River Play in the Ototo River at Kawayu Onsen | A "Hot-and-Cold Stroll" Between Cool Currents and Hand-Dug Riverbank Hot Springs

The Wonder of River Play and Hot Springs Sharing the Same Riverbank

The charm of Kawayu Onsen lies in the Ototo River, which flows right beside the inn district, where the riverbank itself serves as both a playground and a bathing spot. Move the stones aside and dig, and warm water seeps up beneath your feet. Children and adults alike can feel this underground steam with their own hands.

Instead of treating "playing in the river" and "taking a hot spring bath" as separate plans, enjoy them seamlessly along the same riverbank. That's the Kawayu way of spending a day.

The Flow of a Hot-and-Cold Stroll

1. Start by Dipping Your Toes in the River

Rather than plunging straight into deeper water, soak your feet in the shallows first to feel the strength of the current and the coolness of the water. Peering into the clear riverbed, you'll notice the colors of the stones and signs of tiny creatures. Just watching the crystal-clear flow makes the trip to the riverbank worthwhile.

2. Warm Up in a Hot Pool

When you dip your chilled feet into a warm pool, the heat feels all the more striking. Shifting between the river's cool water and the hot pool's warmth is a refreshing break in the middle of a busy trip. Pool temperatures vary from spot to spot, so test with your hand or toes before entering. Some areas can be quite hot, so take care not to get burned.

3. Take a Breather on the Riverbank

Sit down on a stone and rest while listening to the sound of the river. The breeze feels wonderful on skin fresh from the hot water.

What to Bring and How to Prepare Your Footwear

• Sandals or water shoes you don't mind getting wet: The stones on the riverbank are slippery, and bare feet can hurt.
• Towel and change of clothes: Moving around in wet clothes gets chilly, so a spare set brings peace of mind.
• Plastic bags: Handy for stashing wet clothes and towels.
• Clothes you don't mind getting dirty: Since you'll be sitting on the riverbank and touching stones, wear something you don't need to worry about.

Weather and Safety Awareness

Even on sunny days, the river can suddenly swell due to rain upstream. For river play, check the weather forecast and the condition of the water on the day, and if you feel the slightest unease, it's important to be willing not to go in. For families with children, keep an eye on them even in the shallows, and have an adult stay close by.

Rules about using the riverbank and digging your own pool may change depending on the season and local management. Check the on-site signage or ask your inn before enjoying the area. When you're done playing, filling in your dug pool back toward its original shape helps keep the spot pleasant for everyone to continue using.

Combining with Your Inn and the Surroundings

After playing in the river, your body is often colder than you'd expect. Planning in a bath at your inn or a post-bath rest helps you wrap up the day in a relaxed way. Kawayu Onsen is a small hot spring town, so the distance from the riverbank to the inns is short, with the easygoing convenience of walking back.

The cool flowing current and the warm water rising from beneath your feet. At the Ototo River in Kawayu Onsen, both are close at hand to enjoy during your trip.

Image: 南紀勝浦温泉　紀州潮聞之湯 (via (公社)和歌山県観光連盟)