About
Traditional thatched yunohana huts at Myoban Yunosato where hot spring minerals crystallize - Source: Wikimedia Commons
Myoban Yunosato Shop is the premier destination for authentic yunohana (hot spring mineral) products in Beppu, celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2025. 🔗 Located at the historic Myoban hot spring village, it offers the only source of traditionally-produced yunohana bath salts in Japan, made using methods designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. 🔗
Cultural & Historical Significance
Myoban Yunosato represents 300 years of continuous yunohana production, with approximately 15 triangular-roofed thatched huts scattered across spacious mountain grounds creating an atmosphere that transports visitors to the Edo period. 🔗 The production technique, designated as a National Important Intangible Cultural Asset in 2006, involves hot spring vapor permeating blue clay floors inside specially designed straw-thatched huts, creating 100% natural mineral crystals over 40-60 days. 🔗
The thatched roofs absorb humidity to maintain constant interior temperatures, a technique perfected over 300 years. 🔗 Mineral crystals grow approximately 1mm per day as beneficial components from hot spring steam and blue clay crystallize. 🔗
Visiting Information
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last entry 8:00 PM) daily, no regular holidays 🔗
Access:
- By Bus: From Beppu Station West Exit (Stop #3), take bus #5 or #41 to Jizoyu-mae Bus Stop (25 minutes), then walk 3 minutes 🔗
- By Taxi: 15-20 minutes from downtown Beppu, approximately ¥2,200 🔗
- Parking: Free parking for 80 cars 🔗
Cost:
- Shop access and yunohana hut viewing: Free
- Bath facilities (optional): Adult ¥600, Child ¥300 🔗
Current Status: Open and operating normally, celebrating 300th anniversary in 2025 🔗
The Shopping Experience
The shop sells an extensive range of original products made from locally harvested yunohana including bath salts, hydrating face masks, fragrant body scrubs, and comprehensive skin care lines from face creams to mists. 🔗 The most popular item is "Yakuyo Yunohana Nyuyokuzai," medicinal bath salts that reproduce the milky blue sulfur water of Myoban's famous onsen. 🔗
Beyond yunohana products, the shop carries limited edition Myoban Yunosato items, local Oita Prefecture specialties including kabosu citrus salt, Ontayaki ceramic plates and bowls, naturally dyed towels, and traditional stationery, making it a comprehensive souvenir destination. 🔗
Products range from large family-size bath salt packages to small, cute packages perfect for gifts, allowing flexibility in souvenir selection. 🔗 The "Yunohana Soap" combines medicated charcoal and deep ocean water with yunohana for moisturizing effects, while the "Yunohana Mist Spray" can be applied over makeup to prevent dry skin. 🔗
Visitors can freely walk among the iconic triangular-roofed yunohana huts, observing the traditional production process and viewing the interior of production huts. 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Shopping Strategy:
- Start with yunohana bath salts (flagship product) - staff can explain different mineral concentrations
- Compare small sample sizes before committing to larger packages
- Ask about kabosu citrus salt, specifically recommended for flavoring meat or fish 🔗
- Limited edition Myoban Yunosato products only available here, making them unique souvenirs
- Products ship domestically if purchasing large quantities
Best Visit Time: Morning hours (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) for clearer mountain views and less crowded shopping
Seasonal Considerations (Early November):
- Comfortable mountain temperatures (15-20°C) ideal for outdoor hut exploration
- Clear autumn skies provide excellent photo opportunities
- Steam from yunohana huts particularly photogenic in cooler morning air
Photography: Yunohana huts and surrounding grounds freely photographable; particularly striking when steam rises from the structures in morning light
Cultural Etiquette:
- Remove shoes when entering yunohana huts for viewing
- Don't touch or disturb the blue clay mineral deposits
- Ask permission before photographing production areas
Weather Preparation:
- Mountain location can be cooler and windier than central Beppu
- Bring light jacket for early November visit
- Sulfur smell permeates area - normal and part of authentic experience
Important Notes:
- Yunohana products contain genuine hot spring minerals - those with sensitive skin should test small areas first
- Shop accepts major credit cards and has English-speaking staff 🔗
- Products can be fragile (ceramics) or liquid (skincare) - plan packing accordingly
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/beppu/myoban-yunosato-shop.md