Saginoyu Onsen and the Legend of the White Heron
A Hot Spring with More Than 1,200 Years of History
Saginoyu Onsen is said to have been discovered during the Jinki era, from 724 to 729. According to local legend, a white heron once healed an injured leg by bathing in the hot spring. This story is said to have given the spring its name, which means “Heron’s Hot Spring.”
During the Sengoku period, the hot spring flourished as a private bath for the Amago clan, who were based at Gassan Toda Castle. It was also favored by successive feudal lords.
However, a major flood in 1667 buried the hot spring, causing it to disappear for a time. It was rediscovered at its present location in 1909, during the Meiji period, and gradually developed into the hot spring resort seen today.
Today, the spring produces approximately 600 liters of water per minute. All of the baths at Saginoyu-so use natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source.
The spring is classified as a radium-containing sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate spring. The water is clear and colorless, with a gentle texture that makes it especially pleasant for long, relaxing baths.
A Warm, Skin-Friendly Hot Spring
Saginoyu Onsen has long been used as a destination for hot spring therapy and recuperation. The water temperature is approximately 45–54°C, and bathing provides a deep, warming sensation that can remain with you even after leaving the bath.
The spring has traditionally been associated with relief from conditions such as neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, chronic gynecological conditions, and fatigue. It is also popular as a hot spring associated with beautiful skin.
After a bath, many guests enjoy the feeling of warm, smooth skin and a relaxed body. Combined with the quiet surroundings, the experience is an ideal way to unwind during a trip through the San’in region.
Enjoy Several Different Bathing Experiences
Saginoyu-so offers separate large public baths and open-air baths for men and women, as well as two private baths. The open-air baths allow guests to enjoy the surrounding seasonal scenery while soaking in the natural hot spring water.
The “Ganro” Private Open-Air Bath
One of the most popular bathing options is Ganro, a private open-air bath carved from a single massive natural stone.
The smooth texture of the natural rock combined with the flowing hot spring water creates a uniquely immersive bathing experience. Surrounded by nature and away from the bustle of everyday life, guests can enjoy the feeling of becoming one with the landscape.
The “Hakuro” Private Bath
The second private bath, Hakuro, is an indoor bath with a calm and intimate atmosphere. It is a comfortable choice for guests who prefer to enjoy a quiet bath in a more sheltered setting.
The large public and open-air baths can be used from after check-in until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. Guests can therefore enjoy the hot springs at different times of day, including during the peaceful hours around sunset or early in the morning.
Beautiful Japanese Rooms for Every Season
The guest rooms at Saginoyu-so each have their own character and provide a relaxing atmosphere inspired by traditional Japanese aesthetics. Accommodation includes traditional Japanese-style rooms in the main building, spacious rooms in the newer building, and special Japanese-Western-style rooms.
Traditional Rooms in the Main and New Buildings
The rooms in the main building have the warm, welcoming atmosphere traditionally associated with Japanese hot spring inns. Rooms in the new building face the garden and offer a greater sense of openness, with a hiro-en veranda where guests can admire the scenery throughout the year.
Natural materials such as wood, Japanese paper, and fabric are used throughout the interiors. Soft lighting complements these materials, creating a peaceful environment where guests can truly relax.
Private Detached Rooms with Open-Air Baths
For a more private and special stay, guests can choose the detached rooms known as Tanokura and Nonokura.
These maisonette-style accommodations were created by relocating and renovating traditional storehouses. The first floor features a private open-air bath and a footbath, while the second floor contains a Western-style bedroom.
From the spacious covered veranda, guests can look out over the Japanese garden while enjoying their own natural hot spring open-air bath. The experience offers an exceptional sense of privacy and relaxation.
A Quiet Moment in the Lounge
After check-in, guests can relax in the lounge while looking out over the beautiful garden. Soft jazz music plays inside, while books on travel, culture, and related subjects are available on the bookshelves.
In the morning, guests can enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in the garden view. The peaceful atmosphere provides a welcome opportunity to forget the pace of everyday life.
Traditional Kaiseki Cuisine Featuring San’in’s Seasonal Flavors
Meals at Saginoyu-so center on kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal ingredients from the San’in region. Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, Shimane beef, locally grown vegetables, and other regional ingredients are carefully prepared and presented as individual dishes.
Traditional Loach Cuisine from Yasugi
Yasugi is famous for the traditional folk song Yasugi-bushi and its famous loach-scooping dance. Loach dishes are also part of the area’s culinary heritage.
At Saginoyu-so, loach can be enjoyed in several forms, including Yanagawa-nabe, fried preparations, and soup. These regional dishes offer visitors a chance to experience a distinctive local food tradition.
Winter Specialties of the San’in Region
During winter, seasonal dishes such as crab hot pot, wild boar hot pot, and duck hot pot may be served. Enjoying a steaming hot pot after soaking in a hot spring is an especially appealing way to experience winter in the San’in region.
Next to the Adachi Museum of Art
One of the greatest advantages of Saginoyu-so is its exceptional location. The world-renowned Adachi Museum of Art is only about 30 seconds away on foot.
The museum is internationally recognized for its beautiful Japanese garden and houses an extensive collection of modern Japanese paintings, including works by Yokoyama Taikan.
Its Japanese garden covers approximately 13,000 tsubo, or about 43,000 square meters, and presents a different appearance in every season.
The combination of visiting the museum at a leisurely pace, returning to Saginoyu-so for a relaxing hot spring bath, and enjoying a meal featuring local ingredients makes this an especially appealing way to experience Yasugi.
A Convenient Base for Exploring the San’in Region
Although Saginoyu-so is located in a peaceful hot spring setting, it is also a convenient base for visiting some of the San’in region’s major attractions.
Popular destinations include Izumo Taisha, Matsue Castle, the ruins of Gassan Toda Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The combination of convenient sightseeing access and a tranquil hot spring environment makes the inn a suitable base for a trip around Shimane.
Nearby, visitors can also find the Yasugi-bushi Performance Hall, where they can experience authentic Yasugi-bushi music and the famous loach-scooping dance.
By combining sightseeing with traditional performing arts, local cuisine, and hot spring bathing, travelers can experience many different aspects of San’in’s history and culture.
A Comfortable Sense of “Just Right”
Saginoyu-so does not focus on extravagant luxury. Instead, it brings together nature, hot springs, cuisine, gardens, traditional rooms, and thoughtful hospitality in a harmonious way.
Its appeal lies in a quieter form of luxury, where traditional Japanese aesthetics and a sense of calm take precedence over extravagance. The peaceful surroundings encourage guests to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
For travelers looking to step away from a busy daily routine and give both body and mind time to rest, Saginoyu-so offers a memorable Japanese hot spring experience surrounded by the natural and cultural heritage of the San’in region.