Hiruzen, Yubara Onsen Travel Guides

Hiruzen, located on the border with Tottori Prefecture, is famous as a highland resort area and one of the best leisure spots in western Japan, where visitors can enjoy activities such as trekking, camping, horseback riding, and skiing.

Hiruzen is also home to one of the largest herds of grazing Jersey cows in Japan. Dairy products such as yogurt, soft-serve ice cream, and cheese made from Jersey cows' milk can be tasted at the restaurant attached to the farm, or purchased as souvenirs.

The sight of the cows grazing leisurely on the green land stretching as far as the eye can see is a relaxing sight to behold.

Yubara Onsen in Maniwa City is located along the Asahikawa River, which flows through the northern part of Okayama Prefecture. Once called the "Yokozuna of the West," this historic and famous hot spring is a rare self-heating hot spring in Japan, where visitors can directly immerse themselves in the source of the spring. Together with Yunogo Onsen in Mimasaka City and Okutsu Onsen in Kagamino-cho, Tomata-gun, it is called Mimasaka Sanyu.

The history of Yubara, which stretches along the Asahikawa River, is long, and there is a theory that people who were engaged in tatara iron manufacturing, which flourished in the area during the Yayoi period (710-794), healed their fatigue in Yubara.

The actual history of Yubara dates back to the reign of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it is said that the mother of Ukita Hideie, one of Toyotomi's Five Grand Elders, was cured of her illness there, making it a well-known hot spring for hot spring enthusiasts.

The famous sand bath in the mixed bathing open-air bath, which is called "sand spouting hot spring," is a well-known attraction. It is also famous as a self-heating hot spring that gushes forth without human intervention, with hot spring water gushing out from the bottom of the bathtub. Normally, even if the hot spring water is 100% free-flowing, it is necessary to draw hot water from the place where the hot spring springs, but at Sunayu you can enjoy the luxury of being directly immersed in the source of the hot spring.

After enjoying the hot springs, stop by some of the nearby tourist attractions. Katsuyama Town in Maniwa City is a picturesque town that was the first town in the prefecture to be designated as a townscape preservation district. The town prospered as a strategic point on the Izumo Highway in the old days, and the old streetscapes with samurai residences, white walls, and latticed windows still remain.

Recently, the various "noren" curtains hanging from the eaves of stores have become very popular, and just walking around the town is a fun and enjoyable experience.

Kamba is home to Kamba Falls, which is the most famous waterfall in western Japan and one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan, and boasts an impressive 110-meter drop. The pure white waterfall sliding down the vivid mountain surface is a must-see, especially from late October when the autumn leaves turn beautifully red. The charming wild monkeys that inhabit the area will also delight tourists.

In addition to the hot spring baths that will make your skin beautiful and allow you to enjoy the bounty of nature, the area also offers a variety of attractive spots, such as the emotional townscape and dynamic waterfalls.