ABOUT
About this spot
Tendo Onsen in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, is said to have begun when hot water gushed from a rice field in the Meiji era, giving it a history of more than 100 years. Its biggest feature is a distinctive landscape as a shogi town. Shogi piece motifs overflow everywhere, from the sidewalks and mailboxes of the hot spring town to the shape of the foot baths, so simply strolling brings enjoyable discoveries. The water is a sodium-calcium sulfate spring, and the colorless, clear, smooth water is loved as a 'beauty-enhancing spring.' It is gentle on the skin and can be enjoyed safely by everyone from small children to seniors. Between walks, dropping in at the three free foot baths (Koma-no-yu, Ten-no-yu and Warabe-no-yu) is also recommended, letting you enjoy a hot spring feel easily and refresh. Nearby are Maizuru Mountain, where the 'Human Shogi' event is held in spring, facilities where you can try traditional piece making, and plenty of restaurants serving the local specialty itasoba. With a wide range of lodgings, from historic long-established inns to modern hotels, it is an area where you can spend heartwarming time in any scene, such as a family trip, a girls' trip, or a solo trip as a treat to yourself.
Last updated March 28, 2026