Yumura Onsen: Hot Spring Guide & Visitor Access

Close to the center of Kofu City, Yumura Onsen is an old spring with twelve hundred years of history, said to have been opened by the priest Kobo Daishi in the Heian period. Reputed to be foremost among Takeda Shingen's secret baths, it keeps a calm atmosphere despite its nearness to the city, with long-established inns standing quietly side by side.

Highlights

The historic spa street still carries the mood once loved by writers and cure-seekers. It is also known as a spot where Showa-era literary figures such as Dazai Osamu stayed, offering the pleasure of tracing places tied to literature. Its closeness to downtown Kofu also makes it a handy base for visiting historic sites such as Takeda Shrine and the ruins of Kofu Castle.

Enjoying the Seasons

This is a spa for gentle, unhurried stays in every season, with cherry blossoms nearby in spring and the harvest of grapes and wine in autumn. Winter brings many clear days with views of the Southern Alps and Mount Fuji, and bath-hopping in the crisp air feels wonderful. It is also close to the mouth of the Shosenkyo Gorge, so pairing it with that famous autumn-leaf spot is a fine idea.

Access and Basic Information

The spa is easily reached by bus or taxi from Kofu Station on the JR Chuo Main Line, notably close to the city. By car, the Kofu Showa interchange on the Chuo Expressway is close, well placed for combining with sightseeing in the city. The water is a chloride-type spring containing sodium, characterized by a soft feel on the skin and strong heat retention. Some inns accept day-use bathing, but hours and closed days vary by inn, so confirming ahead is safest.

Practical Travel Notes

• Being near Kofu Station, it works well as a base for city sightseeing, with quiet spa inns to return to at night.
• Day-use availability and hours differ by inn, so confirm with your chosen inn in advance.
• It is well placed for reaching sights such as Takeda Shrine, the Kofu Castle ruins, and the Shosenkyo Gorge.
• If you love wine, combining a stay with a tour of wineries around Katsunuma and Kofu makes for a truly Yamanashi journey.
• Strolling to trace literary footsteps, such as inns tied to Dazai Osamu, is a pleasure unique to this spa town.

A Quick Tip

Being near the city, a fine way to spend your time is to sightsee in Kofu by day and unwind at a quiet inn by night. If you love wine, pairing your stay with a tour of local wineries makes for a truly Yamanashi journey. With good access from Kofu Station, it is easy to use as a base for a rail trip, fitting naturally with sightseeing in the surrounding area.