Yusenji Onsen Yado Yunosato – Authentic 100% Free-Flowing Hot Spring in Totsukawa Mountain Village

A Mountain Village Known for Pure Hot Springs

Tucked deep in the forested ranges of southern Nara Prefecture, Totsukawa Village covers nearly one-fifth of the entire prefecture. This remote mountain community, surrounded by the Odaigahara highlands, has long been known for its seclusion—and for offering some of Japan’s purest hot springs.

Japan’s First “Free-Flowing Spring” Village

In 2004, Totsukawa became the first village in Japan to officially declare that all its hot-spring facilities must provide natural, 100% free-flowing spring water. This means no circulation systems, no reheating, no added water, no chlorine. What flows into your bath is exactly what flows from the earth—a rare luxury made possible by the region’s abundant geothermal resources.

Yusenji Onsen Yado Yunosato: A Quiet Inn With Deep Roots

Yusenji Onsen Yado Yunosato is one of the most intimate ways to experience this tradition. Located at Yusenji Onsen—a historic healing site since the 14th century—this small seven-room inn preserves the calm, restorative atmosphere of an old-time toji (therapeutic) retreat.

Both indoor and open-air baths feature 60 °C sulfur-rich spring water flowing directly from the source, untouched by modern systems. The water is gentle on the skin, with properties said to benefit both complexion and metabolic health.

Surrounded by Nature, Guided by Stillness

There are no urban distractions here—only the sound of river streams and the movement of the mountain wind. The scenery remains much as it has for centuries. Guests can enjoy undisturbed views of wooded hillsides and crystal-clear waters.

With only seven rooms and a maximum of fifteen guests, Yusenji Onsen Yado Yunosato offers a level of privacy and quietude rarely found, even in Japan. Time passes slowly here—and that, perhaps, is the point.

Local Cuisine Rooted in the Mountains

Meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients from the village and nearby rivers. Delicacies may include freshwater fish such as ameno-uo and ayu (sweetfish), river crab, and game such as boar hotpot (botan nabe) or venison sashimi. These dishes, rustic yet refined, reflect the local ecosystem and the quiet ingenuity of countryside cooking.

A Place to Leave Undisturbed

Yusenji Onsen Yado Yunosato is the kind of place you hope remains undiscovered. It is not designed for spectacle or excitement—it is designed for release, reset, and reconnection. With no visual noise and no scheduled urgency, it invites you to rediscover the art of doing nothing—gracefully.