Onsenzu Onsen

At Yumotzu, pottery has been produced since ancient times. Household pottery such as "hando" with black patterns on a caramel-colored glaze and mortar bowls were created and transported throughout the country from the port. Additionally, there is a pottery facility called "Yakimono no Sato" in Yumotzu where you can enjoy handmade experiences and pottery exhibitions. There are various courses available, including a hand-forming experience course, where you can take home the pottery you make yourself. Locally made pottery features designs that are characteristic of contemporary arrangements while inheriting traditional techniques, making them popular souvenirs. After being healed by the hot springs, why not try the Yumotzu pottery experience and make your own original pottery?

Yakushiyu in Onsenzu Onsen is a natural hot spring that has been certified as "All 5," the highest rating given by the Japan Hot Spring Association. It is said that once you enter, you will become addicted to the abundant amount of water that springs forth. There are two types of hot springs: "Motenoyu," which has been flowing for about 1,300 years, and "Yakushiyu," which increased its water volume due to an earthquake during the Meiji period. Both have different water qualities, so you can enjoy both. The water temperature is 45-50 degrees Celsius, and the hot spring ingredients are also abundant, so you can expect beautiful skin effects. The communal bath has rocks laid out in the bathtub since "Motenoyu" is the source, and you can even massage your feet. You can enjoy the natural spring water flowing beside the source, which is said to boost immunity and prevent illness, so why not visit during your travels?

The Yunotsu hot springs have been registered as a World Heritage Site as part of the Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine and its cultural landscape, and have also been selected as an Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings. This hot spring town used to flourish as a port for shipping silver from the mine, and the town's streets still retain the history of that time. The river that flows through the hot spring town is surrounded by lush mountains, and the beautiful scenery is adorned with colorful flowers that change with the seasons. In addition, there are many hot spring inns in the surrounding area, where you can enjoy various types of hot springs such as rock baths and stone baths. These elements combine to create a mysterious scenery that feels like you've slipped back in time!

Yunotsu Onsen is considered one of the birthplaces of Iwami Kagura, a traditional performing art representative of the Iwami region. At Yunotsu Onsen, you can be enchanted by the solemn atmosphere of the shrine and the magnificent dance of Iwami Kagura. The night Kagura performed at Ryugumae Shrine, which has a connection to Yunotsu Port, features many acts that evoke the original dedication Kagura of Iwami Kagura, and you can be impressed by its grand scale. The precincts contain stone lanterns and ship votive tablets donated by ship owners, allowing you to experience the unique atmosphere of a port town. Prior reservation is required to observe Iwami Kagura, and those staying in Yunotsu Onsen have priority viewing. However, if there are seats available on the day, general customers can also observe. Iwami Kagura is a valuable experience that can only be had in the Iwami region, so why not touch upon the charm of Iwami Kagura when visiting Yunotsu Onsen?

Shintoyu Cafe Naizoujo is located in Onsenzu Onsen. This cafe is a retro cafe adjacent to the oldest hot spring facility in Onsenzu, "Yakushiyu," and features valuable architectural details such as an embedded ceiling and staircase. The space was renovated from a communal bath and is now furnished with English furniture passed down from the Naito family. The cafe has a calm atmosphere and allows you to experience the hot spring town with all five senses. Shintoyu Cafe Naizoujo is a non-smoking establishment and offers a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea, juice, and seasonal sweets as a cafe. You can feel the history and culture of the hot spring town at Shintoyu Cafe Naizoujo, making it an attractive spot for tourists!