Even in the warm season, “ofuro café yusa” offers a refreshing escape for both body and mind. Located in Kurosawa Onsen, Yamagata City, this facility is far more than just a bathhouse—it’s a perfect spot for a girls’ trip, blending relaxation, aesthetics, and comfort. After soaking in the hot spring, you can enjoy café dishes made with local ingredients in a stylish lounge, or unwind with a good book—an experience that delights all five senses.

This time, I visited this soothing and photogenic “ofuro café” myself, and here is a detailed photo report!

What Is Yamagata Kurosawa Onsen “ofuro café yusa”?

Known from the “Dosa? Yusa.” TV commercials, Yuyu no Sato Yusa in Kurosawa Onsen, Yamagata City, was once a beloved hot spring inn famous for its scenic panoramic bath.

In February 2022, Yusa was reborn as the first ofuro Café brand facility in the Tohoku region.　The renewed ofuro café yusa offers not only hot springs but also events and activities—an exciting blend of relaxation and fun.

The moment you step inside, the former inn’s atmosphere transforms completely: a massive bookshelf spreads out before you, and stylish sofas line the space beyond.　You instantly feel, “This is going to be a relaxing day!”

A Perfect Spot for a Girls’ Trip in Yamagata

Yusa is popular among families, but many young women visit in groups as well.　During my trip, I saw plenty of friends taking photos and relaxing together.

In summer, they host herbarium workshops, where you choose your favorite flowers and colors to create your own piece.　Chatting while crafting is incredibly fun, and you can take your finished herbarium home as a memory of your trip.

There’s also a festival event with ring toss and shooting games—nostalgic activities that make you feel like a kid again.　Throughout the year, Yusa holds various seasonal events and workshops.　Decorations and themes change depending on the season, so every visit feels fresh and exciting.

I visited at the end of August, and the facility was already decorated for Halloween, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. With so much more than just hot springs, it’s truly ideal for a girls’ trip.

Plans and Pricing at ofuro café yusa

Passing through the noren curtain and arriving at the front desk, you’ll receive an explanation of the plans and system.　Free‑time plans include a comfortable loungewear set, available in green, blue, or pink. (The soft fabric itself is relaxing!)　Regardless of the plan, you’ll receive a wristband that manages all in‑facility payments.　You simply settle your bill when you leave.

【Free‑Time Plan Pricing】

※ All prices include tax (as of May 2026).
※ For Free‑Time Plan ②, new membership registration (220 yen) is required at reception.

【120‑Minute Course Pricing（10:30–22:00, last entry 21:00）】

※ All prices include tax (as of May 2026).
※ Refer to the official website (special pricing applies during New Year holidays and Golden Week).

Instagram‑Worthy Spots Everywhere! Enjoy a Stylish Girls’ Trip Inside Yuyu no Sato Yusa

Inside Yusa, you’ll find a large bookshelf filled with books and a free drink station, creating a cozy café‑like atmosphere. After your bath, you can unwind and enjoy your own “reset time.”

Book Lounge (A Reading Space with About 8,000 Books)

With colorful fruit‑tone sofas, hammocks, and even cozy “secret base” rooms (Hito‑Shelf), ofuro café Yuyu no Sato Yusa offers plenty of spaces designed for reading. The Wi‑Fi‑equipped coworking space can be used not only for reading but also for work.

Across the 1st floor, mezzanine, and 2nd floor, the Book Lounge houses about 8,000 magazines, books, and manga. The kids’ room has picture books, making it enjoyable for all ages.

There are many types of reading spaces—large sofas for relaxing, stylish single chairs for focused reading, and desks in the coworking area for concentration.　You can choose your spot depending on your mood.

One of the most popular spots is the “secret base” Hito‑Shelf room—cozy enough that even adults want to crawl inside. Leaning back on soft cushions and quietly turning pages feels like pure bliss. Whether you stop by during a girls’ trip or stay overnight to read until late, this book‑filled sanctuary gently resets both body and mind.

Panoramic Bath and Semi‑Open‑Air Bath

The iconic feature of Yuyu no Sato Yusa is the panoramic bath on the 5th floor. Ofuro café users can also enjoy this bath, soaking while gazing at the majestic Zao mountain range.

There is also a semi‑open‑air bath, where the gentle outdoor breeze melts away daily fatigue with each deep breath. The spring water is sodium‑sulfate based—clear and mild. Its benefits include relief for arteriosclerosis, cuts, and chronic skin conditions.

In summer, the bath temperature is adjusted slightly lower, so you can soak comfortably without feeling overheated. It’s the perfect temperature for slow, relaxing bathing.

