【Hidden Hot Spring of Toki, Gifu】Yamagami Onsen Yunomotokan — A 700-Year Legacy of “Skin-Beautifying Waters” and Mino Ware Hospitality - Japan Travel Sights

Step away from the bustle of the city and spend a moment enveloped in the tranquility of the mountains, where both body and spirit can unwind.

That wish is fulfilled at Yamagami Onsen Yunomotokan in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture.

With a history spanning over 700 years, this hot spring once served as a healing retreat for wounded samurai. Its source is renowned for its gentle, soft texture — lovingly called nurufuwa — that warmly embraces every guest.

In addition, kaiseki cuisine beautifully presented in Mino ware, together with heartfelt hospitality, makes each journey deeper and richer.

Guests can also enjoy cultural experiences such as pottery-making, sake brewery tours, and special plans offering a taste of authentic Japanese tradition — creating a luxurious stay that feels like traveling with a personal concierge.

Guest Rooms

At Yamagami Onsen Yunomotokan, a variety of Japanese-style rooms are available to suit different moods and purposes.

Overlooking the surrounding mountains, each room allows you to fully enjoy tranquility and the soothing hot springs.

[Yukisansui / Kōsansui]

• Layout: Two Japanese-style rooms (10 tatami + 6 tatami) with a sunken kotatsu
• Capacity: 2–5 guests
• Facilities: Bath, toilet with bidet, non-smoking
• Features: Rooms with views of the garden and mountains, showcasing vivid autumn colors right from the window.
• Note: Children under elementary school age are not permitted.
  Recommended for couples or adults seeking a quiet, relaxing stay.

[Detached Shikisansui]

• Layout: Two Japanese-style rooms (10 tatami + 6 tatami) plus an adjoining room (with kotatsu)
• Capacity: 2–4 guests
• Facilities: Private hot spring bath, toilet with bidet
• Features: A detached villa-style room with private hot spring and mountain views.
• Highlight: Perfect for families or multi-generational trips, offering privacy and luxury.
  Best suited for anniversaries and family gatherings.

[Hanasansui / Tsukisansui]

• Layout: Two Japanese-style rooms (12.5 tatami + 6 tatami) with a sunken kotatsu
• Capacity: 2–5 guests
• Facilities: Private hot spring bath, toilet with bidet
• Features: Spacious rooms with seasonal views, especially beautiful spring greenery and autumn foliage. Guests can also enjoy the scenery from their private bath.
• Note: Children under elementary school age are not permitted.
  Ideal for groups or mature travelers seeking comfort.

Hot Spring “Yakushi-no-Yu”

Characteristics of the Water

The hot spring at Yunomotokan has long been known as the Bath of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha) and has been cherished as a therapeutic spa since the Kamakura period.

Its spring quality is a radium hot spring (alkaline simple weak radioactive cold mineral spring). With its smooth, silky texture, it is famed as a “skin-beautifying bath.”

• Type: Radium hot spring (alkaline simple weak radioactive cold mineral spring)
• pH: ~9.2 (weak alkaline)
• Feel: Gentle “nurufuwa” silky smoothness

Benefits

Rich in radon, the spring is believed to enhance circulation, stimulate the immune system, and provide therapeutic effects such as:

• Relief from atopic dermatitis, eczema, and other skin conditions
• Stress reduction and better sleep
• Improvement of rheumatism and neuralgia
• Relief from cold sensitivity and fatigue
  Especially noted for its skin-friendly quality, the spring is popular among beauty-conscious visitors.

Cuisine — Kaiseki Dining Enhanced with Mino Ware

Meals at Yunomotokan are distinguished by their harmony of seasonal cuisine and beautiful presentation in Mino ware.

Using fresh ingredients nurtured by the nature of eastern Gifu, the kaiseki meals highlight seasonal flavors while celebrating the artistry of traditional pottery — turning dining into a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Features

• Mino ware: Classic Shino and Oribe ceramics elevate each dish into an artistic presentation.
• Seasonality: Mountain vegetables and river fish in spring, refreshing summer dishes, autumn mushrooms, winter hotpots — showcasing the essence of Gifu’s four seasons.
• Multi-sensory enjoyment: Guests savor food with all five senses through a blend of flavor, color, and craftsmanship.

Course Examples

• ¥7,700 / ¥8,800 Course
  Appetizers, sashimi, hotpot, grilled dish, fried dish, rice with pickles and soup, dessert
  → Ideal for casual enjoyment of seasonal flavors, perfect for pairing with sightseeing or short stays.
• ¥11,000 / ¥13,200 / ¥16,500 Course
  Seasonal appetizers, premium sashimi, soup dish, grilled assortment, main dish, tempura, rice with pickles and soup, dessert
  → A more formal kaiseki course, perfect for anniversaries, special trips, or business entertainment.

(Menu may vary depending on availability of ingredients.)

Access

Address
1953-1 Oroshi-cho, Toki City, Gifu Prefecture 509-5202

By Train
JR Chūō Main Line: From Toki-shi Station → about 20 minutes by bus → alight at “Yamagami Onsen-guchi” → 3-minute walk

By Car
About 5 minutes from Tokiminami-Tajimi IC, Tōkai-Kanjō Expressway

Parking
Free parking, capacity: 25 cars

Nearby Sightseeing

Toki Premium Outlets

One of the largest outlet malls in the Chūbu region, designed after a Colorado townscape, with over 180 stores. Direct bus service from Nagoya is available.
📍 1-2 Tokigaoka, Toki City
🕒 10:00–20:00 (restaurant hours vary)
🚗 About 15 minutes by car

Sogi Park

Famous for its stunning autumn foliage and the mirror-like “upside-down maple” reflection.
📍 Sogi-cho, Toki City
🕒 Open 24 hours
💰 Free
🚗 About 20 minutes by car

Michi-no-Eki Shino-Oribe (Roadside Station)

Showcasing Toki City’s status as Japan’s top ceramic-producing town, this station features one of the largest Mino ware shops in the region, with Shino and Oribe ceramics.
Local specialties: Bamboo-wrapped yokan, oni manju (sweet potato cakes), seasoned fried tofu from Sakata
On-site café and seasonal cuisine restaurant Miwaya are also popular.
📍 2-13-1 Izumikitayama-cho, Toki City
🕒 9:00–18:00 (closed Jan. 1)
🚗 About 15 minutes by car

Recommended For

• Guests seeking to enjoy skin-beautifying hot springs at leisure
• Travelers preferring a small, peaceful inn
• Those interested in Mino ware and local cuisine
• Visitors wishing to experience historic Japanese hot spring culture

✨ Yamagami Onsen Yunomotokan is the perfect inn for adults who wish to be “quietly and deeply healed.”
Experience 700 years of hot spring tradition and the heartfelt hospitality of Toki.