Overview
You can reach U-Bell Hotel Matsumasa with a ten-minute walk from Yuda Onsen Station in Yamaguchi Prefecture. This ryokan welcomes you with over 90 years of hospitality and natural hot spring water that flows directly from the source. Known for its historical charm and spacious baths, the ryokan stands as a modern tribute to Yuda Onsen’s long-standing tradition.
Yuda Onsen dates back to the year 1200 and became a flourishing hot spring town in the Meiji and Showa periods. During the late Edo period, even samurai and revolutionaries of the Choshu domain visited the baths. Today, you can enjoy that same spring water—famous for its smooth texture and beautifying properties—right here at U-Bell Hotel Matsumasa.
Accommodation
You can choose from a wide range of rooms to match your preferences. The ryokan offers everything from traditional Japanese-style rooms to modern twin rooms. If you’re looking for something more luxurious, try the rooms that come with private hot spring baths.
Every room is designed to give you space to relax. Soft lighting, warm tones, and thoughtful details help you unwind. Whether you’re soaking in your room’s bath or lounging in a yukata, your stay will feel peaceful and comfortable.
Dining
Your meals at the ryokan feature Kaiseki courses made with seasonal ingredients and regional flavors. In winter, try the full-course fugu dinner, which includes sashimi, fried fugu, grilled fugu, soup, and a fugu hot pot. Every dish brings out the unique taste and texture of Yamaguchi’s most iconic fish.
If you’re visiting outside the winter season, you can enjoy a seasonal Kaiseki meal that reflects the current harvest. Expect dishes that include local seafood, wagyu beef, and fresh vegetables, all prepared with traditional techniques.
For something more refined, choose the premium Kaiseki, which includes two main courses—one fish and one meat—showcasing the chef’s skill and the ingredients’ quality.
To complement your meal, enjoy sake brewed in Yamaguchi. The region is known for its clean water and excellent rice, producing smooth, high-quality sake that pairs perfectly with your food.
In the morning, the ryokan serves a gentle Japanese breakfast featuring dishes like Senzaki-style chikuwa, “chisha namasu” (vinegared greens), and “iriko miso” (miso with dried anchovies). This breakfast is light, nourishing, and deeply rooted in local tradition.
Children can enjoy their own meals, too. You can choose from two different kids’ menus based on age and appetite. These dishes are designed to be both fun and satisfying for younger diners.
Your meals are served in one of four dining spaces on the second floor of the main building:
- Kaentei, a traditional Japanese room
- Sesshu, with a calm, elegant atmosphere
- Tatekōji, with a simpler, classic design
- Tenge, a cozy space for quiet dining
For dinner, you can select a start time between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM.
Onsen and Wellness
You can relax in 100% natural hot spring water, straight from Yuda Onsen’s source. The water is rich in minerals and known for its smooth feel and skin-softening qualities. At 72°C and with 2,000 tons of water flowing daily, the springs are among the most plentiful in the region.
The ryokan’s main bath, Senninyu, has enough space to stretch out and fully unwind. It includes a jet bath and sauna for extra relaxation. After a long soak, cool off in the spacious dressing room or rest in the post-bath lounge.
Step outside to enjoy the open-air bath, where you can watch the stars at night or enjoy the morning sun. This bath also uses 100% spring water and stays warm even in winter.
If you prefer a private experience, you can reserve one of the two family baths. Ichinoyu fits smaller groups, while Ninoyu accommodates more people. Each bath includes shampoo, body soap, cleansing oil, and other amenities. Reservations are required, and you’ll choose your time during booking.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you can still enjoy the baths by covering them with tattoo cover seals. If you don’t have a seal, the ryokan recommends using the private family baths. These give you complete privacy and full access to the healing waters of Yuda Onsen.
Facilities
The ryokan offers thoughtful services to make your stay more comfortable. You’ll find yukata for children, footbath sets with geta sandals and towels, and baskets for carrying your bath items around the building. If you need extras like a humidifier, charger, or pillow, the staff will bring them to your room.
For those celebrating a special occasion, the ryokan can arrange cakes or flower bouquets. You can also borrow a chanchanko (celebration vest) for longevity celebrations at no extra cost.
Need to unwind even more? Book an in-room massage or facial. Contact the front desk for details.
Activities
Enjoy the story of the white fox, which marks the origin of Yuda Onsen. Legend says a monk discovered the spring after seeing a fox dip its injured paw into a warm pond. The waters healed the fox, and soon after, people began to recognize the spring’s healing powers.
While you explore Yamaguchi, the front desk can provide sightseeing tips. When you’re done for the day, head back to the ryokan and enjoy the calm of a hot spring bath, a good meal, and your tatami room.
Additional Features
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the building
- On-site shop for souvenirs and drinks
- Reserved family baths with full amenities
- Sauna and jet bath included in main bath area
- Comfortable yukata and bath baskets provided in your room
- Services for special occasions, including cakes and flowers
- Access via bus from Shin-Yamaguchi Station; the stop is right outside the hotel
