Yoshioka Onsen

In the western part of Tottori City, beside Lake Koyama, Yoshioka Onsen nestles in a quiet valley ringed on three sides by mountains. Said to have been discovered a thousand years ago, this old spa has no large entertainment district; its charm lies in the unpretentious sight of small inns and public bathhouses huddled together. It is a perfect place for those who wish to step away from the bustle and soak in the atmosphere of old-fashioned therapeutic bathing.

Highlights

The town has public bathhouses and foot baths, along with scattered spots where you can draw the source water. Nearby Lake Koyama, one of the largest ponds in Japan, offers a peaceful shoreline where waterfowl gather. A local specialty is gyosen candy, a brown malt taffy made in the area, whose simple sweetness makes a well-received travel souvenir.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring colors the valley with fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, summer brings the cool waterside of Lake Koyama, and autumn tints the surrounding mountains. In winter, steam rises over the quiet, snow-dusted town, wrapping it in a mellow mood. Precisely because it is not a flashy tourist spot, this spa lets you feel the passing of the seasons in calm.

Access and Basic Information

It is about a twenty-five-minute bus ride from JR Tottori Station, and its location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Tottori Sand Dunes or Lake Koyama. The public bathhouses and foot baths are easy to use, so a day trip is more than enough to enjoy the waters. The number of inns is small, but that means a calm and restful stay.

A Quick Tip

Being a compact spa town, it suits those who want a quiet time. Since it is close to the Tottori Sand Dunes, stopping by to soothe tired feet after walking the dunes is a fine idea.