The Story of Yunotani Onsen
Yunotani Onsen is actually six small towns that make up an onsen belt that enjoy an abundance of hot spring sources. This natural blessing was quickly exploited by the lcoals who have been enjoying the benefits of hot spring bathing for over 800 years. This makes it one of the oldest onsen towns in Japan, and people are still traveling long distances to sample the spas here. The onsen really come into their own in winter as you can relax in an open air bath and enjoy the hot water as the snow falls about you. Hikers enjoy this area as it is the jumping off point for anyone tackling the great hiking around Mount Komagatake.
Our recommended access from Tokyo
Transportation Step1
Take Joetsu Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo Station to Urasa. (Please check the time table because some trains do not stop at Urasa Station). The price is 7,460JPY each way.
Transportation Step2
Change from the Bullet Train to a Local towards 'Okutadami lake' outside Urasa station East Exit. The price is 560JPY to Yunotani Onsen area.
