While busloads of tourists clog the streets and hot springs of nearby Yufuin, Yunohira Onsen sits in relative obscurity just a few miles down the road. This quiet town prides itself on its Showa-era stone pavement, where visitors still clip-clop over its cobbles as they make their way around to the various public baths. If the ryokan in Yufuin are all booked out, try your luck at one of the establishments along Yunohira's small river. Delicious food and private baths are a hallmark of the hospitality provided by Yunohira's traditional inns.
- 1 min read
Yunohira Onsen
Step back in time at this Showa-era onsen town
![Mandy Bartok Mandy Bartok](https://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/896/240x240!/565e87e167ba810c868b6bb4.jpg)
By Mandy Bartok
Community writer
![The stone pavement that runs through the center of Yunohira dates from the Showa period (1926-1989). ](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102080/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102080.jpg)
The stone pavement that runs through the center of Yunohira dates from the Showa period (1926-1989).
![The town has a few shops and a handful of onsen ryokan](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102081/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102081.jpg)
The town has a few shops and a handful of onsen ryokan
![Some tour buses make the stop here but for the most part, the town is left to its residents and the occasional overnight guest](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102082/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102082.jpg)
Some tour buses make the stop here but for the most part, the town is left to its residents and the occasional overnight guest
![You can follow the pavement at least a kilometer up to the top of town](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102083/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102083.jpg)
You can follow the pavement at least a kilometer up to the top of town
![A view over Yunohira Onsen](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102084/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102084.jpg)
A view over Yunohira Onsen
![Sometimes you can catch ryokan guests clip clopping to the public baths in their wooden sandals and yukata ... but not always!](https://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/17431-102085/1000/oita-yunohira-onsen-102085.jpg)
Sometimes you can catch ryokan guests clip clopping to the public baths in their wooden sandals and yukata ... but not always!
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Kim Bergström
6 years ago
There's something about stone paved streets that just immediately makes me fall in love with a destination! So much charm!
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