Guide
Hijiori Onsen is a historic hot spring village located in Okura Village, Mogami District, Yamagata Prefecture. It sits on the eastern edge of the 2-kilometer-wide "Hijiori Caldera," which also contains other hot spring areas like Kogane Onsen and Ishibako Onsen. The waters are characterized as sodium-chloride and bicarbonate-rich springs. This region is known as one of Japan's heaviest snowfall areas, with winter snow depths often exceeding 4 meters.
The opening of the hot springs is said to date back to 807 (the second year of the Daido era) in the Heian period. The name "Hijiori" (meaning "broken elbow") comes from a legend involving a monk named Gen-o from Bungo Province, who was taught a way to heal a broken elbow by the deity Jizo Gongen. During the Edo period, the village served as a vital hub for pilgrims visiting the Dewa Sanzan mountains, including Mt. Gassan, and as a base for mountain asceticism (Shugendo). The area has deep ties to Buddhist temples such as Aunin-ji and Mitsuzou-ji. Furthermore, the Meiji era saw the development of traditional wood-turning and Kokeshi doll-making, a legacy still preserved today through the "Hijiori-style" craft.
The hot spring town features charming wooden architecture and traditional houses lining the shores of the Dozama River. A notable landmark is the "Former Hijiori Post Office," built in 1937, which serves as a preserved piece of the town's history. Visitors can also enjoy a "foot bath tour" across several locations. There are six distinct foot baths: "Hatsukoi Foot Bath" in Genzen Park, "Kaemon no Ashiyu" at Otomoya, "Rokusu no Ashiyu" at Wakamatsuya, "Kinpei no Ashiyu" at Hijiori Hotel Shinkan, plus "Non-non Ashiyu" and "Maruya no Hako-hinoki Ashiyu." At Genzen Park, you can even observe the hot spring water erupting directly from the source.
From spring to autumn, the town comes alive with the morning market starting at 5:30 AM. This historic market, with a framework established in 1917, is a great place to find local produce and daily necessities. In winter (November to February), the landscape transforms into a breathtaking, heavy snow-covered scenery, offering a quintessential Japanese winter experience.
Stroll through the historic streets to enjoy the atmosphere of the old wooden buildings and visit the various foot baths. For a taste of local culture, try regional specialties like "Hotei Manju" (sweet buns) or the famous "Hijiori Caldera Cider." The cider's popularity is inspired by the poet Saito Mokichi, who was famously impressed by the sensation of carbonated spring water mixed with sugar. You can also explore the local craft culture, particularly the traditional Kokeshi doll-making techniques.
The Hijiori Onsen area includes Kogane Onsen in the center of the caldera and the remote, natural Ishibako Onsen. The village also serves as a gateway for hikers and climbers heading toward the trailhead of the majestic Mt. Gassan.
Appropriate clothing is essential depending on the season. For winter visitors, heavy thermal clothing and non-slip footwear are highly recommended due to heavy snow and icy paths. When using the foot baths or public baths, please follow the specific rules and etiquette of each facility.