Yunotsu
Yunotsu (温泉津) is a hot spring town in Shimane. Merged into Oda city in 2005.
Understand[edit]
A one-street onsen town with several inns and two beautiful old public bath houses, Yunotsu is a piece of 1920s Japan (think Studio Ghibli) that somehow survived into the 21st century, full of classic wooden buildings and geta clip-clopping on the street. The name Yunotsu means "hot spring port".
Get in[edit]
JR Yunotsu station on the Sanin line is almost a 1-km walk from the main part of town. There is limited bus service to and from the station. If you have a reservation at a ryokan or inn in town, ask them to pick you up.
By car, Yunotsu is on Route 9 about 30 minutes drive from Iwami Ginzan UNESCO World Heritage site in Oda.
Get around[edit]
See[edit]
Do[edit]
As an onsen town, the main activity here is bathing. Although your inn or hotel may have natural hot spring water pumped in, going out to visit other baths is well worthwhile.
- 1 Senyakuto (泉薬湯), 208-1 Yunotsu-chō, ☏ +81 855-65-2052. 05:30-20:20. The first bath developed in the area. It's extremely simple without any of the typical small showers or taps for washing. Just scoop water from the pools. ¥300.
- 2 Yakushiyu (薬師湯), Yunotsu-chō, ☏ +81 855-65-4894. 05:00-21:00. A short walk up the main street. This Meiji-era (1872) building is highly ranked by the Japan Onsen Association. The upstairs is a relaxing place to take a break. ¥300 adults, ¥150 children.
Buy[edit]
Eat[edit]
Drink[edit]
The town is pretty quiet, things close up early, and there are not many options aside from the inns that line the main street. Yunotsu does have a small, but high quality sake brewery called Kaishun (開春) if you want to try what the locals drink. It's widely available in town.
Sleep[edit]
- 1 Kiunso (輝雲荘), 202-1 Yunotsu-chō, ☏ +81 855-65-2008. 14 tatami rooms and a lovely facility. Great food. Rooms from ¥8500 per person, including two meals.
Go next[edit]