Yubara Onsen Sunayu

December 1, 2025 That evening, since we were checking into Yuhara Onsen, we came early to explore the surrounding area and check out the famous "Meisen Sand Bath." It's a natural open-air public hot spring bath, and it's mixed-gender! 👀 I'd always known that some open natural hot springs in Japan are mixed-gender, but this was my first time actually seeing one in person, and there were actually people bathing! The rules for use are also posted in the notice area nearby; those interested can visit. Besides this sand bath, there are also hand baths, foot baths, and many free baths nearby. I tried the hand bath; it was warm and super comfortable—perfect for winter! By the way! The hot spring area in Yuhara Onsen isn't big, it's small and cozy. And it's somewhat similar to Jiufen in Taiwan. There's a row of red lanterns hanging along the road, with "Jiufen" written on them. Apparently, they were gifts received during a previous exchange between the two places. 🎁 There's also a "Bathhouse" on the hot spring street, with an exterior that looks like something out of a Miyazaki Hayao animation.

My first impression after enjoying this open-air bath was that it's a shame that the locals and Maniwa City are ruining one of Japan's top tourist attractions, with its rustic charm and wonderful hot springs. ■ Swimsuits are recommended, but there are a lot of filthy local men. I brought my swimsuit, but women said it was a turn-off. I don't know if it's because it's a familiar place for locals, but they should at least follow the rules and be considerate of their surroundings. ■ Changing rooms are pointless. It's no exaggeration to say that the changing rooms are exposed to the elements. Rain and snow constantly get in, making the ground muddy and even changing clothes stressful. Moreover, they should at the very least make this a private room so that it can't be seen from outside, otherwise women won't be able to change. *Therefore, women should wear bathing suits and swimsuits at their accommodations and only take them off when they arrive at the bathhouse.

July 2025 My family and I went out because swimsuits were allowed. I recommend using a navigation system. We found the parking lot without any trouble. It's a bit of a walk to the open-air bath. It was around 2:00 PM on a Saturday, and there were about 10 other guests there. My youngest child and I changed into our swimsuits and went in. Even though the temperature was over 30°C, the water was pleasantly hot. The water is alkaline. It removed dead skin from our feet, leaving them smooth. There was no discoloration on our silver jewelry. Hot springs oxidize and lose quality when exposed to air. However, this hot spring springs up from the bottom, so it's incredibly fresh. Truly the champion of the west. The boulders there are slippery with moss, so be careful with small children. I wish there was a hot spring like this in my neighborhood. I'd like to come again during the colder seasons.

This is a nice, peaceful natural hot spring that offers a unique experience for visitors. Women have the option to wear clothing while enjoying the hot spring, which is a thoughtful touch. Plus, there are many signs asking one to cover up, with towel or some clothes. However, don’t be surprised if you see many men, both young and old, walking around naked, with only a small piece of cloth to cover their private parts. The water in the hot spring is quite hot, probably around 42°C or higher. Inside the hot spring, there’s some moss, which seems harmless—nobody seemed to mind. I took a dip and didn't experience any allergies, but enter at your own risk. There are clean water sinks available to wash yourself afterward and also a sauna room to change your clothes. The sauna was not in service and hence, I changed comfortably there. This place is very local, with hardly any tourists.

I visited on December 30, 2025, taking the Maniwa City community bus "Maniwa-kun" from Chugoku Katsuyama Station. It's recommended by many hot spring writers, so it was definitely something I wanted to visit. It has a very different feel from Kawayu Hot Springs in Misasa Onsen, also in the Chugoku region. I was impressed by how large and well-maintained it is. Bathing attire and a swimsuit are recommended, and although I later realized I should have brought one, I wish I had. There were quite a few foreign visitors there, too. The water is an alkaline simple spring, with a source temperature of around 45°C and a pH of 9. It's said to be good for skin, as it removes dead skin cells. It's best to be careful of heat shock in the winter.