Enjoy Both the Sea and Mountains! Experience the Hidden Gem Hot Springs, Yunoko and Yunotsuru Onsen, in Kumamoto
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``Yunoji Onsen'', which has an attractive panoramic view of the Shiranui Sea, and ``Tsuru-no-Yu Onsen'', which is quietly nestled deep in the mountains. Yunoko/Yunotsuru Onsen, where you can enjoy both sea and mountain hot springs, is located in Minamata City on the border of Kumamoto and Kagoshima ...
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National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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Table of Contents
- What is Yunoko/Yunotsuru Onsen?
- 2 recommended day trip hot spring spots (Shoyokan, Hotaru no Yu)
- Accommodation: Guesthouse “TojiyA”
- Recommended before and after hot springs! Refresh your mind at Yude Shrine
- Access to Yunotsuru Onsen
What is Yunoko/Yunotsuru Onsen?
[Yunoko Onsen]
It is a hot spring resort where the Shiranui Sea stretches out in front of you, and you can enjoy the magnificent ocean view from the open-air bath and guest rooms. Due to its proximity to the sea, the hot spring water has a slight salt content, making it popular for its hot springs that keep you warm and keep you warm. It is also called ``Beautiful Skin Hot Spring'' in the local community.
It was discovered about 190 years ago, and its name comes from the word ``Mada Yunoko'' (child) for the lukewarm water that gushes out on the coast. It is said that this hot spring was discovered by a giant sea turtle, so we recommend walking around the area while looking for cute turtle symbols!
[Yunotsuru Onsen]
A hot spring resort located in the mountains along the Yude River, about 9 km from Minamata city. It retains the atmosphere of an old-fashioned hot spring town, and has several hot spring inns and town baths, making it a truly hidden away hot spring town. The hot water has a faint sulfur scent and is smooth to the touch, allowing you to enjoy a spring quality that is completely different from Yunoko Onsen!
It is said that the name ``Yunotsuru'' (hot spring) originated from the appearance of injured cranes resting their wings in the hot springs and then flying away energetically a few days later.
Yunoko Onsen has a ``turtle'' motif, while Yunotsuru Onsen has a ``crane'' motif, making them very auspicious hot springs with motifs of ``cranes and turtles,'' which are believed to be lucky charms of longevity! Both have been designated as `` National Recreation Hot Spring Areas '' due to their excellent spring quality and environment suitable for recreation.
2 recommended day trip hot spring spots (Shoyokan, Hotaru no Yu)
In addition to hot spring inns, Yunoko and Yunotsuru Onsen are dotted with day-trip hot springs where you can enjoy a bath at a reasonable price. We will introduce hot spring spots that are loved not only by tourists but also by local residents!
[Yunoko Area] Shoyokan
``Shoyokan'' has 6 types of hot springs. It is also popular as a hot spring inn where you can enjoy a spectacular view along the sea, and the open-air bath overlooks the Shiranui Sea.
The hot springs have separate large communal baths for men and women, one indoor bath and one open-air bath. It feels as if time has stopped when you feel the sea breeze and the sound of the waves while looking out at the magnificent seascape that spreads out in front of you.
In the men's bath, there is a private solo bath called Kokage no Yu right next to the open-air bath, so you can enjoy a luxurious feeling. In addition to these large public baths, there are also private baths reserved for guests, such as a cypress bath and a horaana bath!
If you take a bus, it takes about 20 minutes from Minamata Station. Take the "Minakuru (Blue) Bus" bound for Yunoko and get off at "Yunoko". By car, it takes about 15 minutes from Minamata Interchange.
[Yunotsuru Area] Hotaru no Yu
The Yunotsuru Onsen Center-mae stop is about 30 minutes from Minamata Station on the Orange Bus. "Hotaru no Yu", located right next to it, is a city-run facility that is loved by local residents and available for 250 yen.
The hotel has a pleasant scent of wood, and the bathtub is also made of cypress. The 100% natural hot spring water is known locally as the ``beauty bath'' as it has a smooth texture that blends into your skin.
Inside the facility, there is a corner with local side dishes and special products, and a free rest space, so you can relax after soaking in the hot springs!
When entering, purchase a bathing ticket from the ticket vending machine next to the reception desk. Payment is only in cash, so be sure to have some change ready.
Accommodation: Guesthouse “TojiyA”
There are many historic hot spring inns in Yunotsuru Onsen, Yunoko, and I stayed at TojiyA, which is said to be the place to enjoy high-quality hot springs. This is a completely renovated inn that is a long-established inn in Yunotsuru Onsen, which has a history of 170 years.
The hot springs have one indoor bath for men and women. It is located on the basement level from the 1st floor, and the moment you enter, you will be enveloped in the scent of cypress.
There is a changing room at the top of the stairs, so take off your clothes and take a bath! There is an old saying that ``famous hot springs go down to the bottom'', and it is said that bathrooms located lower than buildings are closer to where the hot springs gush out, allowing you to enjoy fresher hot spring water.
The free-flowing hot spring, so when you step in, you can feel the water slowly seeping into your skin. The hot water has a smooth texture, and it stays moist even after you take a bath!
