Yunomine Onsen

Relax in the healing waters of these UNESCO World Heritage hot springs

Yunomine Onsen is a remote mountain village that is considered one of Japan's oldest onsen towns.

Tucked away in the Kii mountains of Wakayama , the hostels and inns here have long provided respite for those trekking the ancient Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route . Immersion in one of Yunomine's many hot spring baths offers relief for both body and soul.

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A night in a historical inns

Quick Facts

Thought to be the oldest onsen town in Japan, its history dates back over 1,800 years

Entry to the Tsuboyu bath is first-come first-served, and allocated in 30-minute time slots

The legend surrounding the miraculous healing found in Tsuboyu is recounted in kabuki plays

The story behind the name

According to legend, the village owes its wealth of medicinal waters to the Buddha of healing, Yakushi Nyorai. There is a statue of Yakushi Nyorai inside the local temple Tokoji, and keen observers will notice a hole in its chest. It is said that fountains of water came gushing from this opening and that from there the original name of the area was born: Yunomune, "Chest of Hot Water."

Pilgrimage pit-stop

The hot waters of the area were a godsend for many pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route . It was here that they could rest and soak in the springs to revitalize both mind and body before continuing. Nearly every inn in the town offers its own hot spring baths, and there are several public baths for anyone to use.

Compared to other expansive, scenic hot springs, you'd be forgiven for overlooking the tiny wooden cabin on the riverside that is Tsuboyu. The bath is only big enough for two at a time, but is the only UNESCO registered onsen in the world.

Tsuboyu's legend dates back centuries to when a famous military commander with an incurable disease was healed by the waters, a story now immortalized in kabuki plays and religious texts. Its mystical water is said to change color seven times a day, and bathers come from far and wide to be revitalized in its waters.

Bathing in the legendary location

Over time, bathing in Tsuboyu became a key part of the journey, as it was necessary to purify the body before making the last approach to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine , and tales of its healing powers had spread. It is for this connection to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage that Tsuboyu was granted the singular distinction as a UNESCO World Heritage hot spring bath.

How to Get There

Buses from Shingu Station take around one hour to reach the village. Get off at the Yunomine Onsen bus stop.

Alternatively, take the slightly longer bus ride from JR Kii-Tanabe Station. Yunomine Onsen is located along the same bus route that brings you to Hongu Taisha, as well as several other hot spring sites.