Ōshimizu (Yamagata Prefecture) Complete Guide | Famous Water Spot and Soba Restaurant Charm in Atsumi Hot Spring
“Ōshimizu,” located in the Atsumi Hot Spring area of Tsuruga City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a spring water spot long known as a famous water source. The clear water sourcing from Mt. Atsumigatake gushes from the base of a large tree at this location, making it a popular tourist destination visited not only by local residents but also by many people from distant areas. This article provides detailed information about the charm and history of Ōshimizu as well as nearby attractions.
Ōshimizu | History of Famous Water Gushing from Mt. Atsumigatake
Ōshimizu is a natural spring located in the Hitokasum district of Atsumi Hot Spring in Tsuruga City, Yamagata Prefecture. As a source originating from Mt. Atsumigatake, the clear water that has continuously gushed from the base of a large tree since ancient times has been cherished as a precious water source for the region due to its water quality.
This spring water, which has continued since the Edo period, is used not only as daily water for the community but also as drinking water for nearby restaurants and residents. Particularly during summer, visitors come from afar to draw water without ceasing.
Currently, it has been developed as a pocket park and serves as a resting place for both tourists and residents. Surrounded by trees in a quiet environment, you can spend a peaceful time listening to the sound of clear water flowing.
Connection to Literary Master Yokomitsu Riichi
Ōshimizu is also a place connected to Yokomitsu Riichi, a writer representing modern Japanese literature. Yokomitsu Riichi was known as a leader of the Shinkankakuha movement and had a major impact on the literary world with works such as “Kikai” and “Shanghai.” This connection to the region further enhances the cultural value of the area around Ōshimizu.
Attractions and Ways to Enjoy Ōshimizu Park
Water Drawing Station Where You Can Draw Spring Water Directly
At Ōshimizu Park, visitors can freely draw the spring water. You can bring this famous water home by bringing plastic bottles or thermoses. The water quality is excellent, characterized by clarity suitable for direct drinking.
Local people incorporate this water into their daily lives by brewing tea or using it in cooking. When visiting as a tourist, be sure to taste this famous water. The cold, clear water is exceptionally delicious, especially on hot summer days.
Natural Beauty of All Four Seasons
Ōshimizu Park displays different faces throughout the year. In spring, fresh greenery is beautiful; in summer, the pleasant sound of water is soothing; in autumn, autumn leaves reflect on the water surface; and in winter, you can see the water continuing to gush quietly amid snowy scenery.
Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the surrounding trees change color, creating a spectacular contrast with the spring water. It has become a popular spot for camera enthusiasts.
Use as a Rest Stop
The developed pocket park has benches and gazebos installed, making it ideal as a rest stop during drives. It is recommended to stop by during a drive towards the Hitokasum direction from Atsumi Hot Spring and be healed by the fresh air and the sound of water.
Soba Restaurant “Ōshimizu” | Exquisite Board Soba Made with Famous Water
Right next to the Ōshimizu spring, there is a soba restaurant of the same name, “Ōshimizu.” This restaurant was founded as a teahouse in the Edo period, later became a restaurant, and is now a historic famous soba restaurant.
Traditional Soba Made with Ōshimizu Water
The restaurant’s greatest feature is its method of making soba using the Ōshimizu spring water right next door, chilling the noodles in the clear spring water after cooking. The unique style of serving without draining the water maximizes the soba’s flavor.
The signature “sone” (board soba) is a large serving of soba arranged on a rectangular wooden board; three servings cost 2,700 yen. The strong chew and pronounced aroma of the soba enchant many soba lovers. A single serving of “zaru” (bamboo strainer soba) costs 800 yen, allowing you to enjoy famous water soba affordably.
Restaurant Atmosphere and Business Information
Positioned in a quiet location slightly away from Atsumi Hot Spring Street, the restaurant offers a calm atmosphere where you can enjoy meals leisurely. It is popular not only with local regulars but also with tourists, and lines often form on holidays.
Business hours and days off may vary by season, so it is recommended to confirm before visiting. Particularly in winter, business hours may be shortened.
Access to Ōshimizu
Access by Public Transportation
Using JR Uetsu Main Line
- Get off at “Atsumi Hot Spring Station” on JR Uetsu Main Line
- About 20-25 minutes walk from the station
- Or about 5 minutes by taxi
From Atsumi Hot Spring Station, the route goes through the hot spring street toward the Hitokasum direction. If walking, it is also enjoyable to take a leisurely stroll through the hot spring street.
Using Route Bus
A bus operates from Atsumi Hot Spring Station toward the hot spring street, but buses going directly to Ōshimizu are limited. After getting off at the hot spring street, walking is necessary.
Access by Car
From Yamagata
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Atsumi Hot Spring IC” on the Japan Sea Tohoku Expressway
- Via National Route 7 toward Atsumi Hot Spring direction
From Niigata
- Approximately 10 minutes from “Atsumi Hot Spring IC” on the Japan Sea Tohoku Expressway
- Heading north on National Route 7
Parking spaces for several cars are available around Ōshimizu Park. The soba restaurant “Ōshimizu” also has a dedicated parking lot.
Recommended Spots Around Ōshimizu
Atsumi Hot Spring Street
About 5 minutes by car from Ōshimizu, Atsumi Hot Spring is a hot spring resort boasting a history of over 1,000 years since its opening. Hot spring inns line the banks of the Atsumikaigawa River, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of a charming hot spring street.
Atsumi Hot Spring Public Bathhouse
At public bathhouses used by local residents, you can easily enjoy source spring hot spring water. “Anbe-yu” and other bathhouse hopping is popular.
