Visit Wakayama

Kawayu Onsen is a geothermal area set amid the rustic wilds of Kumano, a place to fully appreciate the World Heritage-listed cultural and natural attractions of the region. With thermal waters of over 70 degrees constantly bubbling up from the riverbed of the Oto-gawa River, a tributary of Kumano River, you can dig your own pool as you like here. Swim or splash in the clear waters of the river over summer, soak in a sennin-buro (big hot spring pool) in the winter (December to February), which the locals create by damming part of the river flow.

Spring to autumn – Forge your own private pool beside the river

Over summer, the Oto-gawa River is open to all swimmers. You can dig your own private onsen paradise in the riverbed. Bring your own shovel. 

◯Seasonal access: March to November

◯Hours: anytime during season

◯Price: free

Winter: season of the “sennin-buro”

Between December and February, the riverbank closes to individual diggers and the big “sennin-buro” hot spring pool takes shape instead. It is one of the biggest hot springs in Japan, capable of accommodating about 1,000 bathers.

◯Seasonal access: December to February

◯Hours: 6:30-22:00

◯Price: free

＊Access may be limited during the season due to rising river level due to rainfall, maintenance, etc.

＊Swimwear is required

Over winter, when the sennin-buro is open, a number of seasonal events are held in Kawayu Onsen. Here are three events that will help you to savor your hot spring experience even more deeply.

There are many ryokan, inns and guesthouses in the Kumano Kodo hiking area. Be sure to select your place to stay to suit the type of trip you are planning to Kawayu Onsen, whether your focus is more on culture or warm hospitality.

Some places offer boxed lunches convenient for walkers, with many able to provide vegetarian and non-allergenic meal options too.

Kawayu Onsen is a resort area famed for the natural beauty of its landscapes and for its hot spring culture. The area is dotted with excellent locations for physical and spiritual refreshment from intriguing shrines and temples to the historic Kumano Kodo trails. Once you have revived in the steaming waters, take a journey back in time to worship at a shrine or walk in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims.

Having found healing at Kawayu Onsen and worshipped at Kumano Hongu Taisha, why not extend your adventure a little to take in a tour of the lands around Kumano Sanzan? This would follow the circuit of the pilgrims of the Heian period.

Bus: Ride about 60 minutes from Shingu Station on the JR Kinokuni Line, alight at the Fujiya-mae bus stop

Bus: Ride about 2 hours from Kii-Tanabe Station on the JR Kinokuni Line, alight at Kawayu Onsen bus stop, walk about 7 minutes

Car: About 60 minutes’ drive from Kamitonda IC, Hanwa Expressway

Kawayu Onsen is a hot spring resort offering something different in every season. Bring your swimwear and make the most of this rustic geothermal delight.

Whether visiting Kawayu Onsen as the starting point of your Kumano Kodo journey or as one stop on your tour, any walk here is a step back in time. The encounters with nature, culture and history here will refresh your mind and body and make splendid memories of your travels.