Shimane’s Hidden Gem: A Night-and-Day Tour of Yunotsu Onsen
Bold statement. Sheains Yunatsu Anson is the hidden alleyway to a time warp Japan where retro bathous, fishing boats, and a centuries old silver mine fuse into a single unforgettable experience. And this is the part most people miss. You don’t just visit, you live a little in a storybook town that feels pulled from a classic film. Charmaine Prefecture reveals a treasure trove of offbeat destinations that escape the crowds and immerse you in culture. One standout is Yunatsu Anen, part of the world heritage site known as Iwami Ginsen Silver Mine and its cultural landscape. The town’s name even invites playful ambiguity in Japanese. Wen Jin Wanchchen, Yinatu Anansen, visually resembles a hot spring sandwich with the harbor kanji jin flanked by the word for hot springs. It’s easy to misread it as Anen Suansen, which adds a touch of whimsy to the visit. Geographically, Yunatsu sits in the city of Oda and is conveniently reachable from Yunatsu station on the JR Sanin main line. Most of the town is within a 30inut stroll, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration on foot. Upon stepping off the train in the evening, Marie Moramoto was enveloped by a nostalgic ambiencece. The bath house facads glow and light spills from windows, creating the cinematic feel of a town lifted straight from a movie set. Once a thriving port town during the peak of the silver trade, Yunatsu now thrives as a cherished hot spring destination. Its other big draw is the freshly caught seafood served along the shoreline, offering a taste of the local bounty. For dinner, she dined at Manato no Shakuro Canan, a place that specializes in set meals and iseka style dishes centered on local seafood. Whether fried or served as pristine sashimi, the fish impressed, as did the cozy Odin and homegrown vegetables. A standout dessert was the intensely rich yunatu pudding. Her lodging for the night was Hismo, a whole house rental renovated from a traditional home located about a 20inut walk north of the dinner precinct. The house preserves the charm of an old mountain residence while adding modern comforts. Its warmly lit interior and quiet surroundings created a wonderfully cozy atmosphere. The property includes a large, fully equipped kitchen, and guests can also arrange catered meals in advance for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If time allowed, there’s a nearby beach only a 3minut walk away that offers a sunset view over the sea of Japan. Yinatu Anson shines both at night and in the early morning. Yakashiu with its stunning stained glass exterior is open year round until 9:00 p.m. It’s also possible to catch town views from the rooftop. In the morning, Marie visited Senyuko Yunatsu Motou Onen, which opens at 6:00 a.m. for guests who want to soak from dawn onward. Both Senyuko and Yakushi source their waters from nearby springs. So, the baths run quite hot. Senyuko provides three temperature options. Hot water at 46 to 48° C, 114 to 118° F, warm water at 43 to 44° C, and a 38 to 40° C option suitable for firsttime bthers. Locals in Yunatsu often enjoy baths that exceed typical home temperatures, reflecting a culture that relishes the warmth of hot springs. If you’re concerned about jumping into the wrong bath, staff are on hand to guide you to the right temperature. As a parting momento, you can take home a small pouch of hot spring water. Though, it’s best to leave the sampling to staff to avoid curious looks from fellow guests. Although Marie’s visit was a single night, the town’s nostalgic scenery, dectable seafood, cozy lodging, and soothing hot springs left a lasting impression. She yearned to linger longer, explore more cafes, and savor additional coastal views. Yatsu’s magnetic charm invites curious travelers to uncover other hidden gems Japan has tucked away for intrepid explorers. Location highlights Minato no Shakurken address Ken Odisher, Yunatsu Cho, Kohama I 11:09 to 17. Open 7:30 to 9:00, 11:30 to,400 hours, 17:30 to 2100 hours. Closed Mondays hours may vary. Instagram https colon/www.instagram.com/ken_unatsu instagram.com/ken_unatsu ism address shamken odishure yunatsu cho yatsui 588 to1 website https col//hisum.jp JP Yakushiu address Shemain Ken Odisher Yunatsu Cho Yunatsu 7 Open 9 to 2100 hours weekdays 8 to 2100 hours/h holidays last entry 2030 admission adults 600 yen children 300 yen website https/wwwunatsu.com Senyukuro Motoyu Anen address Shema Ken Odisher Yunatsu Cho Yatsuo 208:1 Open 6 to 2000 hours marov 6 to,900 hours deck February fees adults 500 yen children 250 yen website https/www ww.wami.org.jp/sunatsu photos copyright sorne 24. If you’d like more travel ideas like this, follow Sorne News24 on Facebook and Twitter for the latest stories.
Discover Yunotsu Onsen, a World Heritage–linked hot spring town in Shimane Prefecture that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film. This video guides you through retro bathhouses, fresh seafood straight from the sea, and cozy inns like Hisom and Minato no Shokudo Kan. We’ll ride the JR San-In Main Line, stroll through lantern-lit streets, and reveal how Yunotsu’s baths operate at different temperatures—from blistering hot to warm—plus where to catch a seaside sunset. Perfect for travelers seeking a quieter, culturally rich Japan away from the crowds.
