Did you know that there is a hidden, little‑known hot spring in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture?
Its name is “Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu.” If you’re looking for a hot spring in Obanazawa, this is a day‑use facility you should definitely know about.
Surprisingly, this hot spring was discovered by the president of the neighboring auto repair shop—he personally drilled and struck the source! Even more remarkable, it boasts an extremely rare water quality: the only pH 10 high‑alkaline hot spring in the entire Tohoku region. This time, I actually visited Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu! Here’s a detailed photo report.

The Miracle Hot Spring Discovered by an Auto Shop Owner — The Story Behind “Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu”

“Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu” in Obanazawa City opened on March 24, 2016 as a day‑use hot spring facility. The person who struck the hot spring source was the president of Futami Motors, the auto repair shop located next to the parking lot.

The spring quality is a high‑alkaline sodium‑chloride hot spring with a pH of 10. The moment you enter the water, you feel a unique silky smoothness on your skin.

I Asked the owner About the Hot Spring Drilling Story

This time, I was lucky enough to speak directly with the owner!

“Why did you decide to drill for a hot spring yourself?” “Because I wanted to bathe in it every day.”　— Immediate answer. I was speechless at his straightforwardness.

From that single statement began the hot spring drilling project. Generally, drilling for hot springs costs a large amount per 100 meters, and initial investments can easily exceed 100 million yen. Even so, the president continued drilling. When cold spring water at 20°C emerged at around 200 meters, he felt certain: “This is going to work.” He said he intended to keep drilling until water above 25°C appeared.

This challenge—truly a “man’s romance”—has now become one of Obanazawa’s signature hot spring spots. After about three years of effort, a rare high‑alkaline hot spring was born, unique even within Tohoku.

Heading to “Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu”

Inside the building, the first thing you see is a local farmers’ produce corner. Seasonal specialties unique to Obanazawa are displayed throughout the year.

Purchase your ticket at the vending machine and head to the bath. Admission is 500 yen for adults (200 yen for elementary school students), making it an easy and affordable stop.

Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu is also listed in the Yamagata Onsen Passport.　The passport includes hot springs not only in Yamagata Prefecture but also in Miyagi and Fukushima. Each facility offers special benefits, and you can use the passport 2–3 times per location, which is a nice bonus.

For details on how to use the Yamagata Onsen Passport, check the article below:

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Do you like hot spring trips? After standing all day or sitting for hours on end, your legs are stiff, your shoulders are tense, and your mind is exhausted… You want to release it all and refresh both your body and mind! But taking a trip to a famous hot spring area can be such a hassle… Don't you sometimes feel that way? If so, we want you to know this: in Yamagata Prefecture, you can enjoy hot springs easily!...

Do you like hot spring trips? After standing all day or sitting for hours on end, your legs are stiff, your shoulders are tense, and your mind is exhausted… You want to release it all and refresh both your body and mind! But taking a trip to a famous hot spring area can be such a hassle… Don't you sometimes feel that way? If so, we want you to know this: in Yamagata Prefecture, you can enjoy hot springs easily!...

Buy your bathing ticket at the vending machine. Discount ticket books are also available. Nearby, there is a corner selling fresh local vegetables and fruits.

The changing rooms have both baskets and lockable lockers for valuables. The lockers are free to use!

Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu — The Only pH 10 Hot Spring in Tohoku

The reason Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu is so beloved is its rare high‑alkaline pH 10 water quality, unique even within Tohoku. The soft, silky feel characteristic of high‑alkaline water is noticeable even to those unfamiliar with hot springs. When I soaked in the water, my skin felt incredibly smooth—almost like applying a gentle lotion.

Benefits of Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu

Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu is known for its skin‑beautifying effects and its ability to warm the body deeply from within.

【Hot Spring Data】

• Spring Type: Sodium–chloride hot spring
• pH Level: 10 (the only one in Tohoku)
• Bath Temperature: Mild ~39°C / Hot ~42°C

The main benefits—also listed in the photo above—include: nerve pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, joint pain, lower‑back pain, frozen shoulder, autonomic imbalance, sleep disorders, dry skin, and overall health improvement. It’s a perfect hot spring for anyone wanting to relieve daily fatigue or take care of their skin.

