What Is Yunotsu Onsen? A Historic Hot Spring and Port Town Linked to Iwami Ginzan
Yunotsu Onsen is a hot spring town facing Yunotsu Bay in Ōda, Shimane Prefecture, where the history of a port town meets Japan's bathing culture.
Its streets lined with buildings roofed in Sekishū-gawara, traditional regional tiles, offer plenty of charm beyond the hot springs themselves.
This guide covers day-use bathing fees and opening hours at Motoyu and Yakushiyu, public bath etiquette, things to see on a town walk, and how to get there from Yunotsu Station.
Discover the Port Town That Supported Iwami Ginzan
Yunotsu developed as an outer port for Iwami Ginzan, the silver mine, from medieval times, and its historic townscape was designated an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in July 2004.
Classified as a port and hot spring town, the district preserves streets that tell the story of both its harbor and its baths.
In July 2007, the townscape and port of Yunotsu were also inscribed as part of the World Heritage property Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its Cultural Landscape.
Along an approximately 800 m street carved through a narrow valley, you can still see traditional townhouses, hot spring inns, temples, and shrines dating from the late Edo period to the early Shōwa period.
As you admire the buildings, look beyond their age to the shape of the town as it extends from the port toward the mountains.
Get to Know Motoyu and Yakushiyu Public Baths
Two of the main options for a day-use hot spring bath in Yunotsu are Senyakutō Yunotsu Onsen Motoyu and Yakushiyu.
Sotoyu means a public bath used separately from the bath at your accommodation; it does not mean an outdoor bath.
Both are baths in the hot spring town with continuously flowing natural spring water, and their main water type is chloride spring water.
These public baths serve local residents as well as visitors, so follow the posted guidance and enjoy the space quietly.
Choose the public bath that interests you rather than fitting in too many baths, and allow plenty of time to rest afterward.
Yunotsu Onsen Day-Use Baths: Motoyu and Yakushiyu Fees and Features
Motoyu and Yakushiyu differ not only in their tubs and facilities but also in the days and times when you can visit.
Choose your preferred bath before setting your visit date to reduce the need to rearrange your plans after you arrive.
Here is an overview of the 2 baths.
| Item | Motoyu (Senyakutō) | Yakushiyu |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bathing fee | Adults (junior high school age and older): 500 yen; children (age 1 through elementary school): 250 yen (for a visit of up to 1 hour) | Adults: 600 yen; children: 300 yen |
| Opening hours | Except Mondays and Thursdays: 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. from March to November; 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. from December to February | 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Closed | The third Monday in November each year | Every Tuesday |
| Mondays and Thursdays | General admission only from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. | Regular opening hours |
| Main features | 3 tubs at different temperatures | Private baths, lounge, and rooftop terrace |
Choose a Tub at Motoyu Using the Bath Labels
Motoyu has tubs labeled Hot Water, Lukewarm Water, and First-Time Visitors.
The approximate temperatures are 46–48°C for the hot tub, 43–44°C for the lukewarm tub, and 38–40°C for the first-time visitors' tub.
The spring flows naturally from underground without drilling or mechanical pumping, and its water is about 50°C at the source.
The temperature of the continuously flowing spring water varies with factors such as the air temperature and the number of bathers, so check the water before entering instead of judging its heat by the label alone.
The basic approach is to choose a tub you can enter comfortably, rather than making it your goal to endure the hottest water.
Motoyu is a historic bath whose origins are associated with the legend of the discovery of Tanuki no Ike, or Raccoon Dog Pond, and it has been passed down through generations of the Itō family, its owners, since medieval times.
Yakushiyu: Private Baths and Places to Relax After Bathing
Yakushiyu's spring is directly behind the facility, and water at about 46°C rises naturally from 2–3 m underground and flows into the tubs without treatment.
The water is a sodium-calcium chloride spring, and in 2005 it received the highest rating in every category, known as All 5, in an assessment by the Japan Onsen Association.
The main building also has private family baths, priced per person for 40 minutes at 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children.
If you feel uncomfortable bathing nude in a public bath or would like to bathe as a family, ask about how to book a private bath and its conditions of use.
There is a lounge on the second floor and a garden terrace on the roof, where you can relax after bathing while looking out over the town.
Wi-Fi is available, and assistance in English and French is offered, although foreign-language assistance is not available at all times.
Check Motoyu and Yakushiyu Opening Hours and Closing Days
Except on Mondays and Thursdays, Motoyu's regular opening hours are 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. from March to November (last admission 7:30 p.m.) and 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. from December to February (last admission 6:30 p.m.).
