Enjoy the Power Spots! 8 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Atsumi Onsen, Yamagata

Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture is a town where historically significant buildings, designated as cultural properties, are scattered around Tsuruoka Park. Atsumi Onsen, located in Tsuruoka City, is a hot spring resort with a history of over 1,000 years and is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can easily enjoy day-use hot springs and foot baths, while each ryokan offers unique Yamagata delicacies. This time, we will introduce eight must-visit tourist spots in the charming Atsumi Onsen area.

1. Atsumi Onsen – A Historic Hot Spring Enjoyable for Both Stays and Day Visits

Atsumi Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture is a traditional hot spring discovered over 1,000 years ago. Since then, it has thrived as a therapeutic bath destination and remains a popular tourist spot. Many literary figures have visited and loved this hot spring, including Matsuo Basho, Akiko Yosano, and Riichi Yokomitsu, who featured it in their novels and poetry. It is one of the most representative hot spring resorts in Yamagata and the Shonai region.

Atsumi Onsen has three public baths that visitors can enjoy without reservations. However, towels and soap are not provided, so be sure to bring your own. Additionally, there are three foot baths, one of which, "Mosshe-yu," has an attached foot bath café—an ideal spot to take a break and relax.

2. Visit the Tohoku Region’s Largest Power Spot – "Haguro Shrine"

Haguro Shrine, located on Mount Haguro, is one of the three sacred mountains of Dewa (Dewa Sanzan) and has long been a place of worship for Shugendo practitioners. The Dewa Sanzan consists of Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono, all of which are considered power spots and popular tourist destinations in Yamagata.

Since Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono are closed in winter due to heavy snow, Mount Haguro is the only one accessible all year round. After passing through the "Zuishinmon" gate at the entrance of the approach path, you will find "Harai River" and "Suga Waterfall." In the past, visitors purified themselves in Harai River before making a pilgrimage to the three mountains.

A bright red bridge over Harai River creates a picturesque scene, attracting many visitors who come to take photos. If you're exploring Atsumi Onsen, don’t miss the chance to capture beautiful memories at Haguro Shrine!

3. A Beautiful Power Spot to Visit During Your Pilgrimage – "Haguro-san Five-story Pagoda"

The Five-story Pagoda of Haguro-san Shrine is located within the cedar forest at the entrance of the "Ichinosaka" slope on the approach path to Mount Haguro. It is a famous tourist attraction designated as a National Treasure. This pagoda is considered the oldest pagoda in the Tohoku region and is said to have been originally built by Taira no Masakado.

Near the pagoda stands an ancient 1,000-year-old cedar tree known as "Jiji-sugi", with a massive trunk measuring 10 meters in circumference. This sacred tree is also regarded as a power spot, attracting visitors who stop by to receive its spiritual energy. If you're visiting Atsumi Onsen, be sure to absorb the energy from this sacred tree!

4. Find 33 Carvings on the Stone Stairway – "Ishidan Sando" (2,446 Steps Stairway)

The "Ishidan Sando" at Haguro Shrine is a long stone stairway with 2,446 steps, earning it the nickname "2,446 Steps Stairway." After passing the Five-story Pagoda, the stairway extends approximately 1.7 km and takes about 40–60 minutes to climb. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking. During winter, the stairs can be slippery due to ice, so caution is needed. In summer, while the cedar-lined path offers some coolness, taking precautions against heatstroke is essential.
The stairway is divided into three sections: Ichinosaka (First Slope), Ninosaka (Second Slope), and Sannosaka (Third Slope). Along the way, 33 carvings of symbols such as cups, lotus flowers, and gourds are hidden within the stone steps. It is said that if you find all 33 carvings, your wish will come true, making this a famous power spot and tourist attraction.

5. A Beautiful Power Spot with a Stunning Reflection – "Kagami Pond"

"Kagami Pond" is a well-known tourist spot considered a sacred object of worship. Since ancient times, mirrors have been believed to hold spiritual power, as evidenced by their frequent discovery in archaeological sites. Similarly, ponds have long been regarded as natural mirrors, reflecting images clearly before hand-held mirrors became widely available.

Many mirrors have been buried in this pond, and it is believed that the combined energy of the pond and mirrors creates a powerful spiritual spot. If you're visiting Atsumi Onsen, be sure to stop by Kagami Pond to receive its mystical energy!

6. A Shrine That Enshrines Three Deities in One Place – "Sanjin Gosaiden"

"Sanjin Gosaiden" is a famous tourist spot located at the top of the 2,446-step stairway. It is also known as the largest thatched-roof structure in Japan, with a 2.1-meter-thick thatched roof and a beautifully lacquered interior. After climbing the long stairway, visitors can fully appreciate its breathtaking architecture.

This shrine enshrines the deities of Mount Gassan, Mount Haguro, and Mount Yudono from Haguro Shrine. It is believed that by visiting Sanjin Gosaiden, one has spiritually completed the pilgrimage to the three sacred mountains.

7. A Perfect Spot for Flower Photography! The Beautiful Rose Arch at "Atsumi Onsen Rose Garden"

Located within the grounds of Kumano Shrine, "Atsumi Onsen Rose Garden" began in 1962 when the first roses were planted. As the only rose garden in the Shonai region, it has become a popular tourist attraction in Atsumi Onsen. The carefully maintained garden features around 90 varieties and 3,000 rose bushes, including Victor Hugo, Sacred Flame, Madame Sachi, Peace, Rosteca, and Bloom Sachi.

Every June, the "Rose Garden Festival" is held, making it one of Atsumi Onsen's most popular events. The garden is situated on high ground, offering a stunning panoramic view of Atsumi Onsen town. It is also a highly recommended photo spot for capturing beautiful memories.

8. The World's Largest Jellyfish Exhibition & a Perfect Photo Spot – "Kamo Aquarium"

"Kamo Aquarium" is the only aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture. It holds the world’s largest jellyfish exhibition, featuring over 50 species of jellyfish. The sight of these colorful jellyfish gracefully floating in the water makes this aquarium one of Yamagata's most fascinating tourist attractions. Visitors can also enjoy a sea lion show and experience feeding black-tailed gulls, making it a perfect stop for families visiting Atsumi Onsen.

At the Jellyfish Restaurant, you can try rare jellyfish-based dishes, desserts, and ice cream. Since jellyfish are rich in collagen and are believed to be beneficial for beauty and health, don’t miss out on trying jellyfish ramen or jellyfish ice cream!

For unique souvenirs, the aquarium offers jellyfish-filled sweets such as manju and yokan, as well as postcards, handkerchiefs, plush toys, and other original Kamo Aquarium merchandise. Be sure to pick up a fun and unique gift to remember your trip to Atsumi Onsen!

◎ Summary

Atsumi Onsen offers a variety of tourist attractions suitable for both children and adults, making it a great destination for families. Additionally, the area is filled with power spots, adding to its unique charm. Whether you’re visiting with your partner or friends, make sure to experience the energy and beauty of Atsumi Onsen!

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Enjoy the Power Spots! 8 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Atsumi Onsen, Yamagata