Warashi-yu Foot Bath

Warashi-yu is a free public foot bath located in the Ginzan Hot Spring area in the city of Obanazawa, Yamagata Prefecture. It is located along the Ginzan River at the entrance to the hot spring area, and as visitors soak their feet, they can take a look at the seasonal changes on the surrounding mountains and see the multistory wooden inns built in a Western style redolent of the Taisho period (1912–1926). The water, which is said to be effective against neuralgia, rheumatism, and skin diseases, flows directly from a spring, so it can be a bit on the hot side. The benches are placed with consideration for height and position, so that visitors can sit and chat leisurely with one another. The view of the illuminated townscape at night is especially recommended.