Yumura Hot Spring, Hyogo Prefecture Complete Guide | Thorough Explanation of the Historic Beautiful Water Hot Spring and the Charm of Arawu
Yumura Hot Spring, located in Shin-Onsen Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, is a renowned hot spring of the San’in region boasting a history of over 1,200 years continuing since the Heian period. Centered around “Arawu,” a hot spring that gushes forth at the high temperature of 98 degrees, a picturesque hot spring town spreads along the Haruki River, becoming nationally known as the setting for the NHK drama “Yumechijo Nikki.” This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Yumura Hot Spring, covering its history, spring quality, tourist spots, gourmet food, and access methods.
History and Origins of Yumura Hot Spring
Ancient Hot Spring with 1,200 Years of History
The history of Yumura Hot Spring dates back to Kasho 1 (848). It is said that Jikaku Daishi Ennin, a high priest of the Tendai sect, discovered this hot spring while traveling through various provinces. Since its opening, the spring has continued to flow without decline in either quantity or quality, becoming deeply rooted in the lives of local people.
Developing as a thermal bath facility since the early Heian period, Yumura Hot Spring has served as an important place of healing in Tajima Province (present-day northern Hyogo Prefecture), becoming cherished by many people.
Rediscovery as the Land of Yumechijo
Yumura Hot Spring became nationally known as a result of the television drama “Yumechijo Nikki” broadcast on NHK in 1981 (Showa 56). This drama, starring Sayuri Yoshinaga, unfolded against the evocative scenery of Yumura Hot Spring, and its melancholic atmosphere captured the hearts of many viewers.
Since then, Yumura Hot Spring has been cherished as “the land of Yumechijo” and “the village of hot spring mist,” becoming a popular hot spring destination visited by drama fans and tourists seeking the atmosphere of a retro hot spring town. A statue of Yumechijo has been placed along the Haruki River, and many tourists continue to visit for commemorative photos.
Spring Quality and Benefits of Yumura Hot Spring
High-Temperature Hot Spring “Arawu” at 98 Degrees
The greatest characteristic of Yumura Hot Spring is “Arawu,” located in the center of the hot spring town. From this source spring, high-temperature hot water at 98 degrees gushes forth at a rate of 470 liters per minute, and its abundant volume is among the foremost in Japan. Steam constantly rises around Arawu, creating a unique atmosphere with the scent of sulfur drifting through the air.
Local people utilize this high-temperature hot spring in their daily lives, and scenes of boiling eggs and vegetables are commonly seen. Tourists can also use Arawu to make hot spring eggs and hot spring vegetables, which has become popular as a unique way to enjoy Yumura Hot Spring.
Spring Quality as Beautiful Water Hot Spring
The spring quality of Yumura Hot Spring is sodium-calcium bicarbonate-chloride-sulfate spring water. This colorless and transparent hot water is weakly alkaline and gentle on the skin, known as “beautiful water hot spring.”
Main benefits:
- Neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain
- Fifty-shoulder, motor paralysis, joint stiffness
- Bruises, sprains, chronic digestive disorders
- Hemorrhoids, coldness, post-illness recovery period
- Fatigue recovery, health promotion
- Cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases
In particular, because it contains abundant soda components, it softens the skin’s keratin and creates a smooth skin texture, making it highly reputed for its skin-beautifying effects.
Abundant Piping System
A characteristic feature of Yumura Hot Spring is that hot spring water is piped to each household in the hot spring town. This abundant volume allows local residents to use hot springs in their daily lives, with hot springs becoming an integral part of life. Many inns and hotels offer hot spring experiences with source water flowing directly, allowing for luxurious bathing experiences.
Major Tourist Spots in Yumura Hot Spring
Enjoying Hot Spring Experiences at Arawu
The center of Yumura Hot Spring sightseeing is “Arawu.” At this location where the source spring flows, various hot spring experiences are possible.
Arawu Eggs
Hot spring eggs made using Arawu’s high-temperature hot spring are a specialty of Yumura Hot Spring. Simply bring eggs or purchase them at a nearby shop, then soak them in the hot spring for approximately 15 minutes, and perfectly soft-boiled eggs with semi-firm yolks and slightly firm whites are ready. The hot spring eggs dusted with salt on the spot have an exquisite taste.
Arawu Tofu
Tofu boiled in hot spring water is also a specialty of Yumura Hot Spring. Boiling tofu in hot spring water rich in soda components makes the tofu’s surface smooth and creates a unique texture. It can be purchased at local tofu shops and is also served at dining establishments.
Foot Bath and Hand Bath
There are multiple foot bath spots around Arawu where hot springs can be enjoyed for free. A new foot bath and hand bath was born in a pocket park in 2023, making it possible to enjoy hot springs more comfortably. Foot baths that can be easily accessed during sightseeing strolls are very popular with tourists.
