Tozawa(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Ozegawa Village, recommended for families is Suisenkan Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn offering onsen baths, tatami rooms, and local farm-to-table meals. Its garden features seasonal flowers and a small pond, perfect for children to explore. The inn also hosts hands-on workshops like making handwoven "Ozegawa Shibori" fabric and foraging for wild mountain vegetables, providing immersive cultural experiences rooted in Yamagata’s rural heritage.

The central village district near Ozegawa Bridge and Ozegawa Shrine is ideal for lodging. It offers easy access to Ozegawa Onsen, local markets, and walking trails. Most guesthouses here feature wooden interiors, private onsen, and traditional gardens, making it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity. From here, hiking paths to Jūmonji Mountain are just minutes away.

Visitors can participate in traditional textile workshops, learning how to weave Ozegawa Shibori patterns using hand-dyed techniques passed down for generations. The annual Ozegawa Gion Festival features lion dances, taiko drumming, and lantern processions, reflecting deep-rooted community spirit. Additionally, guided forest foraging tours teach guests about edible plants like ferns and matsutake mushrooms, offering insight into northern Japan’s sustainable mountain living.

Ozegawa Onsen boasts a weakly alkaline monothermal spring known for its skin-softening properties. Many ryokans offer outdoor onsen with mountain views, allowing guests to soak while gazing at Jūmonji Mountain and the Ozegawa River. High-end lodges like Suisenkan feature starlit bath areas, where you can enjoy hot springs under a clear night sky, creating a truly magical alpine atmosphere.

A stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal. Day one: relax at the onsen and visit Ozegawa Shrine and the Old Folk House Museum. Day two: hike along the Ozegawa River trail or climb Jūmonji Mountain for panoramic views. Day three: explore the local farmers’ market, buy handmade honey and dried mountain vegetables, and take home authentic Yamagata countryside memories.

Must-try dishes include Ozegawa Beef (lean and tender), mountain vegetable hot pot (featuring fresh ferns, bamboo shoots, and matsutake mushrooms), and locally brewed "Ozegawa Sake". Many ryokans serve kaiseki-style meals using ingredients grown on-site, emphasizing seasonal and regional flavors. At night, try an onsen bento—a warm meal enjoyed right in your bathhouse room, a unique ritual of mountain hospitality.

Take a bus from Shinjō Station to Ozegawa Village Office, approximately 1 hour. For those driving, follow the Yamagata Expressway to Prefectural Route 37, leading directly into the village. Roads are narrow; park at designated lots near inns. Check Yamagata Prefecture Transport Authority updates during winter, as some routes may close due to snow.

Spring brings cherry blossoms along the Ozegawa River, summer offers cool retreats perfect for hiking and camping, autumn features stunning fall foliage around Jūmonji Mountain, and winter reveals snow festivals and frozen waterfalls. The distinct seasons make Ozegawa Village a year-round destination for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful mountain life.

Yes, several ryokans offer weekly or monthly rentals with kitchenettes and laundry facilities, ideal for extended stays. Guests can join daily farming tasks, onsen maintenance, or craft classes, fostering meaningful connections with locals. This immersive lifestyle reflects the true essence of rural Japanese community living.

Absolutely! Capture morning mist over the Ozegawa River, cloud seas at Jūmonji Mountain, and the vermillion torii gates of Ozegawa Shrine beneath ancient cedar trees. Early mornings (6–8 AM) are best for golden light through forest canopies. Many inns feature Japanese dry landscape gardens, ideal for composition-focused photography. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to fully capture the serene beauty of this mountain haven.