Yunotani Onsen was a long-established hot spring facility with 228 years of history, located in Takaoka Town, Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture. Founded in 1792 (Kansei 4), it was beloved by local residents and hot spring enthusiasts for over 200 years.

The facility's origin is recorded on a stone monument erected in 1817 (Bunka 14). According to the inscription, water with a pleasant fragrance gushed forth vigorously from a rice field, and even during long periods without rain, the water never dried up and continued to flow in the field's channels. Later, a bathhouse was built, and it was noted that bathing in the water was highly effective for skin diseases. This historical account speaks to the high therapeutic efficacy of Yunotani Onsen.

The facility's greatest characteristic was its unique use of naturally flowing cold mineral spring water that was heated before use. The spring quality was sodium-bicarbonate cold mineral spring, known among hot spring enthusiasts as 'super slippery water.' It was characterized by a strong hydrogen sulfide aroma, particularly intense near the source outlet. The colorless, transparent cold mineral spring water turned reddish-brown when heated due to its iron content, creating an impressive visual effect.

Bathing provided a remarkably slippery and smooth sensation, leaving skin silky smooth. After bathing, visitors experienced a refreshing sense of invigoration. The spring was reputed to be effective for rheumatism, gastrointestinal disorders, neuralgia, and particularly skin diseases. Regular visitors reported that the owner would say, 'The building is old, but the hot spring is excellent.'

The facility was housed in a charming wooden building that conveyed a sense of history, with separate hot and cold water faucets in the washing area, preserving the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring bathhouse. The admission fee was a reasonable 420-450 yen, with operating hours from 10:00 to 18:00 and closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Unfortunately, due to decreased patronage from the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of a successor, the facility closed its doors on August 29, 2020, ending its 228-year history. However, its reputation as a famous spring and its historical value continue to occupy an important place in Miyazaki Prefecture's hot spring history.

【Closure Information】

Closed on August 29, 2020, after 228 years of operation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of successor.