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In search of a “secret hot spring” known only to those in the know, head to “Yunokuchi Onsen”! Take a retro hot spring trip on a trolley train

掲載日:2019.01.30

A ``secret hot spring'' that is quietly located deep in the mountains and in the middle of nature, where transportation is not always convenient. The appeal is that you can experience a ``special feeling'' that is not found in famous hot spring areas. "Yunokuchi Onsen" in KumanoCity is a spot worthy of being called "Mie's secret hot spring." As we rode on the retro trolley train, we were greeted by a landscape that could be described as the ``original landscape of Japan''!

A ``secret hot spring'' that is quietly located deep in the mountains and in the middle of nature, where transportation is not always convenient. The appeal is that you can experience a ``special feeling'' that is not found in famous hot spring areas.

"Yunokuchi Onsen" in KumanoCity is a spot worthy of being called "Mie's secret hot spring."
As we rode on the retro trolley train, we were greeted by a landscape that could be described as the ``original landscape of Japan''! We will introduce you in detail!

When I went to Yunoguchi Onsen, I first came to Iruka Onsen Hotel Seiryuso.

It takes about 2 hours by car from Tsu, the capital of Mie Prefecture, to arrive at the nearest IC, Kumano Owase Road's Kumano Odomari IC.
About a 40 minute drive from there, Iruka Onsen Hotel Toryuso is located in a location surrounded by the great nature of Okukumano.

There are no dining facilities at Yunoguchi Onsen, which we are going to, and the only accommodations are bungalows, cottages, and lodges, so if you want to spend a relaxing time at a hotel and enjoy meals, you should stay at Iruka Onsen Hotel Toryuso. We highly recommend that you visit Yunoguchi Onsen!

Before going to Yunoguchi Onsen, I would like to introduce you to the room at ``Soryuso'' where you will be staying today.
This is the "Japanese-Western style room" in the new building that was renovated in 2016.

Relaxing ``Japanese consideration'' and sophisticated ``Western functional beauty.'' Two different cultures create a wonderful space.

In addition to the ``Japanese-Western style rooms,'' there are ``Western-style rooms'' where you can relax on a large bed, and ``Japanese-style rooms'' where you can enjoy the atmosphere of a Japanese-style inn, so you can choose according to your preference.

Save "Iruka Onsen" inside the hotel for later and go to "Yunokuchi Onsen" first! !

There is a Torokko train station just a short walk from Soryuso.

[Trolley train timetable]
<Departing from Soryusou> 8:50, 9:55, 11:15, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00
<From Yunoguchi Onsen> 9:30, 10:55, 12:35, 14:10, 15:40, 17:10

[Trolley train fare]
<One-way> Adults 280 yen, Children 150 yen <Round trip> Adults 550 yen, Children 280 yen
<Round trip ticket with Yunoguchi Onsen bathing ticket> Adults 880 yen, children 440 yen

As the timing was perfect, the trolley train was just about to depart!

Kiwa-cho, KumanoCity City was once famous as a ``mining town,'' and copper has been mined there for over 1,200 years.
This "trolley" was actually used in the mine. You can feel the history of the town in its retro feel.

Bend over and go inside. I'm excited until I leave!

I was able to ride in the first car! It's also nice to be able to see the view ahead.

Experience the “rattling” that makes your body shake!

It's fun and has a real feel that you can't get at an amusement park or leisure facility!
Proceed through the ``former mine tunnel'' that lasts approximately 1 km.

The ride on the “Trolley Train” took about 10 minutes, and it was fun and felt like an adventure!

When you arrive at Yunoguchi Onsen Station, you will be greeted with a vast natural landscape that can be described as an unexplored region.
A stunning location that will take your breath away!

About 2 minutes walk from the station, you will arrive at "Yunokuchi Onsen"!
I would like to enjoy the long-awaited hot spring!

The interior is carefully designed using Kumano wood, a high-quality wood.

The spacious lounge is a popular ``relaxing place'' not only for tourists but also for locals.

Enjoy the long-awaited open-air bath at Yunoguchi Onsen!

Your body will be warmed up in the hot springs, which are fed directly from the source without adding any water or heating!

I feel that here lies the ``original form of hot springs'' that the Japanese people cherish.
You can enjoy hot springs in a variety of ways, including lying down, standing, and half-body bathing!

The ``laying bath'' where you can relax in a comfortable position is especially recommended. I was warmed from the core of my body and the daily fatigue was blown away!

After enjoying the hot springs, walk around the area until the trolley train departs.

Although you cannot stay overnight at Yunoguchi Onsen itself, there are bungalows and cottages in the surrounding area that can be used for one night or more.

name

Yumoto Sanso Yunoguchi Onsen

address
10 Yunoguchi KumanoCity Kiwacho, Kumano 519-5416
telephone number

0597-97-1126

Fee

Adults 550 yen, children 280 yen

business hours

9:00-21:00 (last entry until 20:15)

holiday

Irregular holidays

parking

can be

Access by public transportation

From JR KumanoCity Station, take a 70-minute bus bound for Kiwacho, get off at Ogawaguchi, then take a 10-minute trolley train.

Access by car

Approximately 45 minutes from KumanoCity via National Route 311 https://www.seiryusou.com/yunokuchi/access.html 

You can also go from “Soryuso” to “Yunokuchi Onsen” by “rail mountain bike”! It's full of thrills as it runs through the tunnel on the same route as the trolley! !

