Kansai · Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama

♨ Kawayu Onsen

Dig your own bath in the riverbed, or soak in the giant winter 'Sennin-buro'.

Quick facts

Location: Hongu, Tanabe, Wakayama (Kansai region)
Water type: Sulfate spring
Tattoos: Check ahead with each bath
Directions: Open in Google Maps

The water

A sodium hydrogen carbonate-chloride spring that wells up through the riverbed.

History

It has been used since long ago, and the Sennin-buro river bath is said to date from the early Edo era. It was designated a national health resort with Yunomine in 1957, and every October these onsen offer hot spring water at Kumano Hongu Taisha.

Getting there

From: Osaka / Kii-Tanabe
Route: JR Limited Express Kuroshio to Kii-Tanabe, then bus toward Hongu
JR Pass: JR train covered; bus not covered.

Check current timetables and fares before you travel.

Famous for (meibutsu)

Meharizushi (food): rice balls wrapped in pickled takana leaves
Kishu nanko ume (food): Wakayama's famous pickled plums

Plan your trip: tours & day trips near Kumano Kodo

Find Kumano Kodo tours on GetYourGuide

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