Yumura Onsen and 6 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in the Charming New Onsen Town

Shinonsen Town, located at the northwestern tip of Hyogo Prefecture and bordering the Sea of Japan and Tottori Prefecture, is home to the famous Yumura Onsen. Known for its atmospheric onsen town with drifting steam, Yumura Onsen is very popular and was even featured as the setting for the TV drama "Yume Chiyo Nikki." Here, we introduce some spots in Yumura Onsen that you’ll definitely want to visit.

1. Make Onsen Eggs in the Arayu Area – Yumura Onsen Town

Yumura Onsen, with its picturesque steam rising and charming ambiance, is a delight for a leisurely stroll. One of its signature attractions is “Arayu,” located in the heart of the onsen town by the Harugikawa River, where a natural hot spring of about 98°C gushes forth. A local tradition is to cook onsen eggs using this hot spring water. Nearby shops sell eggs in wire baskets and vegetables, allowing you to boil various items.

While waiting for your food to cook, it is recommended to relax in the nearby foot bath. The gently warming foot bath offers excellent relaxation. Along the banks of the Harugikawa River, you will also find many celebrity handprints, making for an enjoyable stroll. There are also many popular day-trip onsen facilities, such as “Yakushi-yu.”

2. Recreate the World of Drama at Yumura Onsen Exposition Hall “Yume Chiyo-kan”

Yumura Onsen became widely known when it was used as a location for the NHK drama "Yume Chiyo Nikki" starring Sayuri Yoshinaga in 1981. Since then, the area has also been called “Yume Chiyo no Sato.” “Yume Chiyo-kan” is a museum that recreates the world of "Yume Chiyo Nikki." It exhibits sets, props, and various items that recreate the atmosphere of Yumura Onsen during the Showa 20s to 30s. The museum exudes a nostalgic Showa retro vibe that is enjoyable for both fans of the drama and those who are not familiar with it.

It is open annually from early May to early November, so be sure to visit during your trip to Yumura Onsen.

3. Onsen Theme Park “Refresh Park Yumura”

Refresh Park Yumura is an onsen theme park that uses the natural hot spring water from Yumura Onsen. Surrounded by abundant nature, the park is broadly divided into three areas: an outdoor bath area, an indoor health bath, and an indoor warm water pool, making it a fun destination for families.

The highlight is the outdoor bath area. Here, you can enjoy a variety of unique baths: a waterfall bath where water cascades from a 3-meter drop, seasonal baths such as a yuzu bath, a mysterious cave-view bath, and even a barrel bath for those who love alcohol. With five distinct outdoor baths available, you’ll want to try them all. Enjoy a refreshing soak in a setting that fully embraces the onsen spirit—just be sure to wear your swimsuit or bath dress in the outdoor baths!

4. Multi-Purpose Park to Experience Animals and Nature: Tajima Ranch Park

Tajima Ranch Park is a recommended park for families, located in Shinonsen Town. Entrance and parking fees are free, and it is only about a 10-minute drive from Yumura Onsen Town.

At the “Large Animal Barn,” you can observe Tajima beef—the finest of Hyogo’s Wagyu, also known as Kobe beef—living in the cattle shed. In the “Animal Interaction Ranch,” you can freely interact with cute animals such as goats and sheep, making it perfect for families with children. Although the grazing area is closed during winter, the park also functions as a ski resort on a silver landscape, offering winter sports.

Additionally, there are attractions such as a mountaintop flower garden that blooms beautifully in every season, various hands-on workshops (including soba-making), and a rich exhibition on Tajima beef at the “Tajima Beef Museum.” There’s plenty to enjoy!

5. A Temple Famous for Its Cherry Trees: Shofuku-ji

6. Enjoy the Scenic Beauty of a Waterfall-Rich Canyon: Kirigataki Gorge

In the southern part of Yumura Onsen lies a mountainous area dotted with waterfalls. Kirigataki Gorge is a must-visit for its spectacular scenery. It is famous for its crystal-clear stream and the “Kirigataki” waterfall, which has a drop of approximately 61 meters. As its name suggests, the water falling in a mist creates a rare phenomenon where there is no distinct plunge pool. The hike from the gorge entrance to Kirigataki takes about 2.4 km, during which you can see several waterfalls along the way.

◎Summary

Yumura Onsen, which represents the onsen town of Shinonsen, exudes a unique charm with scenes like boiling eggs in the famous Arayu hot spring—a sight unique to this onsen town. You can enjoy the quaint streets and hop from one onsen facility to another in true onsen town style. With many scenic spots nearby, it’s perfect for a solo trip, family vacation, couples’ getaway, or girls’ trip—plan your holiday to suit your purpose.

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