Atsumi Hot Spring Morning Market
A morning market held every morning features fresh local vegetables, seafood, processed goods, and more. It is a famous event on the hot spring street where you can enjoy interaction with local people.
Atsumi Hot Spring Rose Garden
A beautiful garden with approximately 90 varieties and 3,000 roses planted. During the blooming periods from late May to early June and from late September to early October, roses of various colors bloom brilliantly, fascinating visitors. Free admission allows you to enjoy strolling.
Bankoku-ya
“Bankoku-ya,” a historic inn representing Atsumi Hot Spring, is a famous hotel with a history of over 300 years. You can enjoy cuisine using seafood from the Sea of Japan and charming hot springs. Day-use bathing is also available during certain hours, allowing you to stop by during your sightseeing.
Gourmet Information Around Ōshimizu
Enjoying Local Seafood Delicacies
The area around Atsumi Hot Spring is close to the Sea of Japan with abundant fresh seafood. Particularly in winter, kandarah (winter pollock), rock oysters, and alfonsino are exquisite. You can enjoy seasonal seafood at restaurants and inns on the hot spring street.
Yamagata Local Cuisine
Do not overlook Yamagata Prefecture’s local cuisine. Dashi (pickled summer vegetables), imoni (taro soup), board soba, and other dishes allow you to experience the region’s food culture.
Lodging Facility Information Around Ōshimizu
Atsumi Hot Spring Inns and Hotels
When lodging around Ōshimizu, inns and hotels in Atsumi Hot Spring are convenient. The hot spring street has various types of lodging facilities, from historic inns to modern hotels.
Recommended Lodging Facilities
- Bankoku-ya: Historic inn with tradition and hospitality
- Tachibana-ya: Hot spring inn with a homey atmosphere
- Takamiya Bettei Kuon: Hot spring inn with modern atmosphere
Most lodging facilities offer kaiseki cuisine using seafood from the Sea of Japan and source spring hot spring water. There are diverse options to choose from according to budget and preference.
Precautions and Manners When Visiting Ōshimizu
Manner for Drawing Water
When drawing spring water, approach with a spirit of consideration, thinking of the next person. If drawing large quantities, check if other users are present and avoid spending unnecessary time.
Cooperation with Environmental Conservation
Ōshimizu is a precious natural resource for the region. Be sure to take all trash with you and be careful not to pollute the spring water or surrounding environment. Also, it is strictly prohibited to put hands directly in the spring opening or to wash items.
Winter Visits
During winter, there is a possibility of heavy snow and frozen road surfaces. If visiting by car, equipment such as winter tires or chains is necessary. Additionally, the soba restaurant “Ōshimizu” may close during winter, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Model Courses Around Ōshimizu
Day Trip Course (Approximately 4-5 Hours)
Morning
- 10:00 Arrival at Atsumi Hot Spring Station
- 10:30 Ōshimizu viewing and water drawing experience
- 11:30 Lunch at soba restaurant “Ōshimizu”
Afternoon
- 13:00 Atsumi Hot Spring street strolling
- 14:00 Atsumi Hot Spring Rose Garden viewing (blooming season)
- 15:00 Day-use bathing at public bathhouse
- 16:00 Souvenir shopping around Atsumi Hot Spring morning market area
- 17:00 Head to Atsumi Hot Spring Station
1 Night, 2 Day Course
Day 1
- Afternoon: Ōshimizu viewing, lunch at soba restaurant
- Evening: Atsumi Hot Spring street strolling, bathhouse hopping
- Night: Enjoy hot spring and seafood delicacies at inn
Day 2
- Morning: Atsumi Hot Spring morning market viewing
- Late morning: Atsumi Hot Spring Rose Garden, surrounding sightseeing
- Lunch: Lunch at hot spring street
- Afternoon: Head home
To Enjoy Ōshimizu’s Charm to the Fullest
Best Seasons to Visit
You can visit Ōshimizu year-round, but particularly recommended seasons are as follows.
Spring (April-June)
Fresh greenery is beautiful, and the climate is mild, perfect for strolling. Visiting in conjunction with the Atsumi Hot Spring Rose Garden’s blooming period (late May to early June) is also recommended.
Summer (July-August)
This is the season when cold spring water feels particularly pleasant. Even on hot days, the area around the spring water is cool, making it popular as a summer retreat spot.
Autumn (September-November)
Autumn foliage is beautiful, and the scenery reflected on the water is spectacular. It is also the time for new soba harvest, allowing you to enjoy even more delicious soba.
Helpful Items to Bring
- Container for water drawing (plastic bottle, water can, etc.)
- Camera (for photographing beautiful scenery)
- Towel (for water drawing and hand washing)
- Insect repellent spray (summer)
- Warm clothing (winter)
Summary | Fully Enjoy Yamagata’s Nature and Food Culture at Ōshimizu
Ōshimizu in Atsumi Hot Spring, Tsuruga City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a famous water spot long cherished by the region. The clear spring water sourcing from Mt. Atsumigatake provides visitors with peace and healing.
The adjacent soba restaurant “Ōshimizu” allows you to taste exquisite soba made with this famous water, making it a precious tourist destination where you can enjoy both food and nature. Combined with Atsumi Hot Spring street, you can realize a fulfilling trip where you can fully enjoy hot springs, gourmet food, and nature.
When visiting Yamagata Prefecture, be sure to stop by Ōshimizu and savor the clear spring water and delicious soba. It will be a memorable experience where you can feel the region’s history and culture as well as the blessings of nature.
