Kumano Kodo World heritage Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu 湯の峰温泉 つぼ湯05

Tsuboyu: The Only Hot Spring Registered as a World Heritage Site

Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu, located in Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a rare World Heritage hot spring tucked into a mountain village near Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine. Registered as a component of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," it has long been revered as a yugoriba — a place of ritual purification for Kumano pilgrims.

This natural rock bath, hidden quietly inside a small hut by the river, truly feels like a secret hot spring. The tub is so small that two bathers find it cramped, yet it holds centuries of Kumano stories layered within. Easy to visit on a day trip, it is a popular stop for travelers touring the three grand shrines of Kumano.

When people hear "World Heritage," they often imagine magnificent shrine buildings or stone-paved ancient paths. Tsuboyu, however, is a simple hut and the spring water bubbling up inside it — these themselves are part of the heritage. What has been preserved is less the beauty of a building than the act of "bathing here" and the accumulated memory of people's prayers. Unlike heritage sites you only observe, this one lets you experience its value with your own body, which is why it is often introduced as a "World Heritage you can actually bathe in." It is, in a sense, a hot spring that lets you bathe in stories. This article will walk you through the background that deepens the experience, how to plan a day trip, how to think about fees and budget, and how to explore the surrounding area.

A Mystical Bath That Changes Color Throughout the Day

Tsuboyu's most distinctive feature is its mystical quality — the water is said to change color seven times a day. From milky white to bluish hues, the hot spring shifts its expression depending on the time and weather, offering an experience hard to find elsewhere. Enjoying this authentic, free-flowing source water in a private style is another major appeal.

The changing colors are thought to arise from a combination of mineral components in the spring, the quality of light filtering into the hut, and the temperature and weather of the day. There's no guarantee you'll see all seven colors, of course. Rather, the pleasure lies in meeting a different face each time you visit. Even bathing twice in the same water, you may not see the same scene.

On rainy days the water may feel calm and subdued; on sunny days, bright and clear. The same place can seem like an entirely different bath depending on season or hour. This is Tsuboyu's depth. The reason so many visitors return is this very quality — that one visit is never enough.

Pay attention not only to color but also to the fragrance of the source. A distinctive hot spring aroma fills the hut. Turn your awareness slowly toward the feel of the water on your skin and its scent, and you'll savor the bath more deeply.

What Kind of Place Is Yunomine Onsen?

To truly appreciate Tsuboyu, let's first learn about Yunomine Onsen itself.

A Small Hot Spring Town in a Mountain Valley

Yunomine Onsen is a tiny hot spring town nestled in a valley embraced by Kumano's deep mountains. Though called a "hot spring town," there is no bustling entertainment district or neon-lit street. Inns, guesthouses, public baths, and souvenir shops huddle together along the river, and steam rising from here and there blends into the valley scenery.

The town is small enough to walk around, so once you park your car, you can simply stroll at leisure. From the paths underfoot to the flowing river and the distant mountain ridges, everything is steeped in the atmosphere of Kumano. Yunomine is also said to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Unlike heavily commercialized hot spring resorts, it retains a simple, tranquil air to this day.

One of the Three Hot Springs of Kumano Hongu

Around Kumano Hongu Taisha, besides Yunomine Onsen, there are Kawayu Onsen and Watarase Onsen, together known as the "Three Hot Springs of Kumano Hongu." Each has its own character, and depending on your itinerary, you can expand the pleasure of hopping between baths.

For day trips, we recommend focusing on just Yunomine due to time constraints. If you have more time, or if you're staying overnight, comparing the character of neighboring hot springs is also enjoyable.

Yunomine Onsen also offers bathing options other than Tsuboyu. Positioning Tsuboyu as a "special single bath" and combining it with more casual baths makes it easier to balance satisfaction and cost for the day.

The History of Kumano Pilgrimage and Yugori

Tsuboyu is special not only for the value of the water itself but for the more than thousand years of faith behind it. Knowing a little background changes how you feel the moment you step into the hut.

What Is Yugori?

"Yugori" refers to the act of purifying one's body with hot water before facing the gods and buddhas. In contrast to "mizugori," which uses cold water, hot spring water was used in this land where hot springs well up. From the Heian period through the medieval era, as many pilgrims walked toward Kumano, it was a long-standing custom to bathe in Yunomine before visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha, washing away the dust of travel and purifying body and mind.

