I visited “Yubou Ichiraku TENDO SPA & BREWERY,” which was also featured in the Bongheiberg article “Wait, a Hokansu in Yamagata!?”

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Yamagata Hokansu: 6 Girls’ Trip Hotels with Hot Springs and Stunning Views

Right now, a trend catching attention in girls’ trips is the "Hokansu"! Spending a luxurious stay at a hotel is a Korean-origin trend style that lets you relax and forget your daily routine. Actually, I love Hokansu myself, and I became hooked after experiencing it in Tokyo and Korea. I thought, "Since I’ve returned to Yamagata, I wonder if I can enjoy Hokansu here in my hometown too?" So I looked for recommended hotels this time! People tend to think...

Right now, a trend catching attention in girls’ trips is the "Hokansu"! Spending a luxurious stay at a hotel is a Korean-origin trend style that lets you relax and forget your daily routine. Actually, I love Hokansu myself, and I became hooked after experiencing it in Tokyo and Korea. I thought, "Since I’ve returned to Yamagata, I wonder if I can enjoy Hokansu here in my hometown too?" So I looked for recommended hotels this time! People tend to think...

The reason I decided to go was because I bought my favorite companion for day‑trip hot spring hopping: the “Yamagata Onsen Passport Vol.11.”

Also worth reading

Enjoy hot spring in Yamagata at a great value / Introducing the ‘Yamagata Onsen Passport’

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!...

In this article, I’ll share my experience using the “Yamagata Onsen Passport Vol.11” to enjoy a day‑trip hot spring and post‑bath craft beer at “Yubou Ichiraku TENDO SPA & BREWERY.”

What Is “Yubou Ichiraku TENDO SPA & BREWERY”?

“Yubou Ichiraku TENDO SPA & BREWERY” is a rare all‑inclusive inn where you can enjoy both hot springs and craft beer. A friend who had stayed there once told me, “You should go at least once.”

According to what I heard, during your stay you can enjoy delicious meals, hot springs, and unlimited craft beer and cocktails brewed at the hotel’s own brewery. There’s even late‑night ramen and private open‑air baths—truly a dreamlike place. However, even on weekdays, a stay for two costs over 40,000 yen (as of January 2026), so it had always been a place I dreamed of visiting someday.

Special Weekday Benefits with the Yamagata Onsen Passport

The reason I decided to go was because of the passport’s special benefit: “One free post‑bath craft beer or soft drink.” The phrase “post‑bath craft beer” caught my attention.

To be honest, I’m not a beer person. The bitterness, the aftertaste… I’m not someone who can say “I’ll have a beer!” So I’ve never experienced that famous “first drink after a bath.”

But if I can try it as a special benefit—why not? That’s how this adventure began.

*This benefit is available on weekdays only. Please be careful.

Enjoying a Day-Trip Hot Spring & Craft Beer at Yubou Ichiraku

A day‑trip hot spring visit costs 1,500 yen (as of January 2026). Even if you can’t stay overnight, you can still explore the facility, enjoy the hot spring, and this time—try craft beer! With the Onsen Passport in hand, I headed out aiming for a triple win.

How to Get There from Yamagata Station

Since I planned to drink, I traveled by train.

1. About 30 minutes by train from Yamagata Station to Tendo Station
2. About 20 minutes on foot from Tendo Station

The inn is located toward Route 13 from Tendo Station.

You can also go by bus:

1. Take a bus bound for Shinoda Hospital from Yamagata Station, Yamako Building, or Tendo Station
2. Get off at Shinoda Hospital
3. Walk about 5 minutes

From Entrance to Reception

It truly feels like stepping into another world. I hope you experience that moment yourself.

You may hesitate, wondering “Am I really allowed to go this way?” But trust the path—keep going.

Using the Onsen Passport to Get the Free Craft Beer

Once I reached reception, I presented my Onsen Passport.

The day‑trip fee was 1,500 yen (tax included). The staff kindly explained the facility and bath locations. Since I had the special benefit, I ordered my post‑bath craft beer at the same time.

The available beers vary by season. When I visited, I could choose from five types:

• Orada no Saison
• Angel’s Cherry
• Soba Dry
• Coffee Stout
• Angel’s Peach

They all sounded delicious! I chose “Angel’s Cherry,” labeled as the most popular.

Day‑trip hours:
Weekdays: 11:00–18:00 (stay until 20:00)
Holidays: 11:00–13:00 (stay until 14:30)

Cleaning times: 14:30–15:00, 18:30–19:00

*The Onsen Passport benefit is available on weekdays only.*

Complimentary Services

Free services included:

・Yukata & slippers rental

Coffee, detox water, and more were available.

A stylish, relaxing space.

In the dressing room, amenities included:

• Skincare (toner, lotion, cleansing), face & hand soap
• Body soap, shampoo, conditioner
• Hair dryers
• Massage chairs with zero‑gravity mode

Truly everything you could need—perfect even if you come empty‑handed. *Some areas are not available for day‑use guests. Follow staff instructions.*

About the Baths

There were indoor and open‑air baths. The temperature was perfect for a long soak.

The shape of the bath was uniquely “Tendo”—locals will know what I mean. Try it and see for yourself. After bathing, I relaxed in the massage chair before leaving the dressing room.

Post-Bath Craft Beer Experience

After my bath, I returned to the front desk to request my beer. The staff told me, “Please wait in any seat in the lobby lounge. Snacks are available as well.”

Snacks…?

When I went to the lounge, I found a snack corner!

Snacks included:

• Cheese
• Almond crisps (Ichiraku original)
• Wasabi seaweed (Ichiraku original)
• Sweet Hiden beans (Ichiraku original)

All original snacks, and all available for purchase at the shop. Craft beer bottles were also sold there.

Then—my beer arrived!

The long‑awaited “Angel’s Cherry” craft beer! The red color was even more beautiful than I imagined.

And the taste…

…Delicious!!!

It barely had any bitterness or harsh aftertaste. Sweet, fruity, refreshing—so easy to drink. The carbonation was mild, making it incredibly smooth. This could be dangerous… I could finish it too fast.

Even as someone who dislikes beer, I genuinely enjoyed it. I paired it with the sweet Hiden bean snack. Crunchy sugar coating, aromatic beans, and then a sip of beer… The combination was perfect.

Enjoying the scenery, cooling down after the bath with cold beer and snacks— This must be what people mean when they say “a cold beer after a bath is the best!” A small personal achievement unlocked.

Next time, I want to try “Angel’s Peach.” Even though it was just a day‑trip, it was a wonderfully happy experience.

Summary

The post‑bath craft beer was incredibly delicious— even for someone like me who usually dislikes beer.

Thanks to the Yamagata Onsen Passport, I enjoyed the hot spring, craft beer, and snacks for just the day‑trip fee. Although the benefit is weekday‑only, it offers a wonderful escape and a taste of a luxury hot spring stay.

I highly recommend visiting to enjoy the stylish interior and refreshing post‑bath craft beer♪