Yunomae Onsen Yurari: Make the Bath Part of a Longer Stop

Yurari is a full day-use complex in Yunomae, not a quick soak beside the station. Its natural salt spring comes with a shared bath, open-air bath, sauna, cold plunge and two private family baths. Allow about five minutes by car or taxi from Yunomae Station.

What the ¥500 bath ticket includes

The standard ticket covers the shared bathing area, including indoor and outdoor pools, sauna and other bath types. The spring is classified as a sodium-chloride-bicarbonate spring. Yurari calls it a “salt bath” because the mineral water contains salt; it does not mean seawater is pumped into the bath. The source and bathing-pool temperatures are different measures: the facility currently describes the shared baths as roughly 40–42°C.

Day use is generally 10 a.m.–10 p.m., with last reception at 9:30 p.m. The regular closing days are the second and fourth Mondays of each month; holidays and maintenance can change the schedule. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, face wash and hair dryers are provided. Towels cost extra.

Private bathing and tattoos

The two private family baths, Fureai and Kutsurogi, cost extra on top of each person’s admission. Guests can call from 8 a.m. on the day to reserve; overnight guests may book earlier. Extensions depend on the next reservation. The rooms suit couples, families with young children and visitors who cannot use the shared bath under the tattoo policy.

Yurari’s posted rule excludes tattoos, including tattoo stickers, from the shared bath and directs those guests to ask about a private family room. A private room is not guaranteed without a booking; call early if it is your only bathing option. The sauna is for visitors aged 13 and over.

The railway has reopened; the last leg still needs a plan

Kumagawa Railway resumed through service between Hitoyoshi-Onsen and Yunomae on September 20, 2026, ending the replacement-bus section. From Yunomae Station, Yurari estimates a five-minute taxi or car ride. Walking is much longer—about 30 to 40 minutes in the facility’s access information—so do not treat the station as being next door. The facility does not promise a free shuttle for day visitors.

By car, the current access page estimates around 42 minutes from Hitoyoshi IC or about 24 minutes from Hitoyoshi-Kuma Smart IC; the latter requires ETC. There is free parking for about 70 cars. The facility’s August road notice followed the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake and described the highway as largely restored, but conditions can change; check the latest road notice before driving.

Yurari is most worthwhile when you have a few hours for bathing, a meal or another stop in Yunomae rather than making a long return trip for a brief soak alone. The adjacent Green Palace has separate recreation and camping facilities. For another style of bath in the area, compare it with Hitoyoshi Motoyu or the Ueki day-onsen guide. Check train times and arrange the taxi leg before setting out.

Sources and date checked

- [Yunomae Onsen Yurari: bath and fee information](https://www.y-yurari.co.jp/onsen.php) — current day-use hours, prices, facilities and family-bath booking. - [Yurari FAQ](https://www.y-yurari.co.jp/faq.php) — tattoos, bathing temperatures and station transfer. - [Yurari access and local guide](https://www.y-yurari.co.jp/access) — road distances, parking, public transport and nearby stops. - [Kumagawa Railway: service information](https://kumagawa-rail.com/category/operation-information/) and [timetable and fares](https://kumagawa-rail.com/time-fare/) — through service after the September 20, 2026 reopening. - [Yurari: August 2026 road notice](https://www.y-yurari.co.jp/information_s.php?id=26) — post-earthquake road update.

Checked: September 28, 2026. Railway service has resumed, but use the current timetable; family-bath availability and road conditions should be confirmed for the visit date.