About Yunogawa, the Center of Yamashiro Onsen
During the Edo period (1603-1867), hot spring towns were developed with pubic bathhouses at the center and hot spring inns lining the surrounding streets. Visitors would enjoy making numerous trips to the communal baths to ease their aches and pains, and also enjoy taking a stroll in the town or nearby countryside.
In the local Hokuriku dialect these public bathhouses were called soyu and the central district that developed around the bathhouses was called Yunogawa.
The original vibe of the hot spring resort still remains, allowing visitors to experience the hot spring culture of Japan that has continued through the ages.
Yunogawa
The Tale of Yamashiro Onsen: an Encounter with an Injured Crow
The mythical talismanic crow of the hot spring resort.
Yamashiro Onsen is said to have been founded about 1,300 years ago in 725 AD, when a high priest named Gyoki, on a pilgrimage to the sacred Mt. Hakusan, found a pool of water where a giant crow was healing its wounded wing.
The crow in this legend is the mythical three-legged giant crow called Yatagarasu that can sometimes appear as a sign of divine intervention. The water the crow used to heal its injured wing was a hot spring pool, leading people to affectionately call it "Karasu no Yu" (Crow's Hot Spring).
  • The mythical talismanic crow of the hot spring resort
  • The mythical talismanic crow of the hot spring resort
Kosoyu

Kosoyu古総湯

Restoration of Yunogawa and the Meiji Era Public Baths.

At the center of Yamashiro Onsen resort is Kosoyu, a restored Meiji era style communal bathhouse that allows visitors to enjoy not only the historical design features, but also the traditional bathing culture of a Japanese-style public bath. The Kutani porcelain tiles on the bathing area floor and walls have been restored to their original state, as has the rest area on the second floor. Furthermore, the streets of Yamashiro Onsen, which boasts 1,300 years of history, are still lined with traditional Japanese inns and local shops, all centered around the soyu public bathhouses.
This ancient streetscape and traditional atmosphere allows visitors to enjoy the experience of being in a classic Japanese hot spring resort town.

Hours of operation
Jan-Nov: 6am-10pm ; Dec-Feb: 7am–9pm
Closed
The 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 12:00 noon (regular business hours commence from noon)
Prices
Adults: 500 yen, Children (6 to 12 y.o.): 200 yen, Children (3 to 6 y.o.): 100 yen, Children under 3 years old: free
Spring Water Quality
Sodium, calcium sulfate, chloride (hypotonic, slightly alkaline, high-temperature spring)
Other Information
Please note that there are no showers or taps, and soap / shampoo are not permitted to be used. Please rinse your body with hot water before entering the bath.
Soyu

Soyu総湯

New public bath reconstructed 1,300 years after the opening of the original hot spring bath.

Yamashiro Onsen Hot Spring resort has built two new public baths in order to revitalize the central area of Yunogawa and to re-create the traditional atmosphere of the period.
The new baths offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy bathing comfortably in the high quality hot-spring water whilst experiencing the traditional atmosphere of the bathhouses, which utilize the gates of the former Yoshinoya Ryokan Inn to help create buildings in harmony with the surrounding townscape.

Opening Times
6am – 10pm
Closed
The 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:00 to 12:00 noon (regular business hours commence from noon)
Prices
Adults: 490 yen, Children (6 to under 12 y.o.): 130 yen, Children (3 to under 6 y.o.): 50 yen, Children under 3 years old: free
Spring Water Quality
Mixed spring water containing sodium, calcium sulfate, chloride (hypotonic, slightly alkaline, high temperature spring) and simple hot spring water (hypotonic, slightly alkaline, hot spring)
Other Information
  • Bathing amenities are not provided (bath towels / other amenities are available for purchase).
  • Hair dryer (10 yen / min) ; bath towels available to rent.
  • Changing room information:
    Ladies: lockers with keys (free of charge)
    Men: lockers without keys (valuables box available free of charge)
Please follow the rules below when bathing:
  • Be sure to bring a towel with you into the bathing area.
  • No running, swimming, or diving.
  • Swim suits may not be worn in the bath.
  • Please rinse your body with hot water before entering the bath.
  • Soap, shampoo, and razors may not be used in the bathing room.
  • Please ensure your towels and hair do not enter the bath water.
  • Please wipe down your body before returning to the changing room.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking water before and after bathing.
Hot Spring