Yunotsu Onsen: Hot Spring Town That Served as an Outer Port of UNESCO World Heritage Iwami Ginzan

Yunotsu Onsen in Yunotsu Town, Oda City, Shimane is a hot spring resort adjacent to "Okidomari" port from which silver produced at Iwami Ginzan was shipped, flourishing greatly during the Warring States to Edo periods. It is one of the components inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape" in 2007.

Hot Spring Town of Unchanged Atmosphere

Yunotsu's hot spring town still has active ryokan inns and merchant houses built during the Edo to Meiji periods, with Showa retro scenery resembling a TV drama set continuing throughout. Designated as a National Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District, it is popular with travelers as "the least changed hot spring town."

Motoyu and Yakushiyu: 100% Natural Flowing Hot Springs

Yunotsu has two shared baths: "Motoyu" (original hot spring) and "Yakushiyu" (medicinal hot spring). Both are 100% natural flowing, with spring temperatures at approximately 48-52°C. "Motoyu" has three bathtubs — very hot, hot, and normal — allowing selection according to preference. The spring water type is sodium-calcium chloride spring, said to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, and skin conditions.

Access

About 20 minutes on foot from JR San'in Main Line Yunotsu Station, or alight at "Yunotsu" by Iwami Kotsu bus. About 25 minutes by car from Oda-shi Station.