For people who had walked long distances from the capital, the waters of Yunomine were both a place to heal travel fatigue and an important place to prepare for entering sacred ground. They rinsed off sweat and dust, became pure, and continued on to Hongu. Tsuboyu's small tub has quietly received these moments of prayer for generations.

The Legend of Oguri Hangan and Princess Terute

No discussion of Yunomine Onsen would be complete without the legend of Oguri Hangan. Though details vary, the story is roughly as follows.

Poisoned and robbed of the use of his body, Oguri Hangan — reduced to the form of a severely ill man — was helped by many people, including his beloved Princess Terute. Pulled in a cart by Terute and others, he at last reached Kumano. When he bathed in the waters of Yunomine, he miraculously recovered his healthy form. This story later became material for sekkyo-bushi narrative, joruri puppet theater, kabuki, and more, becoming one of the reasons Yunomine came to be widely known as "the bath of resurrection."

In this legend, Tsuboyu is spoken of as "a bath that heals illness and brings new life." Imagining people who, burdened with illness and exhaustion, came here placing their last hopes in the waters — thinking of this as you step into the bath, a simple soak takes on a slightly different meaning.

Kumano as a "Land of Rebirth"

Kumano has long been called "the land of rebirth." Deep mountains, pure waters, and hot springs welling from the earth became layered with themes of life and death, illness and recovery, drawing pilgrims who wished for renewal.

From the Heian period through the medieval era, retired emperors and nobles traveled to Kumano many times. Eventually the Kumano pilgrimage spread to commoners as well, and the long processions were likened to "ants making the Kumano pilgrimage." The capacity to welcome everyone regardless of status or gender is one of the great features of Kumano faith. Throughout this long pilgrimage history, the waters of Yunomine have quietly supported the bodies and hearts of countless travelers.

Points for Enjoying Tsuboyu as a Day Trip

Check In at the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath

To use Tsuboyu, you first register at the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath. You receive a numbered ticket, and when your turn comes, you head to the hut by the river. It's very popular, and waiting times can occur during peak seasons and weekends. We recommend arriving with time to spare.

Note that the reception system, available hours, fees, and private-use rules may vary depending on the season or circumstances. Before visiting, it's wise to check the latest information through official sources such as Tanabe City or the Kumano Hongu Tourist Association.

What Does the Tsuboyu Fee Pay For?

Many people wonder, "Isn't Tsuboyu's fee high?" or "Is it really worth going?" Fees are subject to revision, and the reception method and eligibility may change by period, so this article does not mention amounts. Please check current fees via on-site information or official sources.

What we want to convey here is how to think about the fee. Tsuboyu is a small bath hut by the river where you can enjoy a small rock-carved tub as a private bath — an experience hard to find elsewhere. Compared simply to the admission of a large public bath, some may feel it a bit expensive. However, if you factor in the following values, it looks different.

Rather than a "bath fee," think of it as an experience fee for touching Kumano's history, and it becomes easier to accept.

Think of Your Trip Budget in Three Parts

If you plan a day trip budget by bath fee alone, things tend to go awry. Dividing it into the following three and viewing it as a "half-day experience cost" will keep you from being flustered on-site.

Things to Confirm in Advance

Before visiting, it's reassuring to confirm the following with official sources.

Etiquette to Know Before Bathing

Tsuboyu is both a valuable World Heritage site and an active bathhouse still cherished by local people today. To enjoy it comfortably, keep the following in mind.

Also, water near the source can feel very hot. Don't push yourself — enter at your own pace, letting your body gradually adjust.

How to Avoid the Crowds

Tsuboyu has only one hut, and the number of people who can enter at once is limited. Depending on when you visit, wait times can grow long. These strategies help you avoid the busiest times.

This hot spring is best suited to those who can view "the waiting time as part of the journey."

Packing Checklist

For a day trip, the following items come in handy.

Scenery of Yunomine to Enjoy as Well

During your wait, stroll along the Yunotani River that runs through the hot spring town. At the Yuzutsu, where source water of nearly 90°C bubbles up, you can see locals boiling onsen eggs and vegetables. Buying raw eggs at a shop and boiling them yourself is a treat unique to Yunomine.

