[Hotel Stay Review]A Luxurious Stay at Yuamu – A Hidden Gem of a Hot Spring in Yumura, HyogoRelax, refresh, and glow in the quiet beauty of Kansai’s secret onsen

A Modern Japanese Retreat for Total Relaxation

Tucked away in the tranquil Yumura Onsen area of Hyogo, Yuamu is a stylish hot spring inn that blends traditional Japanese charm with modern design. The theme here is “weaving,” and that concept runs throughout the space.

You begin your stay by crossing a charming walkway over the Haruki River to reach the lobby, where a welcome drink and cozy atmosphere help you ease into your trip.

The guest rooms are a perfect mix of comfort and elegance — featuring tatami floors for barefoot lounging and a sunroom-style space with views of lush greenery. It feels open and peaceful, like you’re becoming one with nature.

But the highlight has to be the hot springs, known for their skin-beautifying properties. At night, relax to the sound of the flowing river in the Kawa no Yu bath, and in the morning, soak in the mountain views from Yama no Yu. The baths switch between men and women daily, so you get to enjoy both. Outdoor baths and a gentle sauna are also available, and the silky-smooth water leaves your skin feeling amazing. After your soak, treat yourself to complimentary ice cream or herbal tea — the perfect way to unwind, body and soul .

Yuamu also caters thoughtfully to women, with amenities like POLA skincare sets and all the essentials you need for the public bath. The whole experience felt like a soothing escape from everyday life.

A Summer Feast: Local Ingredients, Seasonal Delights

Dinner is served at Oriori, the dining space on the third floor, where you can enjoy a multi-course kaiseki meal tailored to the season. This time, I had the “Summer Luxury Kaiseki” course — and it truly lived up to its name!

One standout was the beautifully presented whole white squid sashimi — so clear and tender it practically melted in your mouth. The tentacles were served separately, grilled with salt, offering a fun twist in texture and flavor.

Other highlights included seared bonito, abalone grilled with its rich liver sauce, a corn cream yuba croquette, and a delicate chawanmushi (savory egg custard) — each dish full of creativity and flavor.

For the main course, we were treated to local specialties: Tajima beef sukiyaki and simmered Tajima chicken. The beef was especially impressive — rich in flavor but not heavy at all.

To wrap it all up, dessert featured Yuamu’s signature monaka ice cream and chewy warabi mochi. It was a meal that left me completely satisfied.

A Gentle Morning Start with a Nourishing Japanese Breakfast

Waking up refreshed from the onsen, breakfast at Oriori is another highlight. Alongside the beautiful set meal, guests are served steamed seasonal dishes one by one — a lovely touch in the warm wooden dining room.

My favorite was the steamed seiro basket filled with Yoka pork and fresh vegetables. The aroma from the steam was irresistible, and when dipped in burdock and yuzu ponzu sauce, it was the perfect light and zesty start to the day.

Other delights included grilled flounder from Hamasaka, miso soup with freshwater clams, and locally grown Koshihikari rice from Shinonsen Town. Side dishes like Tajima beef miso, marinated firefly squid, and simmered hijiki seaweed made it hard to stop eating!

There was also fluffy dashimaki tamago (Japanese omelet), rice with raw egg, and rich Iwahara tofu topped with a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt… a breakfast so delicious, it felt like a celebration in itself.

And finally, kinako pudding and fragrant black soybean tea left both my stomach and heart feeling warm and content.

My time at Yuamu was like a gentle retreat from daily life — wrapped in silence, warmth, and the healing powers of nature. A well-deserved little luxury that I’ll never forget.

information and access to Sanin-Yumuraonsen Yuamu