On Mondays and Thursdays, including public holidays, Motoyu's general admission hours are 6:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m., with last admission at 7:30 a.m., followed by a reservation-only period for members.
On Mondays and Thursdays, it closes for cleaning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., opens only to members from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last admission 3:00 p.m.), and closes at 4:00 p.m.
If a member cancels on the day, general visitors may sometimes use the bath for 1,000 yen per person, including a towel, for both adults and children.
Motoyu closes on the third Monday of November each year, and opening hours may also be shortened for scheduled cleaning.
Yakushiyu is closed every Tuesday, but opens for shōbu-yu, baths with sweet flag leaves on May 5, and yuzu citrus baths on the winter solstice; check individually for special opening days such as public holidays.
Yakushiyu's opening hours are 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Before setting out, check each facility's information for general admission times on your visit date, last admission, and temporary changes rather than relying only on its usual opening hours.
Bring Towels and Toiletries
Motoyu does not provide complimentary bathing products or shower facilities, so bring your own bathing supplies or buy them on site.
The reception sells face towels for 300 yen, bar soap for 100 yen, and shampoo with conditioner for 250 yen.
If you are unsure how to wash, ask at reception before bathing so you know what to do.
Keep your belongings for the public bath, including a change of clothes, compact and easy to handle.
- A towel for washing and a towel for drying off after bathing
- Necessary toiletries, a hair tie, and a change of clothes
- A bag to separate wet items, and something to drink
Public Bath Etiquette at Yunotsu Onsen
In a typical Japanese public bath, you bathe without a swimsuit and wash your body before entering the tub.
Follow each facility's posted rules, and ask at reception before undressing if anything is unclear.
Wash and Rinse Yourself Before Entering the Bath
At the washing area, avoid splashing people nearby, and rinse off all soap and shampoo before heading to the tub.
Kakeyu means pouring warm water over your body to get used to the temperature; do this calmly rather than stepping straight into the tub.
Keep towels and hair out of the water, and tie up long hair before entering.
Here are some terms you may see at the baths and what to do when you encounter them.
| Term | Meaning | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sotoyu | A public bath used outside your accommodation | Check the conditions of use at reception |
| Kakeyu | Pouring warm water over your body before bathing | Get used to the water gradually |
| Kashikiri-yu | A bath reserved for private use | Check how to book or request it |
| Last admission | The deadline for entering the facility | Distinguish it from the closing time |
Take Breaks Rather Than Enduring Hot Water
There is no need to match how long other people stay in the water; if it feels hot, get out of the tub and rest.
As a basic rule, drink water before and after bathing and avoid bathing after drinking alcohol.
Motoyu's standard bathing fee covers up to 1 hour in the facility, not permission to stay in the tub for 1 hour, so avoid soaking too long and allow time to get out comfortably.
After bathing, dry off, get dressed, and take a good rest.
Check Photography and Tattoo Policies in Advance
To protect other bathers' privacy, avoid taking photos in the bathing and changing areas, and keep your smartphone put away.
If you have tattoos, ask the facility you want to use in advance rather than assuming one policy applies throughout the hot spring town.
Even for private baths, avoid making assumptions about the rules; ask specifically whether you can use the bath and whether you need to cover your tattoos.
Things to See on a Walk Through Yunotsu
A walk through Yunotsu offers the chance to compare Sekishū-tiled roofs, traditional townhouses, and Western-style buildings.
Look beyond the bathing facilities to the eaves and overlapping rooftops to appreciate the town's character.
Admire the Sekishū Roof Tiles and Rows of Townhouses
The hot spring town is lined with buildings roofed in red or black Sekishū-gawara, creating a landscape shaped by its history as both a port and a hot spring town.
As you walk, take in the rooftops as a whole before shifting your attention to the windows and eaves to enjoy the details.
Here are some features to look for as you explore the townscape.
| Feature to notice | What to compare | How to enjoy it |
|---|---|---|
| Sekishū-tiled roofs | Shades of red and black | Look at the overlapping rooftops |
| Townhouse eaves | Their height and alignment | Notice the depth of the street |
| Windows and roofs of Western-style buildings | Differences from Japanese architecture | Look for changes in shape |
Enjoy the Historic Building at Yakushiyu's Former Bathhouse Café
Next to Yakushiyu is Shin'yu Café Kuranojō, housed in its former bathhouse.
Built in 1919, the former bathhouse is a wooden Western-style building and the oldest surviving hot spring facility building in Yunotsu.
Its Western-style wooden exterior has a different character from the hot spring inns and townhouses, making it a useful landmark when walking through the town.