Strolling Along the Haruki River
The hot spring town of Yumura Hot Spring is formed along the Haruki River. Willow trees are planted along the river, creating a picturesque landscape. At night, the area is lit up, allowing visitors to enjoy strolling in a mystical atmosphere.
Carp swim in the Haruki River, and visitors can experience feeding them. Strolling while listening to the gentle sound of the river becomes a healing time that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of daily life.
A handprint of enka singer Ayajoji Sho was newly added to the Haruki River waterfront area in May 2024, and an unveiling ceremony was held. Together with handprints of other celebrities, it has become a popular commemorative photo spot.
Yumechijo Hall
A facility where you can experience the world of “Yumechijo Nikki.” Costumes, props, and photographs used in the drama are on display, making it a must-see for drama fans. Inside the hall, you can feel the atmosphere of a Showa-era hot spring town.
Refresh Park Yumura
A hot spring leisure facility located slightly away from the hot spring town. It features water-playable hot spring pools, heated pools, open-air baths, and more, making it popular with families. You can enjoy a variety of hot spring facilities while admiring nature in all four seasons.
Toji Hall
A facility where you can experience local sake culture. You can learn about the history and culture of sake brewing in the Tajima region, and a tasting corner allows you to sample local sake. Events such as “Monthly Sake Tasting Meetings” are held regularly, making it an irresistible spot for sake enthusiasts.
※Toji Hall has regular closing days, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association’s official website before visiting.
Gourmet Information of Yumura Hot Spring
Fresh Seafood from the Japan Sea
Shin-Onsen Town, where Yumura Hot Spring is located, is close to Hamasakakoji Port facing the Japan Sea, where fresh seafood can be enjoyed. Below are the notable gourmet offerings worthy of attention.
Matsuba Crab
Matsuba crab, the king of winter delicacies, is at its peak from November to March. Fresh crabs landed at Hamasakakoji Port can be enjoyed in various preparations including sashimi, grilled crab, crab hotpot, and crab porridge. Many inns offer winter-limited crab kaiseki plans.
Firefly Squid
Hamasakakoji Port boasts Japan’s highest volume of firefly squid landings. Firefly squid, which reaches its peak in early spring, is served as sashimi or boiled, offering rich flavor and unique texture. Fresh firefly squid is a taste unique to Yumura Hot Spring.
Tajima Beef
Tajima beef, a prestigious brand beef of Hyogo Prefecture, can also be savored at Yumura Hot Spring. Characterized by finely marbled meat and tender texture, it is served in various dishes including steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.
Hot Spring Gourmet
In addition to the aforementioned arawu eggs and arawu tofu, gourmet items utilizing hot springs can be enjoyed. Hot spring buns and dishes prepared with hot spring water allow visitors to experience food culture unique to Yumura Hot Spring.
The hot spring town has individual cafes and dining establishments scattered throughout, and stopping by while strolling is also recommended. Creative cuisine using local ingredients and retro-atmosphere tea houses offer diverse culinary experiences.
Accommodations in Yumura Hot Spring
From Historic Inns to Modern Hotels
Yumura Hot Spring offers a diverse range of accommodations, from historic inns founded over 100 years ago to modern hotels with up-to-date facilities.
Historic Inns
At inns in traditional wooden architecture, visitors can experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Guests can enjoy luxurious hot spring vacations with direct source hot springs, seasonal kaiseki cuisine, and attentive service.
Modern Hotels
Hotels with modern facilities offer comfortable stays. Guest rooms with open-air baths, barrier-free facilities, and other accommodations cater to diverse needs.
Welcome Baby Inns
Including “Yumura Hot Spring Midoriya,” which grandly opened in April 2023, facilities certified as “Welcome Baby Inns” allow families with young children to stay with peace of mind. New attractions include an open-air bath with a garden designed by world-renowned landscape designer Kazuyuki Ishihara.
Accommodation Reservation Methods
Accommodations at Yumura Hot Spring can be reserved through the following methods:
- Yumura Hot Spring Inn and Beverage Association: Telephone (0796-92-0800, 12:00-17:00) or email (info@yumura.gr.jp) for availability confirmation and reservations.
- Online Reservation Sites: Many accommodations are listed on major booking sites such as Rakuten Travel, Jalan.net, and Yuko Yuko.
- Direct Reservation: Direct reservation is also possible through each inn’s and hotel’s official website.
Early reservations are recommended during peak seasons (New Year’s holidays, Golden Week, summer vacation, and winter crab season).
Tourist Spots Around Yumura Hot Spring
Koyama Plateau Eco-Museum
Located approximately 30 minutes by car from Yumura Hot Spring, the Koyama Plateau is a highland area at an elevation of approximately 800 meters. From spring to autumn, wild flowers bloom in vast grasslands, making it ideal for hiking and trekking. In winter, snow-covered landscapes are beautiful, and activities such as snowshoeing can be enjoyed.
