Visit Wakayama

For millennia the culture of onsen (hot springs) has been rooted in the Japanese way of life. Hot springs have been cherished not only as a way to gain relief from fatigue, but also as a place to cleanse the body, treat illness, or just to interact with other people. As legend has it, the waters of Yonomine’s Tsubo-yu onsen cured a famous samurai’s ailments.

Historically, Wakayama is renowned amongst the Japanese for its abundant onsen retreats. Here you can find every imaginable type of hot spring. From outdoor rotenburo baths including the largest in Western Japan, to 2-person baths in the shape of a water well; foot baths while you dine, or even onsen said to fit 1,000 people. Each one is unique, and bound to leave an impression.

As the saying goes, location is everything and this is true of onsen. Onsen are mostly sited so that you can enjoy the view while relaxing in the bath. At Shirahama Town, the onsen face the open Pacific Ocean, with the mood set by waves crashing nearby. In the mountain hamlets of Kawayu, thermal waters rise to the surface of a bathing river, whilst in Katsuura, outdoor rotenburo look out onto azure coves and nearby islands.

A quick dip in an onsen in Wakayama City is a great way to rest-up before a long flight, but the ultimate onsen experience has to be the no holds barred variety. Whether you pick a hotel or a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan) to overnight at, the combination of a long soak in the hot spring, a traditional full-course kaiseki dinner, then falling into a deep sleep, is an indulgence sure to make the bustle of daily life a distant memory.

Saki-no-yu, located in Shirahama, is said to be the oldest onsen in Japan and features rotenburo (open air baths) that look right out on the vast Pacific Ocean.

Kawayu Onsen is a geological thermal wonder.  ''Kawa'' means ''river'' and ''yu'' means ''hot water''.  Onsen hot spring waters rise up from the river bed, turning the river into a very original and rustic onsen.

Boki-do Cave's rotenburo bath is located inside a large natural cave created by erosion resulting from stormy seas. Facing towards the Pacific Ocean, bathers can enjoy gazing out at the vast ocean, while listening to the sound of the waves echoing throughout the cave.