Visiting Yunotsu is like jumping into a photograph from the 1900s—a time when Japanese houses didn’t have baths, so hot springs were the only bathing option. The sole street of this western district of Shimane Prefecture’s Oda city is lined with ryokans and hot springs. Some even date back to 1,300 years ago.
Together with Iwami Ginzan old silver mining town—on the other side of Oda— it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its preservation of history.
Commonly referred to as Yunotsu Onsen Town, it offers a low-key and truly authentic hot spring experience. Yukata-clad bathers can be seen going from one hot spring to the next.
Bathe like a local
The town has many bathing facilities to choose from, but here are a few recommended locales.
With two baths, one at 44 degrees and the other at 46 degrees, the naturally brown mineral-rich water at Moto-yu Onsen heals all aches and pains.
The locals take the bathing protocol very seriously here: you have to immerse yourself up to your neck immediately rather than trying to adjust to the temperature slowly. Do this three times for a few minutes each to enjoy the bath like a pro. The locals cheering you on to endure to boiling hot water is an experience you won’t soon forget.
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