The eco-museum features exhibits about the plateau’s nature and ecosystem, and nature guide tours are conducted. It is a spot where visitors can refresh themselves in nature unavailable in urban areas.
Tajima Pasture Park
Located approximately 20 minutes by car from Yumura Hot Spring, Tajima Pasture Park offers animal interaction experiences and barbecuing. Visitors can interact with cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals grazing in the vast pasture, and programs such as milk-milking experiences and butter-making workshops are available.
It is a popular spot with families and is frequently visited by tourists in combination with hot spring visits.
San’in Kaigan Geopark
Shin-Onsen Town, where Yumura Hot Spring is located, is within the San’in Kaigan Geopark area. The geopark features diverse topography created by the rough Japan Sea, including sheer cliffs, rocky outcrops, and sandy beaches.
Driving or cycling along beautiful coastlines such as Hamasaka Coast and Moyose Coast is also recommended. At the geopark’s visitor center, visitors can learn in detail about this region’s geology and nature.
Cultural Facilities in Shin-Onsen Town
Within Shin-Onsen Town, there are other appealing cultural facilities beyond hot springs. Museums where visitors can learn about local history and culture, traditional craft experience facilities, and more are worth visiting during a Yumura Hot Spring stay.
Access to Yumura Hot Spring
Access by Train
By JR
- From Osaka: Get off at “Hamasaka Station” on the JR Sanin Main Line, then bus for approximately 25 minutes
- From Kyoto: Get off at “Hamasaka Station” on the JR Sanin Main Line, then bus for approximately 25 minutes
- From Kobe: Get off at “Hamasaka Station” on the JR Sanin Main Line, then bus for approximately 25 minutes
From Hamasaka Station, Zentan Bus operates route buses to Yumura Hot Spring. It is recommended to confirm the bus schedule in advance.
Access by Car
Travel time from major cities
- From Osaka: Approximately 3 hours via the Chugoku Expressway, Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, and National Route 9
- From Kobe: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via the Bantan Connection Road, Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, and National Route 9
- From Kyoto: Approximately 3 hours via the Kyoto縦貫 Expressway, Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, and National Route 9
- From Tottori: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via National Route 9
The nearest interchange is “Yachiyou Hyounou Yama IC” on the Kita-Kinki Toyooka Expressway, from which it takes approximately 50 minutes via National Route 9.
In addition to inn parking lots, public parking areas are available in the hot spring town. However, parking areas may become congested during peak seasons, so early arrival is recommended.
Bus Tours
Bus tours to Yumura Hot Spring are operated from major cities including Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto. Various tours are available, including day-trip and overnight plans, so it is worthwhile to search travel agency websites.
Event Information of Yumura Hot Spring
Year-Round Events
Various events are held throughout the year in Yumura Hot Spring.
Yumechijo Festival (May)
This event commemorates “Yumechijo Nikki,” which made Yumura Hot Spring nationally known. Parades, food stalls, stage events, and more enliven the hot spring town.
Yumura Hot Spring Festival (August)
A summer tradition featuring fireworks displays, bon dances, food stalls, and more. The nighttime fireworks illuminating the sky can be viewed from along the Haruki River.
Crab Kingdom Opening Ceremony (November)
An event held to coincide with the opening of crab fishing season. Crab dishes are served and crab-themed events are held.
Yumura Fire Festival (January)
A winter tradition where local people carrying torches parade through the hot spring town. In a mystical atmosphere, wishes are offered for good health and abundant harvests.
Monthly Sake Tasting Meeting
“Monthly Sake Tasting Meetings” are held at Toji Hall each month. This event allows sake enthusiasts to compare and enjoy local sake from the Tajima region. Details about dates and participation methods are available on the Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association’s official website.
Ways to Enjoy Yumura Hot Spring and Model Courses
Day Trip Hot Spring Course
10:00 Arrival at Yumura Hot Spring, park your car
10:15 Experience making hot spring eggs at Arawu
11:00 Sightsee the hot spring town, walk along the Haruki River
12:00 Lunch at local restaurants (seafood rice bowls or Tajima beef dishes)
13:30 Bathe at a day-trip hot spring facility
15:00 Taste local sake at Toji Hall
16:00 Purchase souvenirs, depart from Yumura Hot Spring
1-Night 2-Day Full Experience Course
Day 1
14:00 Arrive at Yumura Hot Spring, check in at inn
15:00 Relax in the inn’s hot spring
18:00 Dinner with kaiseki cuisine at the inn
20:00 Evening stroll through the hot spring town, enjoy lighting
21:00 Evening bath in the inn’s hot spring
Day 2
7:00 Early morning hot spring bath
8:00 Breakfast at the inn
10:00 After check-out, experience making hot spring eggs at Arawu
11:00 Visit Yumechijo Hall
12:00 Lunch at a hot spring town cafe
13:30 Travel to Koyama Plateau Eco-Museum
15:00 Explore Koyama Plateau
17:00 Depart from Yumura Hot Spring
2-Night 3-Day Regional Sightseeing Course
In addition to the 1-night 2-day course, tour nearby sightseeing destinations such as San’in Kaigan Geopark, Tajima Pasture Park, and Kinosaki Hot Spring from the afternoon of day 2 through day 3. With a rental car, visitors can explore the surrounding area with greater freedom.
