How to Get to Yonezawa from Tokyo: A Simple Guide to Onogawa Onsen
- 投稿日：
- 2026年10月21日
- （更新日：2026年10月22日）
Yonezawa and Onogawa Onsen are just over two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen. It is much closer than you might think.
In this guide, we explain how to get from Tokyo to Tofuya Ryokan in Onogawa Onsen, step by step.
From Tokyo to Yonezawa Station: the Yamagata Shinkansen “Tsubasa”
The easiest way is the Yamagata Shinkansen, called Tsubasa.
- From Tokyo Station to Yonezawa Station takes about 2 hours 10 minutes, with no transfers. The time varies a little by train.
- You can also board at Ueno Station or Omiya Station.
- All seats on the Tsubasa are reserved. There are no non-reserved seats. Be sure to reserve your seat before you board.
- Fare: about ¥10,750 one way (reserved seat, regular season: ¥5,720 base fare + ¥5,030 limited express fee). The price changes by ¥200–¥400 depending on the season.
- The Tsubasa is covered by the JR East Pass (Tohoku area) and the Japan Rail Pass. Please check the latest pass conditions before your trip.
Important: board the right cars. Between Tokyo and Fukushima, the Tsubasa runs coupled to a Tohoku Shinkansen train (going to Sendai and beyond). At Fukushima Station, the two trains separate. Please check the car number on your ticket and make sure you board the Tsubasa cars. If you board the other train by mistake, you will go to Sendai instead of Yonezawa.
After Fukushima Station, the Shinkansen climbs into the mountains. In winter you can see snowy landscapes from the window, and in autumn, colorful leaves.
From Yonezawa Station to Onogawa Onsen
By local bus (recommended)
- From the bus stop in front of Yonezawa Station, take the local bus bound for Shirabu Onsen and get off at “Onogawa Onsen.”
- The ride takes about 30 minutes. The fare is ¥590.
- Buses run about once an hour, so please check the timetable in advance.
- Tofuya Ryokan does not offer a pick-up service.
By taxi
- About 30 minutes from Yonezawa Station.
- The fare is about ¥4,000. In winter, a seasonal surcharge of about ¥1,000 is added.
Access from airports
| Airport | Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Narita / Haneda | Go to Tokyo Station, then take the Tsubasa to Yonezawa Station (about 2 hours 10 minutes). | About 2 hours 10 minutes from Tokyo Station |
| Yamagata Airport | Airport shuttle bus to Yamagata Station (about 35–40 minutes, ¥980), then the Tsubasa to Yonezawa Station (about 30–40 minutes). | About 1.5 hours, plus transfer time |
| Sendai Airport | Sendai Airport Access Line to Sendai Station (about 25 minutes, ¥660), then the Yonezawa–Sendai highway bus to Yonezawa Station East Exit (about 2 hours, ¥2,200, 6 buses a day). | About 2.5 hours, plus transfer time |
| Fukushima Airport | Limousine bus to Koriyama Station (about 40 minutes, ¥1,120), then the Tohoku Shinkansen to Fukushima Station (about 13 minutes), then the Tsubasa to Yonezawa Station (about 32 minutes). | About 1.5 hours, plus transfer time |
Times are approximate and do not include waiting time for connections.
By car
- From Yonezawa-Chuo IC on the Tohoku-Chuo Expressway, it takes about 25 minutes to Tofuya Ryokan.
- Free parking is available right in front of the ryokan, including a parking space for wheelchair users.
- In winter, the roads are covered with snow and winter tires are required. If you are not used to driving on snow, we recommend the Shinkansen.
Sample plan: one night from Tokyo
- Day 1: Leave Tokyo Station in the morning → Lunch at Yonezawa (Yonezawa beef or ramen) → Visit Uesugi Shrine → Take the bus to Onogawa Onsen → Hot spring and dinner
- Day 2: Morning bath → Walk around the hot spring town → Return to Tokyo from Yonezawa Station
Welcome to Onogawa Onsen
Just over two hours from Tokyo, you arrive at a hot spring town with 1,200 years of history. Tofuya Ryokan, a family-run inn since the Edo period, looks forward to welcoming you.
Read more: A Ryokan Is Not a Hotel: How to Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Inn / Snow, Samurai and Onsen: A Winter Stay in Yonezawa