The most famous spot here is the Sunayu bath by the river.
It's a mixed open‑air bath, totally free and really rustic.
The first time you see it, you might feel a bit shy, but honestly everyone is just soaking naturally and minding their own business.
The water is on the hotter side. It feels amazing in winter, but in summer you really need to be mentally prepared.
If you prefer something more low‑key, the hot springs at the nearby ryokan are more comfortable.
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Yubara Onsen
A hot spring destination known for its massive open-air bath, Sunayu, where hot spring water wells up from the riverbed, and its scenic mountain-valley setting.
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Along the river, rows of ryokan line the banks, and steam rises in the stillness of the surrounding mountains. Yubara Onsen is a hot spring town that spreads along the clear Asahi River, where you can enjoy smooth, alkaline hot spring waters.
The symbol of Yubara Onsen is Sunayu, a natural, massive open-air bath where hot spring water wells up from the riverbed. Set up as a rock bath on the riverbank, it is known as an open, free bath you can use 24 hours a day, and it has even been called the “West Yokozuna” in the national rankings of open-air baths.
Nearby, there are ryokan where you can enjoy free-flowing hot spring water straight from the source, as well as lodgings with open-air baths, making it easy to experience the hot springs whether you stay overnight or visit for a day trip. From the suspension bridge over the Asahi River and the riverside walking paths, you can look out on mountain-valley scenery that changes with the seasons, and a short stroll after a soak feels especially pleasant.
The scenery changes throughout the year, from autumn foliage and winter snowscapes to fresh greenery. At night, you can also enjoy soaking in an open-air bath while looking up at the stars. Yubara Onsen is also one of the hot spring destinations that make up the Mimasaka Three Hot Springs Art Temperature, together with Okutsu Onsen and Yunogo Onsen, and it serves as a base for a regional project that combines art with hot spring culture. It is an easy stop for a trip where you want to soak in hot springs close to nature.
Highlights
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You can use the natural, massive open-air bath Sunayu, where hot spring water wells up from the riverbed, free of charge 24 hours a day.
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With smooth, alkaline waters, the area offers lodgings with free-flowing hot spring water from the source and day-use bathing facilities.
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From the suspension bridge over the clear Asahi River and the riverside walking paths, you can enjoy mountain-valley scenery in every season.
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You can savor a different open-air bath atmosphere each season, such as autumn leaves, snowy landscapes, and fresh greenery.
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At night, you can experience soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at the stars.
Photos
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The symbol of Yubara Onsen, Sunayu
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Hanzaki Foot Bath at Footbath Park, the gateway to Yubara Onsen
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Every year during the Christmas season, “Candle Fantasy in Yubara Onsen” is held.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Are there foreign-language brochures or information signs?
A
There are information signs in the main areas. (English, Hangul, Chinese)
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available within the area?
A
Some accommodations offer Wi-Fi.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
A
Not available.
Q
Are there designated smoking areas?
A
There are several locations within the hot spring town.
Q
Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A
There is a facility where you can observe the local symbol, the Japanese giant salamander, the world’s largest amphibian, and some individuals are over 1 meter long.
Q
How do you bathe in Sunayu?
A
It is free, so anyone can enter. Please use the small changing area.
Please enter wearing a swimsuit or a yuami-gi (bathing garment).
Reviews
3
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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This place is all about peace and relaxation.
It's not a busy, touristy hot spring street.
The most famous part is the open‑air mixed bath where you soak right by the river.
Coming in winter feels especially nice. The water is very hot but not harsh.
The surroundings feel very natural, and at night it's almost completely quiet.
Perfect if you want to clear your mind and take your time soaking. -
Very relaxing vibe.
The onsen street is small, but it’s really pleasant to walk around.
The famous open‑air Sunayu bath has a great atmosphere, and you can hear the sound of the river while you soak, which is super soothing.
Overall it doesn’t feel commercialized at all.
Great for people who want a quiet hot spring experience and a slow, easy day.
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 湯原温泉
- Postal Code
- 717-0402
- Address
- Yubaraonsen, Maniwa City, Okayama
- Telephone
- 0867-45-7111 (Maniwa Tourism Bureau (General Incorporated Association))
- Closed
- Vary by facility
- Business Hours
- Vary by facility
- Admission
- Vary by facility (*Sunayu is free)
- Access
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(1) About 5 minutes by car from Yubara IC on the Chugoku Expressway
(2) About 35 minutes by bus from JR Chugoku-Katsuyama Station; get off at Yubara Onsen bus stop - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)
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