Yuzawa (Akita)
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Yuzawa (; yuzawa-shi) is a city at the southeastern corner of Akita Prefecture, along the border with Yamagata and Miyagi. It is southeast of Yurihonjo and south of Yokote.
Get in
- Yuzawa is accessible by train. The main station is Yuzawa Station (湯沢駅). By car, Yuzawa is located on Highway 13, which goes to Yokote and Daisen in the north, and Yamagata in the south. The expressway is free between Yuzawa and Yamagata — however, Yokote is not free.
See
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Akinomiya Museum
phone: +81 183 56-2608address: 字湯ノ岱１０６This fascinating museum is essentially a collection of historical objects. There are few explanations of what you're seeing, but most of it is rather obvious old records, comic books, toys, TVs, pachinko machines, etc. The museum building itself is an old house, and the owner often serves tea and snacks at no extra charge. There is bath in the basement, right next to the river, which also may be used at no extra charge.
Do
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Takanoyu Onsen
phone: +81 183 56-2141address: Akinomiya, Denjō 1This onsen, which is particularly pretty in the autumn, is located near a beautiful gorge and a man-made waterfall. There are indoor and outdoor baths for each gender, and a mixed bath (混浴, konyoku) near the gorge and waterfall. Kawarage ŌyutakiThis outdoor hot spring is a short walk from the road. There is a large somewhat smelly bath fairly close to the road, and perhaps 10 minutes' walk from there is a waterfall. All of the pools are open for bathing. Bring a swimsuit.
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phone: +81 182 47-5111address: 東成瀬村椿川字仁郷山国有林This hotel and onsen has a wonderful view of Mt. Chokai.
Buy
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phone: +81 183 79-3260address: Aikawa, Nakayama 26This shop has a good selection of coffee, by the bean or by the cup. They also have a small cake selection.
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Nakano Shoten
phone: +81 183 78-1136address: Ōmachi 2 Chōme 1-1This is a general store with various kitchen, gardening, and household goods, but it also has a large tobacco selection, including cigarettes, fancy lighters, pipes, and imported cigars in a humidor. There is a small smoking area, as well.
Eat
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Daigen
phone: +81 183 73-9737address: Zaimoku 1, Chōme 3-46The best miso ramen in Yuzawa. There's only counter seating, and the decor is eclectic. A side of chili paste is available on request, as is kimuchi. -
Ramen Pleco
phone: +81 183 79-3456address: Aikawa, Kaidōhigashi 1-5A small shop with a wide selection of ramen. This shop stays open later than most other ramen shops in southern Yuzawa, making it a convenient stop. -
Kikuchi Ryokan
phone: +81 183 52-2329address: Kami-Innai, Kozawa 112-10This restaurant serves Japanese food in large portions, and often serves local mountain vegetables (sansai). It is part of a ryokan.
Drink
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Beer Bar Rosso Corsa
phone: +81 183 72-3661address: Omotemachi 2 Chōme 1-23This bar has a wide selection of beers from Japan and abroad, including Belgian Trappist brews. -
Kushigoro
phone: +81 183 72-2288address: Omotemachi 4 Chōme 1-1A small jazz bar with great music. -
phone: +81 183 73-0200address: Omotemachi 2 Chōme 1-21This bar has a great scotch selection. Some of their more obscure (expensive) scotch is not listed on the menu — ask a waiter.
Sleep
Some travelers sleep in their cars, which is typically not a problem. However, if you drink in the evening and sleep in your car, it is a good to use a personal breathalyzer before driving the next morning — even a small amount of alcohol in your system makes driving illegal, and the police are known to watch for this.
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phone: +81 183 52-4334address: Koshōji 16, YokoboriA ryokan with onsen and mineral bath. There is a small gift shop, and also a cafe with coffee and tea. One of the managers speaks English. Large rooms can be reserved for enkais or private gatherings.
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Kikuchi Ryokan
phone: +81 183 52-2329address: Kozawa 112-10, Kami-InnaiThis ryokan has rooms for sleeping and a restaurant for meals. It's on the highway and by the train station, which may be convenient for people on the move. -
phone: +81 183 56-2400address: Denjō 1-1, AkinomiyaThis is a ryokan and onsen complex. It's quite large and can be reserved for private parties, though individuals are welcome, as well.
Go next
- Yamagata prefecture lies to the south.
- In the SE, Mt. Chokai is a good day hike.
- To the north, consider visiting scenic Lake Tazawa.
- For something a little more metropolitan, go NW to Akita or NE to Morioka.
- The nearest shinkansen is the Komachi Shinkansen, passing through Omagari, an hour to the north of Yuzawa.
- Shinjo, 90 minutes by car or train to the south, is the northern terminus of the Yamagata Shinkansen.