Yuya Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access (Aichi)

Yuya Onsen spreads along the Une River within the celebrated Horaikyo gorge in Shinshiro City, Aichi. Its origins are ancient, said to have been discovered by the hermit Rishu, founder of Horaiji temple. Counted among Japans hundred famous waters, it is known as an atmospheric mountain spring with inns lining both banks of the river.

Highlights

• The gorge of the Une River, called the Itajiki, or board-laid, river for its plank-like bed
• An ancient founding history tied to the hermit Rishu
• Sodium-calcium chloride spring water
• Inns scattered along the gorge amid the murmur of the river

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of fresh greenery the gorge fills with vivid foliage, and a soak feels refreshing against the sound of the river. Autumn, when the colors of Horaikyo reflect on the water, is the most brilliant time of year. Winter offers clear air and quiet for warming thoroughly in the chloride water, while spring into summer brings cool, pleasant walks by the water.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Shinshiro City, Aichi Prefecture
• Within walking distance of Yuya-Onsen Station on the JR Iida Line; cross the Une River from the station and the spring town opens up (a few minutes on foot to each inn)
• About 15 minutes by car from the Shinshiro Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway, heading toward Iida and Toei via Route 151
• Spring quality: sodium-calcium chloride hot spring, a natural spring rich in mineral flakes that keeps you warm after the bath
• Along the river are inns that accept day-use bathing and a public facility with a hot-spring pool (fees and hours vary by facility, so check in advance)
• Chosen among Japans hundred famous waters, set along the Horaikyo gorge

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: autumn is the most brilliant, when the colors of Horaikyo reflect on the water; early summer greenery and the cool riverside walks of summer are also recommended
• Best time of day: stroll by day when the gorge greenery or foliage stands out, then take your bath in the evening for a relaxed rhythm
• Avoiding crowds: autumn foliage weekends are especially popular, so book your inn early; weekdays or the morning let you enjoy the gorge in quiet
• Time needed: half a day for a walk along the Itajiki river and a soak, or an overnight stay to enjoy the gorge scenery and a meal
• Nearby real spots: the gorge of the Itajiki (Une) river, Horaikyo, Mount Horaiji, with Yuya Park and oddly shaped rocks such as Basegan within reach
• Budget sense: day-use bathing runs from a few hundred to around a thousand yen; an overnight stay or a meal plan amid the gorge scenery raises the satisfaction of the trip

A Quick Tip

Autumn foliage is especially popular, so book your inn well ahead. Walking the riverside to view the unusual plank-like bed of the Itajiki river is a pleasure unique to this spring. Since you can reach the spring town on foot from the station, this is an easy spot to visit even without a car.