Universal Tourism Initiatives
Yumura Hot Spring is making efforts to promote universal tourism under the concept of “safe travel for everyone.”
Barrier-Free Accommodations
Barrier-free improvements are progressing at major facilities in the hot spring town. Features include wheelchair-accessible foot baths and footpaths without steps, allowing elderly people and those with physical disabilities to enjoy hot springs.
Some inns offer barrier-free guest rooms and private baths, allowing those requiring assistance to stay with peace of mind. Some accommodations will accommodate individual needs if discussed at the time of reservation.
Welcome Baby Initiatives
As mentioned above, facilities certified as “Welcome Baby Inns” are equipped with facilities and services allowing families with babies to stay with confidence. Amenities such as baby beds, diaper-changing spaces, and baby food provisions are available to ensure comfortable stays for families with small children.
SNS Posts Sharing the “Current State” of Yumura Hot Spring
The Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association shares the latest information about the hot spring town through its official social media accounts.
Instagram Official Account
The Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association’s official Instagram account (@yumura_spa) regularly posts seasonal views of the hot spring town, event information, and gourmet information. With over 2,800 followers, it is cherished by many hot spring enthusiasts.
The charm of Yumura Hot Spring is visually conveyed through beautiful photographs, including the steam of Arawu, carp swimming in the Haruki River, seasonal flowers, and the nighttime illumination of the hot spring town. Checking before your visit allows you to understand the latest attractions and congestion conditions.
Other Social Media
In addition to Instagram, information is shared on Facebook and Twitter. Timely information is available, including event announcements, notices of temporary closures, and seasonal recommendations.
Searching with hashtags “#Yumura Hot Spring” and “#Land of Yumechijo” allows you to find posts from tourists who have actually visited, serving as real word-of-mouth information.
Link Collection of Helpful External Sites for Trips
Useful related sites for planning a trip to Yumura Hot Spring are introduced.
Official Sites
- Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association: A comprehensive information site for Yumura Hot Spring. The latest information including event details, accommodations, and tourist spots is posted.
- Shin-Onsen Town Official Site: Tourism information and administrative information for the entire Shin-Onsen Town.
- Hamasaka Tourism Association: Tourism information around Hamasaka Port and information about seafood.
Regional Tourism Information
- Tajima Information Express: A portal site covering tourism information for the entire Tajima region.
- San’in Kaigan Geopark Promotion Council: Information about geopark highlights and events.
- Tottori City Tourism Site: Tourism information for adjacent Tottori Prefecture, convenient when visiting together with Yumura Hot Spring.
Transportation Information
- Zentan Bus: Bus schedules from Hamasaka Station to Yumura Hot Spring.
- JR West Japan: Train schedule and fare information for access.
Accommodation Reservation Sites
- Rakuten Travel: Search and reserve accommodations at Yumura Hot Spring.
- Jalan.net: Select from abundant accommodation plans.
- Yuko Yuko: A reservation site specializing in hot spring vacations.
Using these sites allows for planning a more fulfilling Yumura Hot Spring trip.
Conclusion: Refresh Body and Mind at Yumura Hot Spring
Yumura Hot Spring, located in Shin-Onsen Town, Mikata District, Hyogo Prefecture, is a renowned hot spring of the San’in region with a history of 1,200 years. Centered around Arawu, a high-temperature hot spring at 98 degrees, the picturesque hot spring town spreading along the Haruki River is cherished by many as “the land of Yumechijo.”
Yumura Hot Spring is filled with diverse charms, including spring water expected to have skin-beautifying effects, direct source hot springs due to abundant volume, fresh Japan Sea seafood and Tajima beef, and nature-rich tourist attractions in the surrounding area.
Whether enjoying a day trip, staying overnight, or for extended stays, Yumura Hot Spring offers various styles of enjoyment. Why not take a trip to this hot spring town with leisurely time flow, refreshing both body and mind away from urban hustle and bustle?
For the latest information, check the Yumura Hot Spring Tourism Association’s official website and social media, and understand seasonal events and highlights for a fulfilling Yumura Hot Spring experience.
