Yunotsu

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.温泉津 (Yunotsu) is a town famous for its hot springs, the first two characters in the name itself mean ' hot spring'. Yonutsu is closely related to the history of Iwami silver mine, and pottery called Yunotsu-yaki. The Yunotsu area was selected as an important area for traditional building preservation. You can see retro houses or buildings while you stroll along the town streets.

The area’s hot springs have a history of over 1300 years. They are especially famous for Toji (湯治), which means “hot springs recuperation” in Japanese. There are several hot springs which you can visit without staying overnight.

Many people know Iwami silver mine as one of the World Heritage sites in Shimane, Japan. It is also known as the oldest silver mine in Japanese history. Silver from the mine was sent all over the world from the port in Yunotsu. The port prospered as a key junction of trade between Japan’s feudal government and countries in Asia, such as China, and some European countries, for the export of silver from the Iwami silver mine. Thanks to the deep harbor, and the protective land features that helped shelter the port from monsoon, even huge ships could dock there easily.

There are other historical places in this area. Why don’t you go there and enjoy having a stroll surrounded by the history of Iwami?

This character was created to commemorate the fifth anniversary of registration of Iwami silver mine as a World Heritage site. It is called Rato-chan, and it is designed to look like Rato (螺灯). A rato is an old lamp which has oil inside the shell. People used them long ago to light the dark silver mine.

Written by Natsuki

Near Spots

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: Kumagai House Kumagai House belonged to a merchant family with an old history, dating from 1729. It was one of the most powerful merch...(read more)

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: Cooking Experience at Kumagai House Visitors to Iwami Ginzan canexperience Japanese traditional cooking in the kitchen ofKumagai Family House. T...(read more)

: 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)

: Ryougonji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) Ryougonji Temple (written 楞厳寺 in Japanese) is the 27th on the Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage. It’s located in Yunotsu ...(read more)

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

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: Kanzeonji Temple (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) The original Kanzeonji Temple burned down in 1800 in a fire which destroyed most of the town. However, itwas recon...(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)