Combining with Kumano Hongu Taisha Is the Standard Route

From Yunomine Onsen to Kumano Hongu Taisha is about a 10-minute drive. Stopping by to soothe travel fatigue before or after your visit becomes a special experience that also traces the manners of the old Kumano pilgrimage.

Both bathing first to purify yourself and then paying respects, and bathing afterward to soothe your fatigue, have their appeals. If you want to honor the traditional order of "purifying before visiting," we recommend first bathing in Tsuboyu as yugori and then heading to Hongu. Yunomine in the morning, Hongu in the afternoon — this is one basic pattern. You can savor, just a little, the feelings of travelers of old.

Taking Time to Walk the Yunomine Hot Spring Town

Waiting for your Tsuboyu turn is a perfect chance to get to know the small town of Yunomine. There's too much to see to rush through.

Boil Onsen Eggs at the Yuzutsu

The Yuzutsu mentioned earlier is where high-temperature source water wells up. Steam rises, and a distinctive scent drifts in the air. You can regularly see people using the hot spring heat to boil eggs and vegetables. The steaming scene alone evokes a sense of travel.

If you boil eggs yourself, be mindful of boiling times, burn hazards, and other visitors. Follow the on-site guidance for how to use the facility. The source is extremely hot, so don't carelessly approach beyond the fence, and keep children in sight. Crack open a piping-hot onsen egg and a faint hot spring aroma wafts up. Enjoyed in the mountain air, the taste is exceptional.

Tokoji Temple and Yakushi-sama

In one corner of the hot spring town stands a small temple called Tokoji. It enshrines Yakushi Nyorai, the buddha said to govern the waters of Yunomine, long revered as the hot spring's guardian deity. Behind the belief that these waters can heal illness lies this Yakushi faith.

Stopping to quietly join your hands before or after bathing in Tsuboyu is a lovely gesture. Rather than sightseeing, a small prayer as part of your journey will deepen your appreciation of the Yunomine landscape. The grounds are modest, but you can feel the history of the hot spring town firsthand.

Standing at Yunomine Oji and the Entrance to the Old Pilgrim Trail

Near the hot spring town are traces of faith connected to Yunomine, including Yunomine Oji — one of the "oji" shrines where Kumano Kodo pilgrims stopped to pray. Standing in the quiet grounds or at the entrance to the ancient trail, you can picture old pilgrims purifying themselves in the waters and setting out for Hongu. Together with Tokoji, these spots help you feel that Yunomine sits along a pilgrimage path of faith.

Yunohana and the Atmosphere of the Hot Spring Town

Yunomine is also known for "yunohana" — crystallized hot spring minerals. Yunohana is sometimes used as bath additive and makes a popular souvenir. Peek into shops to find a way to bring the blessings of the hot spring home.

In every corner — the eaves of inns, the alleys — the hot spring town retains a simple charm. When taking photos, please be mindful not to inconvenience residents or guests, and walk at a relaxed pace.

Highlights Around Kumano Hongu Taisha

If you visit Yunomine Onsen, by all means extend your trip to Kumano Hongu Taisha and its surroundings. Many sights lie within an area you can comfortably cover in a day trip.

Kumano Hongu Taisha

Kumano Hongu Taisha is known as the head shrine of the Kumano Shrines across Japan, and is one of the three grand shrines of Kumano. Climb the stone steps of the approach, and the cypress-bark-roofed shrine buildings quietly appear. Not flashy, yet the air of deep mountains and solemn atmosphere naturally straighten visitors' posture.

Also note the Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) motif seen on the grounds. The three-legged crow is said to have guided Emperor Jimmu from Kumano to Yamato, and is cherished as a symbol of Kumano. It appears on charms and shrine goods, making popular travel keepsakes.

Oyunohara

Just near Hongu Taisha spreads Oyunohara, said to be the former site of the shrine's main buildings. It's said that until a great flood of the Meiji era swept the buildings away, they stood on this sandbar.

Today it's a wide, quiet space, and the great torii gate at the entrance leaves a strong impression. Thinking of the sacred area that once flourished on an island in the Kumano River, standing quietly here becomes a special moment of the journey.

Learning About the Kumano Kodo Dainichi-goe

Between Yunomine Onsen and Kumano Hongu Taisha runs the ancient path called "Dainichi-goe." It is said that pilgrims who had completed their yugori crossed this pass to reach Hongu.