The café opens from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last order 2:30 p.m.) and closes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The menu includes Yunotsu no Bugyō-meshi, a magistrate's meal passed down orally in the Naitō family associated with Iwami Ginzan, as well as onsen tamago, eggs cooked in hot spring water.
If you plan to visit, check the café's own opening days and last-order time.
Walk Quietly Through a Town Where People Live
The hot spring town's streets are narrow, so choose carefully where to stop for photos and avoid blocking vehicles or pedestrians.
On sections without sidewalks, watch for traffic and give way from a safe position.
Do not enter residential property without permission, and ask first if you want to photograph inside a shop or take someone's picture.
At the entrance to the town beside Yunotsu Bay, the Yunotsu Tourist Information Center Yū Yū-kan has a tourism association counter and a range of brochures and maps.
It opens from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from March to November and from 9:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from December to February, closes from December 31 to January 2, and has parking for 7 cars in front of the building.
Stop here if you want to check directions or hear about the town's highlights before setting out.
Watch Evening Kagura at Tatsunogozen Shrine on Saturday Nights
Tatsunogozen Shrine in the hot spring town hosts Yunotsu Onsen Yokagura, regular performances of Iwami Kagura, a traditional sacred dance theater, every Saturday night.
Tradition dates the shrine's founding to 1532, and it enshrines deities associated with the sea and hot springs.
Performances run from 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and admission is 2,000 yen per seat, with the same price for adults and children.
Seating is by reservation only, based on a 65-seat layout; extra seats may be added on some dates and performances may be canceled on others, so reserve early once your travel dates are set.
The shrine's stairs begin immediately beside the road, so if you are concerned about your footing, take extra care when moving around after dark.
See the Climbing Kilns at Yunotsu Yakimono no Sato
Yunotsu Yakimono no Sato, a pottery village in Yunotsu, preserves 30 m and 20 m climbing kilns said to be among the largest in Japan.
The Yakimono-kan pottery center has displays and sales of Yunotsu pottery, and you can also try making pottery with an advance reservation.
The pottery festival is usually held in April in spring and October in fall, and the climbing kilns are fired about 1 week before the festival.
How to Get to Yunotsu Onsen and Plan a Day Trip or Overnight Stay
If you are traveling by train, your starting point is Yunotsu Station on the JR San-in Main Line.
Plan your arrival and return train as part of a single itinerary, rather than focusing only on public bath opening hours.
Getting from Yunotsu Station to the Hot Spring Town and Preparing Train Tickets
You can take an Ōda City local bus from Yunotsu Station to the hot spring town, a ride of about 5 minutes.
For the hot spring town, get off at the Onsen-mae bus stop.
On foot, allow about 10 minutes for the approximately 800 m walk from the station to Yū Yū-kan at the town entrance, or about 10–15 minutes to Yakushiyu.
Even if you plan to walk, check the station and your chosen bath on a map and choose your transport to suit your luggage and the weather.
Yunotsu Station does not accept ICOCA, so prepare a ticket for your route rather than relying only on an IC transit card.
The station has no Midori no Madoguchi staffed ticket counter, Midori ticket machine, or coin lockers, so it helps to plan how to buy your ticket and where to leave your luggage in advance.
By car, allow about 5 minutes from Yunotsu Interchange on the San-in Expressway or about 1 hour 20 minutes from Izumo Airport.
Motoyu has 22 parking spaces across 3 locations, while Yakushiyu has 30 spaces spread across several locations.
If you are driving, confirm the parking available at your bath or accommodation so you do not have to search the narrow hot spring streets for a space.
For Day Trips, Plan Your Return; for Overnight Stays, Decide on Meals and Baths
For a day trip, decide on your return train or bus first, then work out how much time you can spend in town.
Leaving time to relax at the hot springs also makes it easier to adjust the extent of your walk if your schedule slips.
If you are staying overnight, check when booking how you will use your accommodation's bath and the public baths, and whether your plan includes meals.
The evening kagura venue has no dedicated parking, and the performance ends at 9:30 p.m., so arrange your return transport before watching.
If you plan to have dinner out, check your chosen restaurant's opening hours and whether reservations are needed so you can relax after your bath.
Enjoy Public Baths and a Historic Town Walk at Yunotsu Onsen
Yunotsu Onsen offers day-use bathing at Motoyu and Yakushiyu, along with a historic port townscape that forms part of a World Heritage property.
Check Motoyu's general admission hours on Mondays and Thursdays and Yakushiyu's Tuesday closing day, and prepare your bathing supplies and return transport before you set out.
Avoid enduring water that feels too hot, and be considerate of local residents as they bathe and go about their daily lives for a comfortable visit to Yunotsu.
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