There are no showers, but instead there is a hot spring that free-flowing hot spring, so I used this to wash my body. If you would like to take a shower, we recommend using the private bath reserved for guests! Another great thing about hot springs is that you can enjoy them freely 24 hours a day. There are no amenities, so please bring your own. Shampoo conditioner can be purchased at the front desk for 80 yen each.
TojiyA does not have accommodation plans that include dinner, but there is a food stall run by the owner right in front of the guesthouse, where you can enjoy local ingredients and alcohol. A luxurious time where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks while soaking in the afterglow of the hot springs. You can forget about time and have fun.
For breakfast, there is a free light snack service, and you can enjoy bread and coffee.
You can enjoy authentic hot springs 24 hours a day, and you'll be very satisfied with the surprising price of less than 5,000 yen per night, which includes a simple breakfast! Day trip bathing is also possible, so be sure to stop by and take a look when you visit Yunotsuru Onsen.
Recommended before and after hot springs! Refresh your mind at Yude Shrine
A shrine located about 10 minutes walk from TojiyA. It is said that if you chant a wish in your mind as you climb the 50 stone steps each way, your wish will come true. It is a shrine that has a unique way of approaching by climbing up the stone steps from the right side to ward off bad things, and by descending from the left side to receive good energy from the gods.
Access to Yunotsuru Onsen
To access Yunoko and Yunotsuru Onsen, take a bus or taxi from JR Shin-Minamata Station or JR Minamata Station. If you use Minamata City's community bus, ``Minakuru Bus,'' you can easily access both areas from Minamata Station.
[Yunoko Onsen Area] "Minamata Station" - "Yunoko" Approximately 25 minutes
[Yunotsuru Onsen Area] "Minamata Station" - "Yunotsuru" Approximately 35 minutes
After getting off the bus, you can easily explore the hot spring area on foot!
When traveling from Tokyo by plane, Shinkansen, or bus
[Total time required: about 4 hours]
If you are coming from Tokyo, we recommend going via Fukuoka.
From the airport, take a flight to Fukuoka, and from Fukuoka Airport, take the subway Airport Line to Hakata Station, which is 2 stops away. From there, take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Minamata Station. From Shin-Minamata Station, take the Hisatsu Orange Railway to Minamata Station (1 stop).
[For Yunoko Onsen] From Minamata Station, take the Minamata City Community Bus "Minakuru (Blue) Bus" bound for Yunoko and get off at the "Yunoko" bus stop (about 25 minutes ride)
[For Yunotsuru Onsen] From Minamata Station, take the Minamata City Community Bus "Mikuru (Orange) Bus" bound for Shokawauchi and get off at the "Yunotsuru" or "Yunotsuru Onsen Center-mae" bus stop (about 35 minutes ride)
Buses run once every 1 or 2 hours on weekday mornings, and once every 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon. Last time is 6pm. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there are four trains per day, so please check the schedule and adjust your schedule accordingly.
When traveling from Osaka by Shinkansen and bus
[Total time required: about 4 hours]
From Shin-Osaka Station, take the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station. From Hakata Station, take the Kyushu Shinkansen to Shin-Minamata Station. From Shin-Minamata Station, take the Hisatsu Orange Railway to Minamata Station (1 stop).
[For Yunoko Onsen] From Minamata Station, take the Minamata City Community Bus "Minakuru (Blue) Bus" bound for Yunoko and get off at the "Yunoko" bus stop (about 25 minutes ride)
[For Yunotsuru Onsen] From Minamata Station, take the Minamata City Community Bus "Mikuru (Orange) Bus" bound for Shokawauchi and get off at the "Yunotsuru" or "Yunotsuru Onsen Center-mae" bus stop (about 35 minutes ride)
Buses run once every 1 or 2 hours on weekday mornings, and once every 2 or 3 hours in the afternoon. Last time is 6pm. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, there are four trains per day, so please check the schedule and adjust your schedule accordingly.
National hot spring resorts are designated by the Minister of the Environment under the Hot Springs Act as healthy hot spring resorts where the benefits of hot spring use are expected to be sufficient. 79 hot spring resorts have been designated nationwide (as of October 2024). National hot spring resorts are selected based on the following criteria. 1. Conditions regarding the quality and volume of hot spring water (1) The source of the hot spring water used must be a therapeutic spring. (2) The hot spring water used must have an abundant volume of water. The standard volume of water flow must be 0.5 liters per minute or more per hot spring user. 2. Conditions regarding the environment of the hot spring resort (1) The hot spring is suitable as a resort from the perspective of the natural environment, townscape, history, climate, culture, etc. (2) A plan for the placement of doctors who can provide guidance on proper hot spring use and health management from a medical perspective, or a plan for the placement or training policy of personnel who can provide guidance on bathing methods, etc. in cooperation with the doctors, must be established. (3) Appropriate efforts will be made to protect hot spring resources, manage the hygiene of hot springs, promote public use of hot springs, and take into consideration the elderly and disabled, etc. (4) Enhanced efforts to prevent disasters.
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