A Full Range of Free Amenities

For first‑time visitors, the extensive lineup of free amenities and rental items is a major plus. Inside the facility, you’ll find complimentary body soap, shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, toner, and moisturizer—making it easy to enjoy your stay even if you arrive empty‑handed.

The changing room also has free coin lockers for valuables, so you can relax with peace of mind. Towel sets, loungewear, and swimsuits are available for rent, and toothbrushes, razors, and hairbrushes can be purchased at the front desk. Even if you forget something, you’re covered.

Whether you’re staying overnight or visiting for the day, the thoughtful amenities make your experience comfortable—truly fitting for a space designed to help you “reset.”

【Rental Items】

※ Prices as of May 2026

【Items for Purchase (available at the front desk)】

※ Prices as of May 2026

A Sauna Garden Loved by “Sauna Girls”

T‑shirts, swimsuits, or loungewear are all OK! In the Sauna Garden, you can enjoy a refreshing outdoor cool‑down surrounded by natural light and the scent of wood.

The Sauna Garden at ofuro café Yuyu no Sato Yusa features a spacious mixed‑gender sauna room with a capacity of 30 people. Since you can enter wearing swimsuits, loungewear, or T‑shirts, it’s perfect for a girls’ trip.

Natural light filters into the sauna, and the gentle aroma of wood creates a soothing atmosphere. Water is automatically poured over the sauna stones, but guests can also perform löyly, the traditional Finnish method of adding steam, to raise the temperature gradually.

At certain times, staff members perform as “heat wave masters”, fanning steam throughout the room. These heat‑wave sessions add excitement and make the experience even more memorable.

With an outdoor cool‑down area available, you can fully enjoy the classic sauna cycle: sauna → cold bath → outdoor air bath—the ultimate “reset loop.”

Take a Break with Free Drinks

After warming up in the hot spring or sauna, freshly ground coffee and seasonal detox water help reset both body and mind. The free drink station is the perfect place to unwind.

The seasonal detox water looks refreshing and is ideal for a girls’ trip. Sipping fruit‑ and herb‑infused water in the lounge creates a lingering sense of relaxation—your “post‑sauna bliss.”

Enjoy Gourmet Dishes and Sweets at the In‑House Restaurant

If you’re on a girls’ trip, delicious food is a must. Summer in Yamagata means plenty of fruit‑based sweets, and the colorful parfaits are perfect as a travel treat.

The in‑house **Cafe Restaurant** offers hearty meals featuring Yamagata ingredients—one‑plate dishes, set meals, and more—so even those who want a full meal will be satisfied. Sweet treats after your bath or a leisurely café meal both make your girls’ trip at Yusa even more special.

Luxurious Gelato at “MOGY”

At MOGY, a must‑visit sweets spot inside ofuro café Yusa, you can enjoy a wide variety of fruit gelato (paid). Using Yamagata fruit as well as carefully selected ingredients from Japan and around the world, the lineup changes with the seasons.

Gelato topped with seasonal fruit ice and rich fruit sauces is visually stunning—perfect for a girls’ trip. It’s refreshing after a bath and irresistibly photogenic, making it ideal for sharing on social media.

“Cafe Restaurant” Featuring Yamagata’s Local Ingredients

Inside Yuyu no Sato Yusa, the Cafe Restaurant offers dishes made with Yamagata ingredients and seasonal fruit. Grilled hamburg steak, sautéed white fish, pasta, ramen, pork bowls, tonkatsu sets—there’s something for every craving.

I tried Yamagata’s famous chilled ramen. The refreshing soy‑based broth with fried eggplant was absolutely delicious.

Seasonal Fruit Parfaits

For sweet lovers, seasonal fruit parfaits are highly recommended. A sweet moment after your bath is the perfect reward during a girls’ trip.

The restaurant also serves as the breakfast venue for overnight guests, offering local flavors in a relaxing setting. I ordered the Peach Calpis shaved ice—a tall, eye‑catching dessert with a refreshing Calpis flavor. It was delicious!

Access Information for Kurosawa Onsen Yuyu no Sato Yusa / ofuro café yusa

Ofuro café yusa (Kurosawa Onsen Yuyu no Sato Yusa) is about 5 minutes by car from Zao Station and about 15 minutes from Yamagata Station. There are over 100 free parking spaces, but day‑use visitors may only use the second and third parking lots, so please be aware.

Summary

In the hot season, refreshing yourself in a hot spring is the Yamagata way. Yamagata has many wonderful hot spring destinations, but ofuro café yusa is especially recommended for a girls’ trip.

From the panoramic bath overlooking the Zao mountain range, to the Sauna Garden’s “reset experience,” to relaxing moments with books and sweets—this is a place that gently wraps you in comfort.

Be sure to visit at least once.

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