Known as part of the Kumano Kodo, it is a genuine mountain path through the forest. If you plan to walk it, check distance, elevation changes, weather, and sunset time in advance, and go with proper gear and ample time. If you also plan to enjoy the hot spring on a day trip, rather than forcing yourself to walk the whole route, it's wise to savor a short section, or move by car or bus — choose according to your stamina and time. Saving the ancient path walk for a future trip is another very Kumano kind of luxury.

How to Enjoy Each Season

The mountains of Kumano change expression greatly with the seasons. Yunomine, home to Tsuboyu, offers different charms depending on when you visit.

Spring: Fresh Greenery and Soft Air

In spring, the mountain trees bud all at once, and the whole valley is wrapped in soft green. With mild temperatures, it's a good season for strolling the hot spring town or walking short sections of the Kumano Kodo. Feeling the river breeze after a bath is wonderfully pleasant. However, the holiday season tends to be crowded, so allow extra time for reception.

Summer: Mountain Coolness and River Play

Summer is when Kumano's mountain greenery is most intense. Daytime heat can be severe, but you'll find coolness in the shade and along the river in the valley. Bathing in the heat is surprisingly pleasant, and the refreshment after sweating it out is appealing. However, take great care against dehydration and heatstroke, and drink water regularly. Summer can bring sudden showers and changing weather, so checking the forecast is essential.

Autumn: Red Leaves and Clear Air

Autumn brings clear air and colored mountains. Seasonal hues appear around the Tsuboyu hut too. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, making the warmth of the bath feel especially welcome. The foliage season draws more visitors, so starting early is recommended.

Winter: Stillness Beyond the Steam

Winter is when Yunomine Onsen shows its most hot-spring-like atmosphere. Steam rising through the cold air wraps the valley in a dreamlike scene. Soaking in free-flowing source water on a cold day is truly exceptional. At Kawayu Onsen, there is also a season when a large-scale open-air riverbed bath opens as a winter tradition, making a bath-hopping trip combined with Yunomine attractive. However, as this is a mountain area, road freezing and snow are possible. If visiting by car, pay close attention to road conditions and equipment.

Tasting the Food of Kumano

Between baths and shrine visits, be sure to enjoy the food distinctive of Kumano. Travel memories are etched deepest with taste.

Onsen Porridge and Simple Yunomine Flavors

In Yunomine, onsen porridge cooked with hot spring water is one of the specialties. Using hot spring water is said to give it a gentle flavor. Warm porridge enjoyed in the cool morning air can soothe the fatigue of your journey. Inns, restaurants, and seasons offering it vary, so checking in advance is reliable.

Mehari-zushi

Mehari-zushi, known as a local dish of the Kumano region, is a rice ball-shaped pressed sushi wrapped in pickled takana (leaf mustard). The name is said to come from "opening your eyes wide to take a big bite." Simple yet filling, it's perfect as a light meal during mountain hikes or shrine visits.

Kumano Beef, Game, and Mountain Bounty

The mountains and rivers of Kumano have nurtured many ingredients. Local-brand beef, mountain vegetables, river fish, and in some areas game dishes offer a food experience unique to Kumano. Menus and venues vary by season and establishment, but "eating the local in the local place" heightens travel satisfaction.

How to Plan Your Meals

On a day trip, where to eat is also an important planning point. Will you eat lightly during your Tsuboyu wait, or enjoy a leisurely lunch around Hongu after bathing? Either way, small local eateries may have limited hours or closed days, so advance confirmation is reassuring. During peak seasons they can also be crowded, so eating a little early helps keep things smooth.

How to Think About Access

Yunomine Onsen is in a mountainous area of Kumano, where cars are an important means of travel alongside public transport. Specific schedules and times may change, so here we introduce general approaches. As noted earlier, transportation costs can affect your trip budget more than the bath fee. Decide in advance whether to go by bus or car, and whether to use parking, and estimate accordingly.

Visiting by Car

Traveling by car gives great freedom, letting you move elsewhere during Tsuboyu wait time. On the other hand, mountain roads have many winding sections, and driving can take longer depending on weather and time. Be especially careful driving after sunset or in rain. Think about gas levels and rest stops ahead of time.

Visiting by Public Transport

By public transport, the basic route is to take a local bus from the nearest train station. Buses heading to the Kumano Hongu area may have limited frequencies. Confirm the time of the return bus in advance and build a schedule with ample margin, including Tsuboyu wait time. If relying on bus connections, be prepared to wrap up a little earlier than planned.

