Enchanting Hot Springs

Wakayama Prefecture is home to some of Japan's most significant geothermal sites, including the UNESCO-listed Yunomine Onsen, a key stop on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage. This collection features diverse bathing experiences, from the coastal open-air pools of Shirahama to the secluded mountain retreats of Ryujin Onsen. Many of these sites utilize naturally flowing alkaline and sulfur-rich waters, offering traditional communal facilities and scenic views of the Kii Peninsula’s gorges and coastline.