[Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture] The abundance of hot springs in the Nasu volcanic belt is attractive. ``Yunokami Onsen'' is a base for sightseeing in ``Ouchi-juku'' and ``Tanohetsuri.''

Yunogami Onsen is located in Shimogo Town, the southernmost tip of the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture, bordering Nasushiobara City, Tochigi Prefecture. It is located along the Agaga River (Aga River / Okawa / the downstream part on the Niigata Prefecture side is Agano River) that flows through the center of the town, and is connected to National Route 121 which connects Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture and Aizuwakamatsu City. It is located at the confluence of National Route 118 heading towards Sukagawa City. The abundant amount of hot spring water from the Nasu volcanic belt is attractive, and it is a popular hot spring as a base for sightseeing such as Ouchi-juku, where houses with thatched roofs are lined up, and To-no-Hetsuri, the most scenic spot on the Agaga River.

``Ouchi-juku,'' which was forgotten after the Meiji period, and ``Yunokami Onsen,'' which came into the limelight.

According to legend, the hot springs were discovered in Yunokami during the Nara period, when a monkey healed his wounds in the hot springs gushing from the riverbank. However, it does not appear in history for a long time after that. It wasn't until the Meiji period that it came into the limelight, and up until then the Shimotsuke Kaido (called Aizu Nishi Kaido from the Kanto side) had been built to weave through the mountains. It was abolished and the new Nikko Highway (National Route 121/1884) was opened in its place along the Aga River. It is said that the first hot spring inn was opened on Yunokami in 1887 (Meiji 20).

During the Edo period, the Shimotsuke Road, which connected Edo and Nikko to Aizuwakamatsu in the shortest distance, was used by feudal lords from the Aizu domain, Yamagata, and Akita on a rotational basis, and was used as the main route for distribution of goods between the Kanto and Aizu regions. At first, the post stations along the highway were very crowded.

A new road built in the Meiji era greatly developed Yunokami Onsen.

In the Meiji era, the Shimotsuke Highway in the mountainous area was proving too inefficient, so a new, flat National Route 121 was built along the Aga River. With the construction of the new road, new places such as ``Yunokami Onsen'' and ``Tonohetsuri'' were brought into the limelight, but the post towns on the old Shimotsuke Road stopped coming and going, and were left behind by the times. Masu. This is what led to the miracle that ``Ouchi-juku'' remained as it was in the past.

A part of Shimogo-cho on the old Shimotsuke Road has been designated as a national historic site, with the old roads and guideposts still remaining.

Bountiful amount of hot water, flowing directly from the source for beautiful skin

There are eight hot springs at Yunokami Onsen. The quality of the spring water is almost the same for all 8 hot springs, which are alkaline simple hot springs. Eight hot springs are concentrated and water is distributed not only to about 25 hot spring facilities but also to private homes. The amount of hot spring water used is approximately 2,000 liters per minute, and there is enough water that each facility can use the hot spring water directly. The source temperature is about 60℃. It is effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive diseases, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue recovery. The soft alkaline hot springs are particularly popular among women as they are known for their beautiful skin.

Yunokami Onsen<INFORMATION>

• Facility name: Yunokami Onsen
• Location: Yunokami, Oshima, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0241-68-2818 (Yunokami Onsen Tourism Association)
• URL: Ideyu and Valley Village Yunokami Onsen

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Asakusa, Kinugawa Onsen, Aizu Kogen, Yunokami Onsen, and Aizuwakamatsu are connected by railway.

Yunokami Onsen was founded in 1932 (Showa 7) on the JNR Aizu Line (now Aizu Railway), which connects Nishiwakamatsu Station (Aizuwakamatsu City) and Aizu Tajima Station (Minamiaizu Town) on the former JNR Tadami Line (now JR Tadami Line). When the station opened, Yunokami Station was built, and transportation became much more convenient.

In 1953 (Showa 28), the JNR Aizu Line was extended to Aizu Takinohara Station (currently Aizu Kogen Ozeguchi Station), and in 1986 (Showa 61) it was extended to Shin-Fujiwara Station and Aizu on the Tobu Railway Kinugawa Line. The Yagantetsudo Aizu-Kinugawa Line, which connects Takinohara Station, was opened, connecting Asakusa in Tokyo to Yunokami Onsen via Kinugawa Onsen. When the Noiwa Railway opened, Aizu-Takinohara Station was renamed Aizukogen Station, and has now been renamed Aizukogen Ozeguchi Station. The JNR Aizu Line was transferred to the third sector in 1987 (Showa 62) and renamed Aizu Railway.

Aizu Railway, popular for its “Oza Toro View Train”

As of 2022, all Aizu Railway trains depart from and arrive at Aizuwakamatsu Station on the JR Tadami Line and Ban'etsu West Line. In addition, some limited express trains on the Tobu Kinugawa Line run to Aizu-Tajima Station, and there is a relay train that allows you to connect to these trains. In addition, the popular ``Oza Toro Observation Train'' runs between Aizuwakamatsu Station and Aizu Tajima Station, with one car having trolley seats and the other car having a tatami room and observation seats. (confirmation required).

All Aizu Railway trains stop at Yunokami-Onsen Station, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in the Aizuwakamatsu, Aizu Kogen, and Oze areas.

Yunokami Onsen, where you will be greeted by the thatched-roofed station building

Yunokami Onsen Station has a thatched roof and is a popular photo spot for tourists and railway fans. The thatched-roof station building was built in 1987, when the station was transferred from the former Japanese National Railways and became Aizu Railway.There is also a hearth inside the station building, and the footbath attached to the station can be used free of charge.

Yunokami Onsen Station<INFORMATION>

• Facility name: Yunokami Onsen Station
• Phone number: 0241-68-2533
• Inquiries about timetables, etc.: Aizu Railway
• Phone number: 0242-28-5886
• URL: Aizu Railway

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"To no Hetsuri" designated as a natural monument

Tonohetsuri is a scenic spot located upstream of the Aga River about 5km from Yunokami Onsen. “Hetsuri” means steep cliff in the Aizu dialect, and the name comes from the many cliffs along the river that stand up like towers.

This single geological formation consists of many layers of hard rocks such as tuff breccia and relatively soft tuff. Only the soft tuff was carved away by river erosion, creating a stunning landscape over a million years. This landscape has been designated as a national natural monument.

Cross the suspension bridge and walk along the promenade built on the eroded area, where you can witness the stunning natural formations. The hall in the back is said to have been built in 807 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a general who conquered the Emishi (Tohoku region).

Tower of Hetsuri<INFORMATION>

• Facility name: Tonohetsuri
• Location: Yagoto Shimotabayashi, Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu District, Fukushima Prefecture
• Phone number: 0241-69-1144 (Shimogo Town Tourism Association)
• Free to visit *The suspension bridge is closed to traffic in winter.

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