Yumura Onsen Midoriya

Yumura Onsen Midoriya is a traditional hot spring inn located in Yumura Onsen, a small hot spring village in Shinonsen Town, Hyogo Prefecture. The onsen settlement dates back over 1,150 years to 858 AD, when a Buddhist monk named Jikaku Daishi reportedly discovered the therapeutic springs. The area developed as a quiet retreat favored by literary figures and artists, maintaining its reputation as one of Japan's most authentic and uncommercial hot spring destinations.

The village sits in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains, with natural hot springs emerging at temperatures reaching 98°C (208°F). The mineral-rich waters contain sodium chloride and are renowned for their healing properties, particularly for skin conditions and muscle fatigue. Haragi River flows through the village center, where locals traditionally use the hot spring water for cooking and daily activities, creating a unique cultural landscape where visitors can observe this integration of geothermal resources into everyday life.

Midoriya offers guests traditional ryokan accommodation with tatami-floored rooms, kaiseki dining featuring local specialties, and access to both indoor and outdoor thermal baths. The inn provides an authentic Japanese hospitality experience with seasonal menus highlighting regional ingredients such as Tajima beef and fresh river fish. Guests can participate in cultural activities including tea ceremony demonstrations and explore the village's historic streets lined with traditional wooden buildings.

The nearest major access point is Yumura Onsen Station on the JR San'in Line, requiring approximately 2.5 hours from Kyoto or 3 hours from Osaka with one transfer at Kinosaki Onsen. Local buses connect the station to village accommodations. Advance reservations are essential as Midoriya has limited rooms and operates seasonally. Day-trip bathing may be available for non-guests with prior arrangement, typically costing ¥800-1,200 for adults.