A Realistic Day-Trip Plan

Kumano is vast, with sights scattered throughout. If you try to do too much in a day trip, travel time dominates and you can't calmly savor baths or shrine visits. "A relaxed tour centered on Yunomine Onsen and Kumano Hongu Taisha" is the standard template for a satisfying day trip. Saving another area for your next visit is itself a pleasure.

Day-Trip Model Itineraries

Here are model plans based on general flow. Times are approximate — adjust to the actual reception situation and bus schedules.

Plan A: The Classic Course for Savoring Bath and Shrine

1. Morning: Arrive at Yunomine Onsen. First check in for Tsuboyu at the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath and receive your numbered ticket.
2. Wait time: Stroll the hot spring town and enjoy onsen eggs at the Yuzutsu. Stop by Tokoji Temple and quietly join your hands.
3. Tsuboyu bath: When your turn comes, head to the hut by the river. Savor the private free-flowing source water at leisure.
4. Lunch: Enjoy Kumano local cuisine around Yunomine or Hongu.
5. Afternoon: Move to Kumano Hongu Taisha for worship. Extend your trip to Oyunohara.
6. Evening: Head home with time to spare.

The classic course traces the ancient flow — completing yugori, then heading to Hongu.

Plan B: An Active Course Adding a Bit of Ancient Path Walking

1. Morning: Start around Hongu and visit Kumano Hongu Taisha.
2. Ancient path walk: Walk part of an ancient path such as Dainichi-goe, matched to your stamina and the weather.
3. Early afternoon: Arrive at Yunomine Onsen and check in for Tsuboyu. Use the wait time for lunch and a stroll.
4. Tsuboyu bath: Soothe your walking fatigue in the bath.
5. Evening: Mindful of sunset, head back early.

The hot spring after walking is exceptional, but walking the ancient path consumes both time and stamina. Keep it within reasonable limits, and prioritize safety.

Plan C: A Relaxed Course Enjoying Only Yunomine

1. Morning: Arrive at Yunomine Onsen, check in, and leisurely stroll the morning hot spring town.
2. Wait time: Enjoy onsen porridge or light meals, and walk along the Yuzutsu and the river.
3. Tsuboyu bath: Take your time and savor the quiet waters.
4. Afternoon: One idea is to also soak in other baths like the public bath and compare the differences.
5. Evening: Head back with plenty of margin.

Rather than cramming in "this and that," spend the whole day in one place — Yunomine. A luxurious way to use your time. Enjoying Tsuboyu as a special single bath and combining it with other baths makes it easier to balance satisfaction and budget.

To Savor Tsuboyu More Deeply

Enjoy the "Doing-Nothing Time"

The true appeal of Tsuboyu lies in simply, quietly soaking in the small tub. Reduce the time you spend looking at your smartphone screen, and turn your awareness to the warmth of the water, the sound of water, and the shifting light inside the hut. You will surely re-experience the stillness that people who bathed here more than a thousand years ago must have felt.

Photography Etiquette

Tsuboyu is a private-use bath, and photography while bathing requires care per facility rules and consideration. Be fully mindful of other users' and local people's privacy. When photographing the hut's exterior or the hot spring town's scenery, be careful not to obstruct traffic or inconvenience those around you. Prioritizing "savoring" over "shooting" is also a way of enjoying this place that fits its spirit.

Respect for the Community

Yunomine is both a tourist destination and a place where people live. The hot springs are a shared asset of the community, protected by many hands. Walking quietly, carrying out your trash, yielding on the path — these small considerations support this place's future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What's a recommended way to spend a day trip at Yunomine Onsen?

A. Finish Tsuboyu reception early in the morning, and during the wait, make onsen eggs at the Yuzutsu or stroll Tokoji Temple and the hot spring town. After bathing, extend to Kumano Hongu Taisha and Oyunohara, and you can experience the original flow of the Kumano pilgrimage — from yugori to shrine visit — all in one day.

Q. Is Tsuboyu's fee high? Is it worth going?

A. Fees are subject to revision, so please confirm the latest information through on-site guidance or official sources. Compared simply to a large public bath admission, some may feel it a bit expensive, but considering the experience of entering a World Heritage bath hut, touching the history of yugori, and spending quiet time facing the water in a small group, viewing it as an "experience fee for touching Kumano's history" makes it easier to accept.

