Overview
At Yanagiya, you stay in a ryokan that has been part of Yumura Onsen’s history for over 1,200 years. The property surrounds a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden, visible from every room. In each season—fresh green in spring, deep shade in summer, vibrant colors in autumn, and snow-dusted scenes in winter—you can enjoy the view while soaking in hot spring water known as one of Shingen Takeda’s hidden baths.
Yanagiya combines the charm of a traditional ryokan with modern comfort, offering both communal baths and private open-air baths. The atmosphere invites you to do nothing but relax, letting the hot springs and garden views wash away daily stress.
Accommodation
Yanagiya offers a range of rooms, each facing the Japanese garden:
- Japanese Room with Shigaraki Ceramic Open-Air Bath – Soak in a beautifully crafted Shigaraki ceramic tub while enjoying the fresh seasonal air.
- Japanese Room with Cypress Open-Air Bath – Relax in the gentle scent and warmth of a cypress tub, perfect for a deeply calming soak.
- Standard Japanese Rooms – Choose from rooms with sunken kotatsu seating or with a traditional entrance hall. All have views of the garden.
All rooms include amenities such as yukata, bathrobes, tea sets, refrigerators, air purifiers, and a full range of toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, facial cleanser, and skincare products.
Dining
Meals at Yanagiya feature seasonal kaiseki cuisine that draws on recipes passed down through generations, combined with fresh ingredients from Yamanashi. Each course reflects the flavors of the season, from spring mountain vegetables to autumn mushrooms.
Dinner is served in one of the ryokan’s banquet rooms, where you can enjoy dishes such as fresh sashimi, seasonal tempura, grilled fish, and local specialties like houtou noodles. Breakfast is a healthy Japanese meal that includes houtou, gently warming your body to start the day.
Onsen and Wellness
Yanagiya’s hot springs are part of the rich history of Yumura Onsen, known as one of Takeda Shingen’s hidden baths. According to legend, the monk Kōbō Daishi revealed the location of the spring over 1,200 years ago. The water has long been valued for healing wounds and easing fatigue.
Bathing Facilities:
- Ishi no Yu – The original rock bath that gave Yanagiya its reputation, offering an authentic onsen atmosphere.
- Hana no Yu – An open-air bath with sweeping views of Yumurayama’s greenery or snowy slopes.
- Spring Bath (Haru no Yu) – A barrier-free private cypress bath that can accommodate wheelchairs, ideal for elderly or mobility-impaired visitors.
- Take no Ha – A reservation-only open-air bath with wooden charm, perfect for couples or families wanting privacy.
Each bathing area also includes a kura-style sauna. The water’s mild alkalinity and mineral composition are said to help with fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and skin health.
Guests with Tattoos
If you have tattoos, you can enjoy the baths by reserving one of the private facilities. This ensures you can relax without concern.
Facilities
- Japanese garden view from every room
- Large public baths with open-air sections and saunas
- Private open-air baths, including barrier-free options
- Multiple banquet rooms for meals and events
- Lobby lounge and souvenir shop offering local specialties and Kōshū wine
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Activities
Yanagiya is part of the Yumura Onsen area, a hot spring town rich with history and legends. You can explore the “Eight Historic Spots of Yumura,” visit local temples, and enjoy seasonal beauty spots. The ryokan’s location makes it easy to combine a relaxing onsen stay with cultural sightseeing in Yamanashi.
Additional Features
- 1,200-year-old hot spring source with legendary origins
- Seasonal kaiseki dining with local Yamanashi specialties
- Choice of garden-view rooms with or without private baths
- Range of bathing options, from large communal baths to private outdoor tubs
