Yugakai Onsen Nakamura Ryokan

Yugakai Onsen Nakamura Ryokan is a secluded single-inn hot spring established in 1916 (Taisho 5), nestled along the Yugakai River, a tributary of the Gonokawa River, in Misato Town, Ochi District, Shimane Prefecture. Located within Daisen-Oki National Park along the historic Iwami Ginzan Kaido road, this hot spring is said to have been flowing since the Warring States period. The area is also known as the final resting place of Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, a revered Man''yoshu poet, and the renowned poet Saito Mokichi visited this site for his research. The surrounding nature is so pristine that fireflies dance along the river in summer.

The spring water is classified as a weakly radioactive sodium chloride-bicarbonate spring (hypertonic, neutral, low-temperature), with a source temperature of 30.6 degrees Celsius and a pH of 6.8. It contains 170mg of metasilicic acid, earning it recognition as a beauty skin spring. Although the source water is heated using firewood due to its low temperature, it is served as free-flowing natural source water. The most striking feature is the natural mineral deposits accumulated over many years around the bathtub, forming terraced layers resembling rice paddies — a natural work of art. The thorium content is said to be the highest in Japan. The salt content wraps the skin like a veil, providing excellent moisturizing and heat-retention properties.

The inn operates on a complete reservation-only basis, limited to one group per day, offering a private indoor bath experience. Overnight stays with two meals cost 20,550 yen per person (tax and bathing tax included), and day-trip bathing with lunch costs 4,000 yen (tax included, minimum 2 guests, 11:00-13:00, 2 hours). The family-run inn is known for its warm hospitality and homemade regional cuisine. Therapeutic indications include neuralgia, joint pain, muscle soreness, fatigue recovery, and chronic skin conditions.