[Rail mountain bike timetable]
<Departing from Soryusou> 8:35, 9:40, 11:00, 12:45, 14:15, 15:45
<From Yunoguchi Onsen> 9:20, 10:45, 12:25, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00

[Rail mountain bike fee] 2,650 yen per pair, 650 yen per bench seat (towing vehicle) (reservation required. Minimum of 2 people apply. As a general rule, round trip service is available.)

name

[Suspended (as of April 20, 2023)] Rail Mountain Bike

address
158 KumanoCity Kiwacho, Kumano 519-5417
telephone number

05979-7-1180

Official URL
Fee

Hybrid car 1 unit 2 people 1 group 2,650 yen
Bench seat (towing vehicle) 1 unit 650 yen
*Reservation required. Application from 2 people
*As a general rule, it is a round trip service.

holiday

Irregular holidays

parking

can be

Access by car

Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kumano Odomari IC

When we returned to ``Soryuso'', it was time for dinner.

At the restaurant Seiran, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients.
I'm already hungry!

Attracted by the name, which has a strong local flavor, I ordered the "Kiwa Miso Sankai Ramen" (800 yen/tax included).

The soup is made with ``Kiwa miso,'' which is made only from domestically produced rice, soybeans, and salt, and has a deep flavor.
Luxurious ramen with plenty of seafood and vegetables!

Return to "Soryuso" and head to "Iruka Onsen" inside the hotel.
It has long been known as a high-quality hot spring, and the soft water gently soothes the mind and body.

An open-air bath with a pleasant breeze blowing in from the mountains and rivers.

You can experience Kumano's nature from a different perspective than at Yunoguchi Onsen, and this is also a blissful time!

*As of January 2019, "Iruka Onsen" is using "Yunokuchi Onsen" due to improvement work on the source pump.

The ``view from the open-air bath'' overlooking the clear stream ``Kitayama River'' is also amazing!
You will once again experience the majesty of HigashiKishu 's nature.

Additionally, a traditional event called the Kiwa Fire Festival is held every August on the riverbed of the Kitayama River, and you can watch it from the inn.
It's a powerful festival where lit torches are released into the night sky and the roar of fireworks echoes through the mountains!


Click here for details on the Kiwa Fire Festival!

This trip, I was able to enjoy two types of hot springs at once. At Yunoguchi Onsen, where you can ride a retro trolley train, you can experience a special sense of healing, and at Iruka Onsen, you will be surprised by the spectacular view from the open-air bath. I would like to use this trip as an opportunity to discover on my own the charms of HigashiKishu area, which even the people of Mie Prefecture don't know about!

name

Iruka Onsen Hotel Soryuso

address
158 KumanoCity Kiwacho, Kumano 519-5417
telephone number

0597-97-1180

Official URL
Fee

Day trip bathing: 630 yen for adults, 520 yen for people over 65 and with disabilities, 320 yen for children

business hours

・Day trip bathing 12:00-21:00 (last reception 20:30)
・Day restaurant: Lunch 11:00-14:30 (LO 14:00)
Dinner 18:00-20:30 (LO20:00)
*Due to infection prevention measures, our hours will be 17:30-20:00 (LO 19:30) for the time being.
・Shop 7:30-20:30

holiday

No holidays

parking

can be

Access by public transportation

47 minutes by bus from JR KumanoCity Station 40 minutes by car from JR Shingu Station

Access by car

Approximately 40 minutes from KumanoCity via National Route 311 https://seiryusou.com/access.html

Related spots

Yunoguchi Onsen

Yumoto Sanso Yunoguchi Onsen

HigashiKishu

KumanoCity

Yunoguchi Onsen is a popular secret hot spring in Kumano that was completely renovated and opened in March 2015. The hot spring building, which is made from Kumano cedar and has the scent of wood, has indoor baths, open-air baths, and standing baths, and the hot spring water flowing directly from the source will soothe those who come. With an abundant amount of hot spring water and high-quality hot springs, it is not only suitable for day trip bathing, but also has lodging facilities such as bungalows and lodges, so many people enjoy relaxing in the hot springs while staying overnight. We recommend taking the trolley train from Hotel Soryuso. There are also set tickets for the trolley train and bathing.

Appearance 1

Iruka Onsen Hotel Soryuso

HigashiKishu

KumanoCity

"Iruka Onsen Hotel Soryuso" is located in Kiwa-cho, KumanoCity, Mie Prefecture, on a scenic hill facing the downstream of the scenic spot "Doro Doro-kyoGorge", where you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing stay with a spectacular view of the open-air bath overlooking the beautiful river surface. This is a hot spring accommodation facility where you can enjoy your stay. The Kumano Kodo, MaruyamaSenmaida rice fields known as Japan's best rice terraces, the ruins of Akagi Castle, Kumano Hongu Taisha (Kumano Sanzan), and Tamaki Shrine are scattered nearby, making it a popular tourist destination as it is close to heritage sites and famous spots in Wakayama and Nara. The location is very convenient for access. You can also enjoy a valuable experience with the adjacent ``Trolley Train'' that runs through the approximately 1km tunnel of a former mine, which leads to the secret hot spring ``Yunokuchi Onsen'' which is fed by natural hot springs. In addition, our chefs prepare each and every dish with care, using plenty of local ingredients such as KumanoJidori(TheLocalBrandChicken), Kumano beef, and Katsuura raw tuna to enjoy seasonal local cuisine. We look forward to welcoming you. You can also use the restaurant for day trips. As a base for your Kumano trip, this inn boasts trolleys, hot springs, and cuisine. Please do come.

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