'''Yunotsu''' (______) is a hot spring town in Shimane.
Understand
A one-street ''onsen'' town with several inns and two beautiful old public bath houses, Yunotsu is a piece of 1920s Japan (think Studio Ghibli) that somehow survived into the 21st century, full of classic wooden buildings and ''geta'' clip-clopping on the street.
Get in
JR Yunotsu station on the Sanin line is almost a 1km walk from the main part of town. There is limited bus service to and from the station. If you have a reservation at a ''ryokan'' or inn in town, ask them to pick you up.
By car, Yunotsu is on Route 9 about 30 minutes drive from Iwami Ginzan UNESCO World Heritage site in Iwami.
Get around
See
Do
As an ''onsen'' town, the main activity here is bathing. Although your inn or hotel may have natural hot spring water pumped in, going out to visit other baths is well worthwhile.
'''Yakushiyu''' (___t__) is a short walk up the main street. This Meiji Era (1872) building is highly ranked by the Japan Onsen Association (\300 5AM to 9PM everyday). The upstairs is a relaxing place to take a break.
The first bath developed in the area is '''Senyakuto''' (______). This bath is extremely simple without any of the typical small showers or taps for washing. Just scoop water from the pools. (\300 5:30AM to 8:20PM everyday).
Buy
Eat
Drink
The town is pretty quiet, things close up early, and there are not not many options aside from the inns that line the main street. Yunotsu does have a small, but high quality sake brewery called Kaishun (_J_t) [http://www.kaishun.co.jp/top.htm] if you want to try what the locals drink--widely available in town.
Sleep
'''Chomeiso''', A Taisho or early Showa period building - immediately opposite from the main bath-house in town. It has a huge old wooden staircase rising up through the entire central part of the building. Simply gorgeous. On weekdays they charge about 7500 per person including two meals.
'''Kiunso''', Prices are also very reasonable - weekday rate is 8500 per person, including two meals. The food is great.
'''Asagiya''', 4,200 per person (with breakfast only), Tel. 0855-65-2126, on the road into town, next to the water on the bend just before the large parking area. Also a restaurant with reasonable prices.
Get out