Yunokawa Onsen

Rising in Hikawa, Izumo City, Yunokawa Onsen is counted among Japan three beauty springs alongside Kawanaka Onsen in Gunma and Ryujin Onsen in Wakayama. A legend tells that a beautiful goddess of Izumo myth bathed here on her travels, and the spring has long been cherished by those wishing for lovely skin. Surrounded by peaceful farmland, its unpretentious hospitality eases the traveler heart.

Highlights

The water is so smooth it feels almost thick. It is praised for leaving the skin supple after a bath, giving a real sense of why it earned its name. Fields spread all around, and the changing rural scenery soothes the mind. Though the spa is small, some inns take pride in free flowing spring water, so you can savor the bath itself at leisure.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the surrounding paddies fill with water, and the sky mirrors on their glassy surface in a beautiful season. Summer sends green rice swaying in the breeze across an open landscape. Autumn brings golden ears of rice into pleasant harmony with the clear air after a bath. In winter, warming to the core while gazing over the snowy fields feels especially fine.

Access and Basic Information

The onsen is in Hikawa, Izumo City. It is a few minutes by car from Shobara Station on the JR Sanin Main Line. It is easy to reach by car from Izumo Taisha and central Izumo, making it a convenient place to stay while touring the area. Some facilities accept day visitors, so you can stop by mid journey to experience this beauty water.

A Quick Tip

Because the water has a silky thickness, gently patting yourself dry before the skin loses moisture is enough to keep that supple feel. Many visitors combine a trip here with a matchmaking prayer at Izumo Taisha, making it a popular bath to close out a journey. Be sure to savor a relaxed stretch of time in the quiet countryside.