Yakushiyu

When you visit Japan for vacatipn, a trip to the countryside allows you to see a dofferent side of country. Iwami is far off the beaten track, the nearest big city is Hiroshima, but it can be accessed via Hagi-Iwami airport from Tokyo, JR buses from Hiroshima, JR trains, and even an old ateam train. -Yakushiyu-

Yakushiyu is an historic onsen (hot spring) that can be found in Yunotsu (old hot spring area), which, along with the Iwami Silver Mine, were declared World Heritage sites in 2007. At the Iwami site, you can see remnants of the mine where much silver was once brought out of the earth and exported to the world. Yunotsu was one of the most important ports to ship commodities all over the world.

The Yakushiyu hot spring has a long history. It is said that the hot spring was formed by a major earthquake in 1872. This is why, it is called “Shinnyu” (Hot spring by earthquake)

The temperature of the springhead is 46 degree centigrade. It is really hot but the Spring’s Management Company doesn’t add water. For this reason, the company recommends not to soak in the hot water for a long time. Many minerals are dissolved in the water, especially iron, which causes the bath to smell rusty.

There is no soap or shampoo in the bath. Soap and towels are sold at the front desk. The staff can tell you the history of the building there. Visitors are often overwhelmed by the retro-styled buildings. They were built in the Taisho era, about 90 years ago! Next to Yakushiyu is a restaurant made of wood where you can enjoy lunch or a drink after your bath..

The capacity of the bathing area is not big because the onsen is not so large. Local residents are friendly and happy to chat with visitors.

It costs 350 yen to enjoy this fabulous hot spring. You can’t miss this white retro building. A minute's walk along the same road takes you to another old bath called “Motoyu”. Please check Yuki’s article.

Yunotsu town, Oda city, Shimane prefecture

Tel: 0855-65-4894 URL: http://yunotsu.com

Takuya

Near Spots

: Hidden Gem in Iwami Region In one corner of peaceful Oda City, you’ll find a hidden gem: Oni-Iwa Rock. Away from the noise of busy town, this...(read more)

: Iwami Ginzan Library This beautiful building is Iwami Ginzan Library, our university's satellite campus in Iwami Ginzan. This library ...(read more)

: Jinguji (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) This quiet place surrounded by many trees is the original location of Jinguji tmple.It is located across a small b...(read more)

: Kanzeonji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) The original Kanzeonji Temple burned down in 1800 in a fire which destroyed most of the town. However, it was reconstruc...(read more)

: Shogenji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you enjoy visiting temples, Iwami has a 33 temple pilgrimage route that you can follow. Shogenji Temple is one ...(read more)

: Senganji temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) Senganji temple is located at the top of a small mountain in theKawamoto area of Gotsu. This temple was establis...(read more)

: Samurai guesthouse Muneokake This is Muneokake, a guesthouse that can be rentedto the public. You can reserve the whole complex. This building ...(read more)

: Seisuiji Temple SeisuijiTemple is a Shingon Buddhist temple, and is a notable place in the history of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, wh...(read more)

: Takanoji Temple ( Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you enjoy walking, we recommend Takano temple, about 20 minutes by taxi from Yunotsu station in Iwami region. The mai...(read more)

: Iwami 33 Temple Pigrimage Have you ever heard a pilgrimage to the Iwami Kannon 33 Temples Pilgrimage? All the temples are located in Iwami region ...(read more)

: Enpukuji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you want to see a visual representation of the last judgement, you should visit Enpuku-ji temple in Ohda, Iwami regio...(read more)

: Enjoji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) Enjoji Temple (written圓城寺 in Japanese) is also known as Reichinzan (霊椿山) or mountain of the sacred camellia. There is a ...(read more)