sulfate and chloride elements may alleviate fatigue and depression
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Excellent Moisturizing Effect
A synergy of chloride springs' salt coating and metasilicic acid's moisturizing power
Private Open-air Bath “Hotei-son”
A private open-air bath located on a hilltop offers a sweeping view of the Iide and Asahi mountain ranges while soaking in the natural hot spring. The 1.8-meter square tub provides ample space for two adults. With 100% natural free-flowing spring water, this bath offers a truly rejuvenating experience—both body and mind are gently refreshed by the surrounding beauty of Zao.
| Water added No 〇 |
Water heated No 〇 |
Disinfected No 〇 |
Circulated No 〇 |
Bath additive No 〇 |
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| ※100% natural free-flowing hot spring water — all baths use pure source water with no circulation, filtration, or disinfection. | |||||
| Percentage of source | 100％ | ||||
Facility Data
| Founded in | Mid-Edo period (about 300 years ago) |
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| Check in | 3:00 PM |
| Check out | 10:00 AM ※Depending on the plan, 11:00 AM |
| Rooms | Total 30 rooms (21 Japanese-style rooms / 3 Japanese/Western-style rooms / 6 Western-style rooms) |
| Capacity | 131 people |
| Parking | 40 cars |
| Facilities | Shop, Table tennis (fee required), Banquet hall, Barbecue (fee required), Ice machine, Drying room ※The entire building is non-smoking. Smoking is permitted only on the balcony of the special room “Juhyo”. |
| Internet | Wi-Fi available |
| Barrier-free | Not supported |
| Bidet toilet | All rooms are equipped except Western-style rooms |
Keywords for this inn
| 100% Natural Free-Flowing Hot Springs Authentic kakenagashi hot springs, with luxurious milky-white sulfur water flowing continuously from the source／Renowned as the “Hot springs for beautiful skin” for its rejuvenating properties. |
| A Wide Variety of Baths A wide selection of bathing options, including large public baths, private open-air baths, and mixed-gender open-air baths (bathing wear required) |
| A Historic Ryokan with Over 300 Years of History The inn’s dedication to the hot spring culture can be felt in every corner of the inn |
| Selectable Guest Rooms to Suit Your Style Japanese-style rooms, Japanese–Western style rooms, and special rooms are available to suit different travel styles |
| Pet-Friendly Guest Rooms Dedicated rooms where guests can stay with your beloved dog, separate from standard accommodations |
| Exquisite Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring Local Flavors Seasonal multi-course meals highlighting Yamagata beef and locally grown vegetables are especially popular |
| Convenient Access About 40 min. by bus from JR Yamagata Station／Within walking distance of the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal |
| Excellent Location for Skiing Within walking distance of Zao Onsen Ski Resort |
Transportation Access
| By train | From Tokyo area, about two and a half hours. Take the Yamagata Shinkansen and get off at JR Yamagata Station. From JR Yamagata Station, 37 min. by bus for Zao Onsen. Pick-up service is available from the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to the inn. |
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| By car | Tohoku Expressway → get off at Yamagata Zao IC on Yamagata Expressway → about 30 min. using Nishi-Zao Kogen Line. |
| Address | Yamagata／Zao Onsen／Mogami Takayu Zenshichi-no-Yu 825 Zao Onsen, Yamagata-shi, Yamagata, 990-2301, JAPAN TEL:+81-(0)23-694-9422 |