World Heritage hot springs! Experience Japan's oldest sacred hot spring at Kumano's hidden hot spring "Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu"

The only hot spring World Heritage Site in the world! Kumano's hidden hot spring "Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu"

The Kumano region stretches across the borders of Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures. This region is one of Japan's most unexplored areas, but it is also home to the Kumano Kodo trail, a registered World Heritage Site, and is popular with many tourists. Among these, we would like to introduce you to the sacred hot spring "Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu," which can be said to be the highlight of any visit to Kumano.

What is Tsuboyu?

"Tsuboyu" at Yunomine Onsen is a hot spring that is deeply connected to the history of the Kumano Kodo trail. It has a long history, and is officially said to have been discovered by Kumano Kuni no Miyatsuko Oatotasuni around the 4th century. One theory is that it was used by the indigenous people of the Jomon period, and it is known as one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.

This hot spring has been used as a place for pilgrims to purify themselves before visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. For this reason, it has been registered as a World Heritage Site as a "World Heritage Site where you can bathe" as it has special historical and cultural significance.

Japan's oldest public bath

Tsuboyu is considered sacred by Kumano worshippers and has been used since ancient times. For that reason, it is also known as "Japan's oldest public bathhouse." Currently, it can be used for 30-minute private use (first come, first served). You can enjoy this special experience for 780 yen.

Location: 110 Yunomine, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama Prefecture Business hours: 6:00-21:30 (open every day) Fees:

Tsubo-yu: 780 yen (mixed bath, 30 minutes private) Public bath: 260 yen Medicinal bath: 390 yen

How to enjoy Tsubo-yu

You can enjoy "medicinal baths" at the public baths, which are also 100% natural spring water without adding water or heating. In front of the public baths, there is a spot called "Yutsuts" where hot spring water gushes out, where you can boil eggs and vegetables purchased from the shop and enjoy them. Please enjoy this unique experience that can only be found at a hot spring.

Kawayu Onsen - Another hidden hot spring in Kumano

There is another hidden hot spring in the Kumano region, Kawayu Onsen. This hot spring is also an old hot spring that has been known since before the Kumano faith, and you can freely enjoy the baths dug into the riverbed. The huge open-air bath "Senninburo," which is only installed in winter, is a particularly famous spot among locals.

Hermit bath

Usage period: December to the end of February Time: 6:30 to 22:00 Fee: Free (mixed bathing, swimsuits allowed)

We also recommend the local Kawayu Onsen public baths. For the reasonable price of 250 yen, you can enjoy the abundant hot spring water straight from the source.

Address: 1423 Kawayu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama Prefecture Business hours: 6:30-19:30 (closed on Tuesdays) Price: 250 yen

Have a special experience at Kumano's hot springs

The hot springs of the Kumano region offer a special experience unlike any other, due to their historical and cultural background. Take this opportunity to visit the world's only hot spring World Heritage Site, "Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu," and Kumano's hidden hot spring, "Kawayu Onsen." Hot spring lovers and history buffs alike will surely be satisfied!

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