Time to Bathe — *Karakarakara…* Straight to Heaven!

The baths maintain a steady temperature using a circulation system, yet no disinfectants are used. You can enjoy the gentle pH10 hot spring water exactly as it is. Once you sink into the warm water, it feels as though your daily fatigue melts away.

The washing area is spacious, with plenty of showers and excellent water pressure.

The mild bath was 39°C, and the hotter bath was 42°C. It’s nice to choose based on your mood or preference for the day.

There is also a sauna! Towels can be rented for a fee, so you can stop by even empty‑handed.

Facility Services & Souvenir Corner — Local Obanazawa Specialties Available!

The souvenir corner is well stocked with local specialties such as hot spring manju and Yamagata’s famous Tori‑chuka. It’s perfect for a quick stop during sightseeing, and you can take home the flavors of Obanazawa.

Milk—an onsen classic—and ice cream are available, making post‑bath relaxation even better.

Beer after a bath—truly unbeatable! They offer Kirin and Asahi. The writer wanted one too, but was the driver… so non‑alcoholic it was (lol).

The tatami room where you can relax after bathing is paid. There are also free table seats available.

Milk, ice cream, specialty smoothies, and light snacks are available—perfect for enjoying your time after the bath.

Access & Basic Information for Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu

Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu is about a 5‑minute drive from central Obanazawa. Public transportation is limited, so visiting by car is recommended.

Nearby Attractions Around Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu

After visiting Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu, consider stopping by nearby spots. Tokura Lake, located close to the onsen, is perfect for driving or strolling—an ideal place to enjoy nature at a relaxed pace. About 30 minutes by car from Fuku no Yu is Ginzan Onsen, a popular hot spring town with charming retro streets.

In winter, Obanazawa’s snowy scenery is stunning, and each season offers its own beauty. Be sure to enjoy sightseeing around Obanazawa as well!

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Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular hot spring town that everyone wants to visit. However, since Ginzan Onsen is located deep in the mountains, many people may feel anxious thinking it might be far and difficult to reach. Long drives can be a bit tiring, even during a much-anticipated trip. This time, I enjoyed a day trip to Ginzan Onsen by car, but upon researching, I found that there are route buses from the nearest JR...

Ginzan Onsen in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a popular hot spring town that everyone wants to visit. However, since Ginzan Onsen is located deep in the mountains, many people may feel anxious thinking it might be far and difficult to reach. Long drives can be a bit tiring, even during a much-anticipated trip. This time, I enjoyed a day trip to Ginzan Onsen by car, but upon researching, I found that there are route buses from the nearest JR...

Summary

Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu is a “miracle hot spring” discovered through the determination of an auto shop owner.
It is a hidden gem that Obanazawa proudly offers. Its rarity as the only pH 10 hot spring in Tohoku and its warm, local atmosphere make it truly special. If you want a quiet, luxurious experience away from overly commercialized tourist spots, this is the perfect place.

If you’re searching for hot springs in Obanazawa, be sure to visit Hanagasa Onsen Fuku no Yu at least once.

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Everyone, do you like Roadside Station!? I love them! They sell fresh local produce at great prices, and you often find delicious regional specialties that you won't find anywhere else. These are truly treasure troves where you can experience the local charm - a paradise for both food lovers and discovery enthusiasts! As someone who absolutely adores Roadside Station, I'd like to introduce you to "Hanagasa no Sato Nemaru" at Roadside Station Obanazawa. I'll provide details about the facility along...

Everyone, do you like Roadside Station!? I love them! They sell fresh local produce at great prices, and you often find delicious regional specialties that you won't find anywhere else. These are truly treasure troves where you can experience the local charm - a paradise for both food lovers and discovery enthusiasts! As someone who absolutely adores Roadside Station, I'd like to introduce you to "Hanagasa no Sato Nemaru" at Roadside Station Obanazawa. I'll provide details about the facility along...