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Hot Springs
The culture of Onsen (hot springs) has been deeply rooted in the lives of Japanese people since ancient times. Hot springs have been beloved not only as a way to relieve fatigue but also as a place to cleanse the body, treat illness, and even to interact with other people. Wakayama is known as a famous hot springs area, and many hot springs are located throughout the whole prefecture.
The dynamic Shirahama Onsen offers views of the Pacific Ocean, while Katsuura Onsen has unique hot springs including natural cave hot springs. Hongu Onsen-kyo is also famous and contains three different Onsen: Kawayu Onsen with natural rivers that serve as enormous rotenburo (open-air baths), Yunomine Onsen, thought to be the oldest hot springs area in Japan, and Watarase Onsen, one of the largest hot springs areas in western Japan. There are also many other "secret" hot springs including Ryujin Onsen which is counted as one of the three top hot springs in Japan for enhancing beauty. Each hot spring has differing water qualities, effects, water color, and feel, so when you visit Wakayama we recommend trying a number of them. Foot baths are also a relaxing way to enjoy hot springs.
Hongu Onsen (hot springs)
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This historic hot springs area is close to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Yunomine Onsen (hot springs) is home to Tsubo-yu, which is said to be Japan's oldest hot spring and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also the famous Kawayu Onsen (hot springs), where digging at the river bank causes hot spring water to flow, and Watarase Onsen (hot springs), which has one of the largest rotenburo (open air baths) in Western Japan. |
Tsubo-yu/Hongu Onsen(hot springs)
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Tsubo-yu is renowned for being the oldest hot spring in Japan. It is also the only UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can enjoy full-body hot spring bathing. This mysterious hot spring is a small rock bath which can fit about two adults, and the color of the hot water changes seven times each day. According to legend, a famous military commander cured his illness at this spring. |
Sennin-buro/Hongu Onsen (hot springs)
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Sennin Buro refers to famous rotenburo (open air bath) at Kawayu Onsen (hot springs) which is only available during winter from November to February. Hot water wells up by digging at the river bank, creating an exclusive rotenburo. This massive hot spring with a capacity of nearly 1,000 people can also be entered when wearing a bathing suit. |
Watarase Onsen (hot springs)/Hongu Onsen
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This hot spring is renowned for its large, garden-style rotenburo (open air bath) which is one of the largest in Western Japan. There are several bathtubs, so you can enjoy experiencing many different baths at the site. Rotenburo can also be reserved for private use. |
Shirahama Onsen (hot springs)
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This historical spring, along with Dogo Onsen (hot springs) and Arima Onsen (hot springs), is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs. It offers a wide variety of spring types to enjoy, including rotenburo (open air baths) that look right out on the ocean, atmospheric public baths and relaxing foot baths. |
In addition to the above information, you can find much more about “Hot Springs.”
Please click on “Northern Area” or “Southern Area.”
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