TOC
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Yuda Onsen is a long-established hot spring town located in the center of Yamaguchi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Its proximity to the city center makes it an easy base for sightseeing and business. Scattered throughout the town are inns and hotels of various sizes, day-use bathing facilities, and footbath spots, both free and paid, making it an attractive place to casually enjoy the hot springs. The town has a calming atmosphere befitting a hot spring town, and at night you can enjoy the steamy atmosphere beneath the lights.
Highlights
- Footbaths and public baths: There are several free or low-cost footbaths and public baths that you can easily drop into between your walks. This makes it convenient to enjoy the hot spring experience empty-handed.
- Accommodation: There is a wide range of accommodation options, from long-established inns to business hotels, and many of them have open-air baths and private baths, so you can enjoy bathing in different baths.
- Stroll around the hot spring town: You can enjoy local souvenirs and snacks in the arcades and shopping streets of the hot spring town. The lights of Yuda at night are very atmospheric.
- Combining with sightseeing in the surrounding area: It is ideal for a day trip or overnight trip in combination with the city's major tourist attractions (described below).
- Local Cuisine: There are many restaurants serving Yamaguchi's specialty Kawara Soba and fresh seafood (depending on the region).
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Train: The nearest station is JR Yuda Onsen Station (JR Yamaguchi Line). The hot spring town can be reached from the station in just a few minutes to 10 minutes on foot.
- By Shinkansen: If you are taking the Shinkansen, get off at Shin-Yamaguchi Station and take a JR Yamaguchi Line local train, bus, or taxi to Yuda Onsen (approximately 10 minutes by train, 15-20 minutes by bus).
- Bus/Car: Local buses run from central Yamaguchi City and Shin-Yamaguchi. If you are using a personal car or rental car, you can use the on-site parking lot or nearby paid parking lots (although they may be full during peak seasons).
- From the airport: From Yamaguchi Ube Airport, the most common route is to travel by limousine bus or rental car to Shin-Yamaguchi or Yamaguchi City, and then head to Yuda Onsen from there.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Day trip: Approximately 2-4 hours including foot baths, walking around the town, and snacks.
- A leisurely day trip: If you want to enjoy bathing and dining at one establishment, it will take 4 to 6 hours.
- Accommodation: If you want to thoroughly enjoy the hot springs and sightseeing in the surrounding area (including the city's famous sites), one night is the basic stay. If you want to fully enjoy the hot springs and sightseeing in the city, one to two nights is recommended.
Nearby spots
- Rurikoji Temple (Five-Story Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple): A historical sight that represents Yamaguchi City. Easily accessible from Yuda Onsen, it is a spot worth visiting to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.
- Xavier Memorial Church (Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church): A church with unique architecture and a sense of history. You can combine a visit with a stroll around the city.
- Restaurants and souvenir shops in Yamaguchi city: There are many restaurants where you can enjoy Kawara Soba and local ingredients.
- Art galleries and museums: Yamaguchi Prefectural Museum of Art and cultural facilities in the city (check exhibition schedules in advance)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Accommodations, foot baths, and surrounding facilities will be crowded during Golden Week, the summer tourist season, the New Year holidays, consecutive holidays, and city events. We especially recommend making reservations early.
- Bathing etiquette: Please observe standard Japanese hot spring etiquette, such as pouring water over yourself and washing yourself before entering the bath, not putting your towel in the bath, and being considerate of other bathers. Treatment of tattoos varies by facility, so be sure to check beforehand.
- What to wear and bring: If you are just visiting for the day, bring a bath towel and face towel (some facilities offer rentals and sales). In winter, the temperature drops, so be sure to take precautions against catching a cold after bathing.
- Drinking alcohol and bathing: Please refrain from bathing immediately after drinking alcohol as it may lead to poor health. Drivers should also be careful when driving after bathing.
- Seasonal notes: Traffic may be disrupted in winter due to snow and ice. Surrounding tourist spots will be crowded during cherry blossom viewing and autumn foliage seasons.
Note: It is a good idea to check the official website or call the accommodation and day-use facilities before your visit to confirm their opening hours, closing days, bathing fees, and whether tattoos are permitted.
