Yunoyama Onsen is located in Chino-cho, Mie. Its ancient history is said to date back to 718, and the spring is also known as “shikanoyu” because, according to legend, a wounded deer was once healed by its waters.

Now popular for autumn leaf viewing, Mt. Gozaisho and its 1,212 meters of breathtaking color is the centerpiece of the area’s natural beauty. From mid-November, which is the best time to see the fall foliage, the onsen is busy with tourists there to see the leaves and take advantage of the view provided by the Gozaisho Ropeway.

Yumoto Green Hotel is a mere eight-minute drive from the ropeway platform and is an excellent place to enjoy the soothing combination of a hot spring and autumn leaves.

Sourced by two springs with differing qualities, Yumoto Green Hotel’s indoor and outdoor baths allow patrons to enjoy the openness and scenery of the season and the alkaline hot spring itself, which is said to offer relief from neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, coldness, and recovery from fatigue, as well as beautifying effects for the skin.

In the large “Nagomi-no-Yu” bath, the bliss of viewing the autumn leaves is only heightened by the feel of the cool breeze on your cheeks. “Iyashi-no-Yu” (the Healing Bath), is the onsen’s newest bath and offers a great view of the surrounding garden. Immerse yourself in the healing waters of this colorful world and enjoy some much-needed relaxation!

Be sure not to overlook the indoor baths, either. The spacious 550-liter “Hisui-no-Yu” communal bath is shoulder deep, and the 45℃ water will warm your body and mind, while another indoor bath, the “Source Bath,” draws its waters from an impressive 1,300 meters below ground.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing bath at almost any time during their stay (open-air baths not available from 10pm to 6am). Day trip bathers can also use these four baths.

The Green Hotel has thirty-eight rooms. The regular rooms are Japanese style and large enough for up to eight guests. The four Japanese-Western style rooms feature 10-tatami mats and twin beds.

Small Japanese and Western rooms are also available to accommodate various tastes and needs. After a refreshing bath with a view, the scenery is still visible from your room with a view of the nearby mountainside.

If an overnight stay doesn’t fit into your itinerary, Yunoyama Onsen is perfectly suited for a day trip bath with a meal. From the simple noon "Okaku Kaiseki" course (4,000 yen) to the more elaborate "Super Deluxe Kaiseki" (lunch 11,000 yen, dinner 12,000 yen), meals feature a wide variety including Ise lobster sashimi and Matsusaka beef steak.

Other courses include the chef’s recommended “Banquet” course and “Deluxe Plan” that adds Ise shrimp to the meal, so there’s plenty of choices depending on your budget and preferences. Be sure to make reservations early as the foliage season is particularly crowded.

* Prices shown are all tax-excluded unless otherwise indicated.

Text by: WESTPLAN