[Yamagata・Shonai Town] A blissful moment in the stylish space of the town bath | Shonai Town Gallery Onsen

2025/10/14 2025/10/17 This site contains advertisements.　Category: hot-spring

Located in Shonai Town, Yamagata Prefecture, ‘Shonai Town Gallery Onsen Machiyu’ is a facility that takes great care in its hot springs, sauna, gallery, and architectural design. Every visit brings a sense of relaxation to both the mind and body, with a high-quality and stylish atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer. It’s one of my favorite spots to the point that I even buy a multi-visit pass and go frequently. This time, I will introduce the charm of ‘Machiyu’ in detail!

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What is Shonai Town Gallery Hot Spring ‘Machiyu’?

Shonai Town Gallery Hot Spring ‘Machiyu’ is a day-use hot spring facility that opened in 2014, located in Shonai Town, Higashitagawa District, Yamagata Prefecture, a 7-minute walk from JR Amarume Station.

With an exterior reminiscent of traditional townhouses, it features bathtubs and open-air baths facing a spacious courtyard, as well as a Finnish-style autolöyly heat wave sauna, creating a modern and stylish atmosphere. The facility also includes a gallery space showcasing local artists and a relaxation area of approximately 28 tatami mats.

The spring is a mildly alkaline, low-strength simple hot spring with a smooth and pleasant texture (pH 8.6). The components of the hot spring gently penetrate the skin, making it a skin-friendly, continuously flowing spring bath that is great for beautiful skin.

The facility features cypress-lined bathtubs and pleasantly smooth, silky water, making it a place that can be safely enjoyed by everyone from children to the elderly.

Spot Name	Shonai Town Gallery Onsen ‘Machi-yu’
Phone number	0234-43-2222
Business hours	9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last admission: 8:30 PM)
Regular holiday	The second Wednesday of every month
Address	〒999-7781　35-2 Tsutsumi-shita, Amarume, Shonai Town, Higashitagawa District, Yamagata Prefecture
Access	3 minutes by car from JR Amarume Station, or 11 minutes on foot
Parking lot	available
Bathing Fee	Adults: 530 yen (per entry)Children: 260 yen (per entry)Group Bathing Fee (15 or more people)Adults: 450 yen / Children: 230 yenAdults (1-month pass): 10,600 yen
公式HP・SNS	Shonai Town Gallery Onsen ‘Machiyu’ HP Shonai Town Gallery Onsen ‘Machiyu’ Instagram Shonai Town Gallery Onsen ‘Machiyu’ Facebook

[Inspired by Traditional Machiya] Focus on the Unique Architectural Design!

Shonai Town Gallery Onsen Machiyu is a facility with a stylish exterior inspired by the traditional “machiya” townhouses that are still prevalent in Shonai Town. The baths and open-air baths are arranged around a central courtyard.

Architect Tokihiko Takaya, who undertook the design, stated, ‘While learning a great deal from the region’s traditional architecture, the spatial design relies on contemporary methods.’ He aimed for architecture that feels modern yet connected to the area’s history and culture.

We Pay Attention to Logos and Symbols

The logo of Machiyu is unique, designed based on the characteristics of the building itself. The logotype (text) incorporates elements such as “straight lines of uniform thickness,” “rectangular shapes,” and “distinctive roof angles,” which are frequently used in Machiyu’s architecture, expressing the building’s atmosphere directly in the lettering.
Additionally, the symbol mark accompanying the logo is a simplified depiction of the town bath building seen from above. The two bathing areas for men and women are represented by vertical lines, which also convey the image of steam from the hot springs.

Apple baths and mandarin baths too! Trendy hot springs that are perfect for beautiful skin

庄内町　町湯の浴場 — A public bath where you can enter from all sides, like an old-fashioned hot spring.

Shonai Town Gallery Onsen Machiyu boasts its stylish design and skin-beautifying effects.

When you open the bath door, a warm space filled with the gentle scent of cypress spreads out, and personally, I love this soft atmosphere created by the wood, finding it very stylish. One of the things to look forward to is the monthly ‘special baths,’ which include a lineup such as the ‘apple bath,’ ‘mandarin bath,’ and ‘cypress ball bath.’There is also an open-air bath, perfect for refreshing yourself with a sense of openness.

[Finnish-Style Auto Löyly] An Authentic Sauna Gentle on Your Skin

The first auto-rolling sauna introduced in Yamagata Prefecture

The town bath sauna is a Finnish-style auto-loyly sauna. It gently warms you with steam, making it less likely for your skin to dry out, so it is recommended for women and older people as well.

After the sauna, there are also a cold bath and chairs for enjoying the outside air, so you can fully relax and refresh yourself. Hydration is important in the sauna, and there is a water fountain as well as shelves inside the bath, so many people keep their own bottles there.

Must-See for Art Fans! Stylish Gallery

As the name suggests, Machiyu is a hot spring facility that also includes an art gallery. In a relaxation space styled like an Edo-period town house, you can leisurely enjoy art after a bath.
It’s a place that art lovers will definitely enjoy, and even those who aren’t usually interested in art can appreciate it in this stylish setting!

Next to the gallery, there is also a Japanese-modern style tatami room. It is a paid service, but tables and cushions are provided, allowing you to relax at your leisure (all rooms are 27.5 tatami mats; usage fee: 210 yen; open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Lots of monthly events too!

At Machiyu, every month is packed with service days and events.

There are many events you can enjoy with family and friends, such as special baths, discounts like “Men’s Day” and “Ladies’ Day,” as well as yoga and baby massage. Check out the events that interest you on the official Instagram !

Summary

A “Machiyu” thoroughly pursues style and relaxation, offering hot springs, saunas, galleries, and more. You can enjoy the hot springs and saunas at a leisurely pace in a highly designed space. It is especially recommended for those seeking healing, or fans of art and architecture. When you visit Shonai, be sure to stop by at least once. It will surely become a favorite place you’ll want to visit again.