Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen is located on the Oto River, a tributary of the Kumano River. It is famous for the ability to dig into the riverbank and create your own personal open-air bath—something extremely rare even nationwide. The water is an alkaline simple hot spring, gentle enough for everyone from children to seniors, and is said to help with neuralgia and muscle pain, with expected skin-beautifying effects as well. Beyond the riverbed hot springs, there is also a dedicated public bathhouse in the center of the Kawayu Onsen ryokan area if you prefer a conventional bath. For lodging, there are at least five ryokan options such as "Fujiya," "Sansuikan Kawayu Midoriya," "Sansuikan Kawayu Matsuya," "Sansuikan Kawayu Kinokuni," and "Kameya Ryokan," and for an even more casual stay, there are many minshuku and pensions. After walking the World Heritage-listed "Kumano Kodo" and visiting "Kumano Hongu Taisha," you can rest your tired body and refresh. Access: get off at JR Kisei Main Line "Shingu Station," take a Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus, and get off at the "Kawayu Onsen" stop—it’s right there.