Classified as an alkaline simple weak-radon spring — a gentle, lightly mineralized water of the simple-thermal type. With dissolved solids of only 140 mg/kg it sits at the light end of the scale and feels soft on the skin. Being alkaline, it carries the slippery touch of Japan's beauty-water family, even though its mineral content is modest.
49. Hôtel de Marronnier, Yunoyama Onsen
Stopped by the tourist center in Yunoyama Onsen. Asked the old guys about higaeri — they immediately flagged down a younger man and told me to go with him, that he'd drive me to the onsen (turned out to be a hotel employee).
On the website, higaeri is listed from 14:00 to 20:00, but they let me in around 13. Higaeri price is 1000, includes small and large towels.
1. Indoor baths:
1.1. One large bath, 41°C. Has a jet zone.
1.2. Cold bath.
1.3. Wooden bath (wasn't working when I visited).
1.0. Breathing is comfortable. There's a sauna.
2. Outdoor zone:
2.1. A shallow bath with hot water set in stones with water flowing from above. Really nicely done — standing under the stream of water on the balcony is a real pleasure.
2.2. A small outdoor stone bath. Temperature slightly below the main indoor bath. It was windy — cherry blossom petals were floating in the water.
2.0. The outdoor zone has a Showa vibe: the beams above the baths are a bit worn, and from the edge of the balcony and certain angles you can see an abandoned building.
Water in all baths is clear, there's a slight smell (not sulfuric, not chlorine).
Great place. If you're visiting Yunoyama, I highly recommend going at least for higaeri.