Q. How should I plan the trip budget?

A. Rather than thinking only of the bath fee, viewing it as a "half-day experience cost" including travel, meals, and souvenirs reduces discrepancies. In particular, bus and car travel costs and parking fees can be larger than the bath fee itself.

Q. If I'm worried about the cost, should I not go?

A. There's no need to force yourself to bathe. Just walking the Yunomine hot spring town is pleasant with its steam and the sound of the river. Enjoying the Yuzutsu scenery, Tokoji Temple, and the atmosphere of the town is more than enough to raise your travel satisfaction.

Q. Can I reserve Tsuboyu?

Operating methods may change depending on the season and circumstances, so please check official sources for the latest information. Generally, the system is to register on-site at the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath and use the bath in order.

Q. Is it enough to enjoy as a day trip?

Yes, more than enough. The basic flow — bathing in Tsuboyu, strolling the hot spring town, and visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha — fits comfortably into a day trip. However, if you want more leisure for bath-hopping or walking ancient paths, consider staying overnight.

Q. Can children and elderly visitors use it?

Since the water can be hot and the hut is small, consider your companions' physical condition and age. Follow on-site guidance for usage conditions and notes. Above all, enjoy safely without overdoing it.

Q. Can I enjoy it on rainy days?

The Kumano mountains on a rainy day have a damp, moist beauty. Steam and mist overlap, giving a dreamlike atmosphere different from sunny days. However, as this is a mountain area, be very careful with footing and driving.

Q. Can I boil onsen eggs myself?

At the Yuzutsu, you can buy raw eggs at shops and boil them yourself, according to posted information. Follow on-site guidance for how to boil, timing, and rules of use. The source is very hot, so take great care against burns.

Q. Can I visit all three grand shrines of Kumano in a day?

The three grand shrines of Kumano (Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha) are each in separate locations. In theory you can visit all in one day, but travel takes much time and the trip becomes rushed. If you want to secure time to enjoy the hot spring, focusing on Yunomine and Hongu is recommended.

Q. What should I wear?

Comfortable walking clothes suited to the season are the basic. Since body temperature changes before and after bathing, layered clothing that's easy to add or remove is convenient. The mountain area can have large morning-and-evening temperature differences, so bringing something to layer on top is reassuring.

A Day Trip to Savor the Kumano Yugori Experience

Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu is not just a hot spring bath but a special place where you can touch over a thousand years of faith history. Even on a day trip, you can fully feel the stillness wrapped in mountain valleys, blissful time soaking in the water, and the clear air of Kumano. As a destination for resetting mind and body, we hope you'll visit at least once.

Tsuboyu's fee is a price not for the size of the tub, but for the experience of touching Kumano's history and the time of its water. Confirm the amount through official sources and set a budget including travel and meals — then you can spend your time on-site without panic, to your heart's content.

In times past, pilgrims walked long distances to reach Yunomine, purified themselves in this small tub, and then advanced to Hongu's sacred ground. We today can visit far more easily by car or bus. Even so, when you sink into the water and hear the river beyond the steam, there are surely moments when your feelings overlap with those of travelers across the ages.

The small tub may be a modest presence as a tourist spot. Yet layered within it are the memories of people who prayed and wished for renewal. Knowing the legend of Oguri Hangan before bathing brings the waters much closer.

The time of waiting while clutching your numbered ticket, the steam of the Yuzutsu, the stillness of Tokoji Temple, and the water changing color inside the hut — all of these teach you the depth of this land called Kumano. Step a little away from busy daily life and trace the ancient practice of yugori within your own journey.

Kumano Hongu Taisha, visited after being purified at Yunomine, will surely look a little different than before. As you plan your next trip, the Kumano mountain ranges viewed from the returning bus or car window will also linger in your heart as a lingering trace of the journey.

*Please confirm the latest information on operations, bathing methods, and fees through official guidance before your visit.*

*Content was revised and updated on October 12, 2026.*

*Content was revised and updated on October 12, 2026.*

Not sure which onsen village to choose? See our comparison of the three hot springs of Kumano Hongu Onsen-kyo.

Image: Kumano Kodo World heritage Yunomine Onsen Tsuboyu 湯の峰温泉 つぼ湯05 / Photo: Nekosuki / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)