The Onogawa hosprings ranks number one in Japan for radium hotsprings. Its located in the quiete surroundings of northern Japan called the Okuzashiki of Yonezawa. Its surrounded with historic shirines and temples many have to do with Uesugi Kenshin and Komachi. Rihgt by the springs is the Omonogawa-river which spots from the Azuma mountain range and is famous as the "Firefly Hamlet." Every year from late June to early July, the annual firefly festival draws many people to come visit and enjoy the rivers. The golf courses and ski resorts keep people coming throughout the seasons to enjoy nature and the hotsprings.

Uesugi Shrine Built on the ruins of the Yonezawa castle to honer the genius warlord of the Sengoku-period , Uesugi Kenshin and Youzankou. It was burned down to the ground in the Yonezawa Fire in 8th year of the Taisyou era (1919) but rebuilt 1923 according to the designs plans of Prof. Chyuta Ito.

Uesugi-clan House Nationally claimed historical site "Yonezawa Hansu Uesugi Bosyo". The twelve lords's halls are located on left and right starting with the first leader Uesugi Kenshin.

Sasano Goddess of Mercy Opened in the first year of the Dogen-period (806 A.d) by the high deciple of Kouboutashi , Kouteitokuichisyounin. Because the temple is full of Ajisai(hydrangea) flowers this shrine is also known as the "Ajisai-dera(Hydrangea Temple)" . Despite the fact it was honered by both the Uesugi-clan and Date-clan, it has been plaged by fire and has burned down a couple of times in the past. The current structure was built in the 14th year of the Tempo-era (1843) by the comands of Usugi Narisada-kou. The biggest monument in this prefecture with Basyou's poem engraved into it is located here.

Firefly festival�@�@�@�@�@�@�@�@ Many species live in the Omonogawa-river that runs through the Onogawa hotsprings. The firefly which is one of these species is known as the symbol of this area. Every year from the end of June to early July the "firefly festival" is hosted , thousands of fireflies entertain the people who come and visit this festival.�@�@�@�@�@

For more information:
Yonezawa Tourism Burea Yamagata-prefecture, Yonezawa-shi, Maruno Uchi 1-3-60 zip 992 TEL 0238-21-6226