Saginoyusou
Room Types
3
Water
Hot Spring
Private
In-Room Onsen
Cuisine
Kaiseki
About
Saginoyusou is a distinguished 20-room onsen ryokan in the Saginoyu Onsen district of Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, famous for its proximity to the Adachi Museum of Art — just a one-minute walk away. Fed by rare radioactive chloride-sulfate hot spring waters gushing at over 1,100 liters per minute, the ryokan features Japanese gardens, in-room kaiseki dining, public and private baths, and detached cottages with private outdoor soaking tubs overlooking exquisite garden scenery.
Ideal For
Key Experiences
Gallery
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Standard Japanese Room
Traditional tatami room with shoji paper screens, futon bedding, and views of the ryokan's Japanese garden.
- Tatami flooring with futon bedding
- Shoji paper screens
- Flat-screen TV with satellite channels
- Refrigerator
- Yukata robes and bath amenities
Room with Private Garden and Open-Air Bath
Spacious modern Japanese-style room with a private garden and exclusive outdoor soaking tub fed by natural hot spring water, plus a foot bath on the veranda.
- Private open-air onsen bath
- Private garden
- Foot bath on veranda
- Wide modern Japanese-style design
- Dining area within the room
- Premium amenities
Detached Storehouse Cottage with Open-Air Bath
Unique cottage built from a relocated old storehouse, featuring twin beds in the attic, a private outdoor bath, and rustic charm blended with modern comfort.
- Private outdoor onsen bath
- Twin beds in attic level
- Relocated storehouse architecture
- Living area with traditional elements
- Premium amenities
Onsen & Baths
Spring Type
Weakly radioactive sodium-calcium chloride-sulfate hot spring (containing radon)
Private Baths
- In-room private open-air bath (select rooms and detached cottages)
- Reservable private bath for other guests
Duration: Unlimited for in-room baths; reservation-based for shared private baths
Indoor Baths
- Gender-segregated indoor public hot spring bath
Outdoor Baths
- Gender-segregated outdoor public hot spring bath
- Private open-air baths in select rooms and detached cottages
- Wash and rinse thoroughly at shower stations before entering any bath
- Do not bring towels into the bath water
- Tie long hair up to keep it out of the water
- Keep voices low to maintain the peaceful atmosphere
- Tattoos may need to be covered in public baths — private baths are unrestricted
Dining
In-room dining (kaiseki dinner served in your guest room)
Banquet room (Japanese breakfast)
Specialty Dishes
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Amenities
Premium
Best Times to Visit
Spring (Mar–May)
- Cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in the ryokan garden and Adachi Museum
- Mild temperatures ideal for outdoor bath soaking
- Spring kaiseki with mountain vegetables and fresh seafood
- Golden Week can be busy at the Adachi Museum
- Book early for spring weekends
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Lush green gardens at their peak beauty
- Summer seafood from the Sea of Japan is exceptional
- Longer days for exploring the San'in region
- Humid conditions — outdoor baths best in morning or evening
- Obon period (mid-August) sees increased visitors
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
- Spectacular autumn foliage in the garden and Adachi Museum grounds
- Comfortable temperatures perfect for extended onsen soaking
- Autumn kaiseki with mushrooms and seasonal harvest produce
- Most popular season — early booking essential
- Adachi Museum draws larger crowds during peak foliage
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Snow-covered gardens create stunning winter scenery
- Fewer visitors and a deeply peaceful atmosphere
- Hot spring warmth is most appreciated in cold weather
- Winter kaiseki features hearty crab and warming dishes
- San'in region can receive significant snowfall
- Some transport options may be affected by winter weather
Local Knowledge
Insider Tips
Hidden Gems
- The spring water is a rare combination of radioactive, chloride, and sulfate minerals — unusual even by Japan's diverse onsen standards
- Hot spring water gushes out at over 1,100 liters per minute, ensuring the freshest possible bathing experience
Detached cottages built from relocated old storehouses have twin beds in the attic and their own outdoor baths
The Adachi Museum garden has been ranked No. 1 in the Journal of Japanese Gardening for over seventeen consecutive years
Must-Try Experiences
- Private outdoor bath soak overlooking the Japanese garden at sunset
- Kaiseki dinner in your room featuring fresh San'in seafood and seasonal mountain produce
Leisurely morning visit to the Adachi Museum's garden — just steps from your ryokan
Experience Tips
- Visit the Adachi Museum garden in the morning for the best light and fewer crowds
- Try both the public baths and your private bath for different experiences
Enjoy the salt veil warming effect of the chloride springs — you'll stay warm long after bathing
Ask staff about seasonal events and local San'in cultural attractions
Take time to appreciate the ryokan's own Japanese garden from your room
Cultural Notes
- The white heron legend of Saginoyu connects to a broader Japanese tradition of animals discovering healing springs
- Saginoyu's history as a feudal lord's palace bath (Gotenyu) reflects the social hierarchy of Edo-period bathing culture
The Adachi Museum's garden philosophy treats the landscape as a living painting, changing with each season
San'in (meaning shady side of the mountains) refers to the Japan Sea coast region known for its distinct cuisine and folklore
Ready to experience it yourself?
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Stay Details
Recommended Stay
1-2 nights
Getting There
- Shuttle or taxi from Yasugi Station (approximately 15 minutes)
- Free shuttle bus from Adachi Museum (1 minute walk from ryokan)
- Car access via San'in Expressway, Yasugi IC exit (approximately 10 minutes)
- JR San'in Main Line from Matsue to Yasugi Station (approximately 25 minutes)
- Yonago Kitaro Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car
Before You Go
Dietary Options
At least 3 days in advance recommended
Booking Tips
- Request a room with a private open-air bath or a detached cottage for the best experience
- Book well ahead if visiting during autumn foliage or holiday periods
- Combine your stay with a visit to the Adachi Museum — purchase tickets in advance
- Communicate dietary needs at least 3 days before arrival
- Ask about shuttle service from Yasugi Station at time of booking
Preparation Tips
- Check Adachi Museum hours and plan your visit — it's literally next door
- Pack lightly — yukata, slippers, and bath amenities are provided
- Bring a camera for the garden views and outdoor bath scenery
- Research nearby Matsue Castle and Izumo Taisha for day trips
Quick Facts
Nearest Station
Yasugi Station (JR San'in Main Line)
History
Saginoyu Onsen takes its name from an ancient legend dating to the Jinki era (724-729 CE), when a white heron was observed healing its wounded leg in the hot spring waters. The onsen prospered as the palace bath (Gotenyu) of successive feudal lords during the Sengoku and Edo periods, particularly under the Amago clan at Tomita Castle. After being lost due to flooding of the Iinashi River, the springs were rediscovered in 1909. Today Saginoyu is a certified National Health Resort, and Saginoyusou carries forward over 1,300 years of healing tradition.
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