Oita
Yufu

<p>The stone pavement that runs through the center of Yunohira dates from the Showa period (1926-1989). </p>

The stone pavement that runs through the center of Yunohira dates from the Showa period (1926-1989). (Photo: Mandy Bartok)

Oita
Yufu

Yunohira Onsen

Step back in time at this Showa-era onsen town

Mandy Bartok Dec 08, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The stone pavement that runs through the center of Yunohira dates from the Showa period (1926-1989). </p>

<p>The town has a few shops and a handful of onsen ryokan</p>

<p>Some tour buses make the stop here but for the most part, the town is left to its residents and the occasional overnight guest</p>

<p>You can follow the pavement at least a kilometer up to the top of town</p>

<p>A view over Yunohira Onsen</p>

<p>Sometimes you can catch ryokan guests clip clopping to the public baths in their wooden sandals and yukata ... but not always!</p>

While busloads of tourists clog the streets and hot springs of nearby Yufuin, Yunohira Onsen sits in relative obscurity just a few miles down the road. This quiet town prides itself on its Showa-era stone pavement, where visitors still clip-clop over its cobbles as they make their way around to the various public baths. If the ryokan in Yufuin are all booked out, try your luck at one of the establishments along Yunohira's small river. Delicious food and private baths are a hallmark of the hospitality provided by Yunohira's traditional inns.

Mandy Bartok

Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok

Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.