Yunotsu Onsen

Nestled along the remote Sea of Japan coastline in the far west of Honshu, Yunotsu Onsen is a small and traditional spa town with an off-the-beaten-track feel. Located in Shimane, the second least populated prefecture in Japan, the town is the perfect getaway for those looking to get away from it all.

Yunotsu Onsen

This relatively undiscovered area is notable for its rugged coastline, with sleepy seaside villages and historical points of interest awaiting discovery.

Yunotsu Onsen

Yunotsu Onsen was an important port for the shipping of silver until the beginning of the 17th century, and it is now recognized as part of the ‘Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape’, a World Heritage site. Since the Edo Period, people have been visiting the town to enjoy the mineral-infused waters of its hot spring baths, and many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and shops line the narrow and old-fashioned streets, with stone kilns and historic wooden buildings adding to the timeless atmosphere.

Yunotsu Onsen

Yunotsu Onsen

There are two main public baths in the town, both of which make use of the area’s high-quality natural spring water. Yakushiyu is the bigger of the two, and has separate indoor pools for men and women, with the historic original bathhouse building now serving as a quaint café and gallery. The water at Yakushiyu is rated the maximum five stars, and has a reddish-brown colored tinge which is said to vary depending on the time and season.

A statue of a raccoon welcomes visitors to Motoyu, an old-style bathhouse with small gender segregated pools of varying temperatures (generally ranging from hot to very hot!). Motoyu has a no-frills and rustic charm and is still frequented by locals who swear by the healing properties of its cloudy waters.

Yunotsu Onsen

For visitors seeking a traditional ryokan experience, Masuya Ryokan offers relaxing and comfortable accommodation in a central location within easy walking distance of the town’s bathhouses. Alternatively, book a room at Meguruya Guesthouse and experience the charms of staying in an old Japanese house complete with raised wooden floors, cozy tatami rooms and a delightful host.

Be sure to book accommodation in advance on Saturday nights as visitors flock to the town’s Tatsuno-gozen Shrine to see a performance of ‘Iwami Kagura’, a mesmerizing and intimate traditional dance. ‘Kagura’ dances are performed all over Japan, but this variation is specific to the Iwami region. Catch a performance at 8pm every Saturday night.

Yunotsu Onsen

Yunotsu Onsen makes an excellent base for people visiting the famous Iwami Ginzan silver mine which is only 20 minutes away by car. The mining area is centered around Omori Town, an enchanting riverside stretch of old residences, temples and shrines, complete with ample parking and a visitors center. The mines themselves are then a pleasant 30 minute stroll along an easy walking trail. For those without cars, there are buses to the ‘Sekaiisan Center’ from Oda-shi Station and Nima Station, a few stops up the line from Yunotsu.

JR Yunotsu Station is on the JR Sanin mainline, one hour from Matsue by limited express train. The town’s main shopping and hot spring area is a short 15 minute walk from the train station. There is also a seven minute mini shuttle bus service just outside the station.

Yunotsu

Shimane Pref

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Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Site

Shimane Pref. Odashi Omorichou

0854889950

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Yakushiyu (Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine World Heritage Site Yunotsu Onsen Yumoto)

Shimane Pref. Odashi Yunotsuchouyunotsu 7

0855654894

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Tabinoyado Kiunsoh

Yunotsu-cho Yunotsuguchi 202-1 Oda