Tucked away in the mountainous region of Yamagata is the onsen town of Shirabu. The name translates to “white cloth” and refers to the blanket of snow that covers the mountain during the winter months. The fine powder snow is desirable to snow sports enthusiasts, and Tengendai Highland Ski Resort is located nearby.
It isn’t just thrill seekers who head to these mountains, but also those looking to soothe their minds in the heavenly spring waters discovered in 1312. It was around these springs that the small town emerged, and the area is now considered one of the top three onsen resorts in the Tohoku region, alongside Zao Onsen and Takayu Onsen.
Shirabu Onsen Ryokans
Photo by: Laura Pollacco Take a relaxing dip in the onsen after a day on the slopes.
Shirabu Onsen, while small, packs a lot of rural charm. The town is made up of a handful of residential dwellings and ryokan (traditional Japanese inns). The oldest is Nishiya, a stunning thatch-roofed ryokan whose main building is over 100 years old. The business itself is much older, having first been founded not long after the hot springs were discovered.
Nishiya Shirabu boats an over 300-year-old granite onsen surrounded by cedar wood that mirrors the landscape surrounding it. One of the main features of this onsen is the yutaki (waterfall) feature, which pumps water from the spring and flows it down onto guests. The pounding of the water soothes aches and pains, and the sound fills the onsen in an almost meditative way. The onsen is open to daytrippers as well as guests.
Another one of the ryokans, Higashiya, offers an outdoor yukimi-roten (snow viewing bath). Soak in the warm waters while surrounded by pure white snow walls. Don’t forget to try Yonezawa’s famed wagyu beef, which the ryokan’s will serve up as part of their dinner menu.
Stunning Seasonal Scenery
Photo by: Laura Pollacco Explore the town as it’s covered in a blanket of snow.
For nature lovers, Shirabu Onsen is the perfect getaway no matter the season. Though well-known for its blanket of white snow in the winter, the area is stunning throughout the year.
Whilst the winter months appeal to skiers, during the warmer season the area is well known to hiking enthusiasts. The small town is located at the base of Mount Nishiazuma, one of Japan’s “100 Best Mountains” making it the perfect location to start a hike. You can also head for Shirabu Otaki, a waterfall roughly 30 meters in height. In autumn the waterfall, and the entirety of Shirabu, is enveloped in stunning reds, golds, oranges and yellows.
