Overview
Yuda Onsen was reportedly discovered around 800 years ago, bubbling up within the grounds of a temple at the foot of Mt. Gongen. It is famous for the "White Fox Legend," which tells of a wounded white fox that healed itself by soaking in the pond every night. Motifs of the white fox can be seen throughout the town.
Its central location in Yamaguchi City makes it easily accessible and a convenient base for business and sightseeing. During the late Edo period, it was a historic gathering place for many "Ishin Shishi" (Meiji Restoration patriots) like Sakamoto Ryoma and Takasugi Shinsaku.
The area is also known as the birthplace of poet Nakahara Chuya, and a memorial museum offers a look into his life and works. A major attraction is the six free "ashiyu" (footbaths) scattered around the onsen town, allowing visitors to casually enjoy the hot springs while strolling.
Main Spring Quality and Indications
The water is an "Alkaline Simple Hot Spring," with many facilities boasting a pH level over 9. It's known as "bijin-no-yu" (water for beautiful skin) for its ability to gently exfoliate and smoothen the skin. The mild quality makes it suitable for everyone, from children to the elderly.
- Autonomic instability
- Insomnia
- Poor circulation
- Peripheral circulatory disorder
- Dry skin
Water Characteristics and Best Season
The spring source is extremely hot at around 72°C (162°F) and boasts an abundant flow of 2,000 tons per day. This allows many ryokans and public baths to offer fresh, free-flowing "gensen kakenagashi" baths. The water is clear and colorless with a faint scent of sulfur.
While the onsen town can be enjoyed year-round, autumn is particularly beautiful with the fall foliage around the national treasure, Ruriko-ji Temple's five-storied pagoda. In winter, the hot springs are perfect for warming up from the core.
Access
Facilities with Analysis Reports
No facilities with registered analysis reports in this area yet.
Facilities Without Analysis Reports
Nearby Sightseeing & Local Cuisine
- Touring the free footbaths (ashiyu) scattered throughout the town
- Ruriko-ji Temple's Five-Storied Pagoda (National Treasure)
- Nakahara Chuya Memorial Museum
- Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church
- Joei-ji Temple's Sesshu-tei Garden
- Kawara Soba (green tea noodles fried on a hot roof tile)
- Fugu (pufferfish) cuisine (from nearby Shimonoseki)
- Local Yamaguchi Sake (e.g., Dassai, Toyo Bijin)
References
Related Articles