Prepare to be transported back in time to a hidden gem in Japan, a place that will make you feel like you've stepped into a classic Japanese film. Shimane Prefecture, a treasure trove of cultural riches, boasts a secret hot spring town called Yunotsu Onsen, part of the renowned World Heritage Site, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine. Our intrepid reporter, Marie Morimoto, recently revisited this region and discovered a place that is both historically significant and incredibly charming.
Yunotsu Onsen, with its unique name, is a town that literally translates to "Hot Spring Harbor Hot Spring." Nestled in the city of Oda, this quaint town is easily accessible from Yunotsu Station, offering a 30-minute walk through a nostalgic landscape. Marie was immediately captivated by the old-world charm, feeling as though she had stepped into a movie set.
Once a bustling port town during the silver mine's heyday, Yunotsu Onsen now thrives as a popular hot spring destination, attracting tourists with its fresh seafood caught right in front of the town. Marie indulged in a seafood feast at Minato no Shokudo Kan, savoring delicious fish, both fried and raw, along with oden and locally grown vegetables. The highlight of her meal was the rich Yunotsu Pudding, a perfect ending to a satisfying dinner.
For her accommodation, Marie chose Hisom Hiso, a traditional home renovated into a cozy rental, located about 20 minutes north of the town center. The house, nestled in the mountains, retains its old-world charm while offering modern comforts. The warmly lit interior, surrounded by the quiet of the night, created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere for Marie.
While the house boasts a fully equipped kitchen, Marie opted for a catered breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a convenient option for those seeking a relaxing stay. She even learned of a nearby beach, just a three-minute walk away, offering the perfect sunset view across the Sea of Japan, a sight she unfortunately missed due to time constraints.
One of the charms of Yunotsu Onsen is the ability to enjoy its hot springs both at night and in the early morning. Yakushiyu, with its stunning stained-glass exterior, is a beautiful sight at night, open until 9:00 p.m. year-round. Visitors can even take in the town views from the rooftop. In the morning, Marie visited Senyakuto Yunotsu Motoyu Onsen, which opens at 6:00 a.m., catering to those who want to immerse themselves in the hot springs throughout the day.
Both Senyakuto and Yakushiyu offer natural spring water, with temperatures reaching quite high. Senyakuto provides three different temperature options: hot (46–48°C), warm (43–44°C), and a recommended bath for first-time visitors (38–40°C). It's evident that the locals of Yunotsu enjoy a good boil, as most home baths are set below 42°C.
To ensure a pleasant experience, the staff at Senyakuto explains the temperatures of each bath before guests undress. As a unique souvenir, visitors can even take home a pouch of hot spring water, although it's best to let the staff handle this task to avoid any awkward encounters with other guests.
Marie's one-night stay left a lasting impression, and she longed to explore more of Yunotsu Onsen's cafes and ocean views. It's a place that truly captivates, leaving one wondering about the other secret treasures Japan has to offer intrepid explorers.
Location Information:
Minato no Shokudo Kan / 港の食堂 KAN
Address: Shimane-ken, Oda-shi, Yunotsu-cho, Kohama-i 1109-17
Open: 7:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Closed Mondays (subject to change)
Website: https://www.instagram.com/kan_yunotsu/
Hisom / ヒソム日祖
Address: Shimane-ken, Oda-shi, Yunotsu-cho, Yunotsu-i 588-1
Website: https://hisom.jp/
Yakushiyu / 薬師湯
Address: Shimane-ken, Oda-shi, Yunotsu-cho, Yunotsu 7
Open: 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Sat, Sun, and Holidays
Admission: Adults 600 yen, children 300 yen
Website: https://www.yunotsu.com/
Senyakuto Motoyu Onsen / 泉薬湯 元湯温泉
Address: Shimane-ken, Oda-shi, Yunotsu-cho, Yunotsu-ro 208-1
Open: 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Mar–Nov, 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Dec–Feb
Fee: Adults 500 yen, children 250 yen
Website: https://www.iwami.or.jp/syunotsu/
Photos ©SoraNews24
Have you ever considered exploring Japan's hidden gems? What other unique experiences do you think await intrepid travelers in this fascinating country? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
