Yunotsu Onsen, Traditional public bath in Oda, Japan
Yunotsu Onsen is a hot spring resort in the coastal town of Oda featuring two bathhouses filled with mineral-rich water that has drawn visitors for centuries. The site consists of historic buildings arranged along narrow streets that preserve the appearance of a traditional Japanese bathing community.
The settlement developed during the Edo period when nearby Iwami Ginzan silver mines brought prosperity to the region and increased demand for the baths as a rest spot for miners and merchants. Appreciation for the water's healing properties made the baths an important part of the regional economy over the centuries.
The district preserves numerous merchant houses and warehouses with traditional red-tiled roofs, reflecting Japanese architectural techniques from past centuries.
The location is easily reached on foot and simple signs guide visitors around the village to find the two bathhouses. It is best to visit during warmer months and bring appropriate bathing attire, as these are traditional facilities with set hours of operation.
The resort is Japan's only hot spring included in a UNESCO World Heritage site, combining culture, history, and nature in one location. The place intertwines memory of the silver mining industry with healing waters in a landscape that is both mountainous and close to the sea.
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