Explore the hot spring village of Japan's oldest hot spring, enjoy making hot spring eggs in thermal vents and relax in foot baths
About this spot
A small mountain hot spring village with a history dating back approximately 1,800 years—said to be Japan's oldest hot spring. This historic hot spring resort saw Kumano pilgrims purifying themselves before completing their spiritual journey, and it's notably designated as part of the UNESCO World Heritage "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Along the Yunotani Stream flowing through the village center, the "Yutsubo" (湯筒) thermal vents release near-boiling water at around 90 degrees Celsius. Buy an egg from a nearby shop, place it in the hot spring water, and within fifteen minutes you'll have a delicious hot spring egg. The stone-paved street enveloped in steam is wonderfully atmospheric, and simply wandering the lanes lifts your travel spirit. The village features the UNESCO-registered rock bath "Tsubo-yu" (つぼ湯) and public bath houses, making it an ideal setting for friends to spend leisurely time together.
Tips
About 10 minutes by bus from the Hongu Taisha-mae stop, arriving at Yunomine Onsen stop. Eggs for hot spring cooking are sold at shops near the thermal vents; cash is typically the only payment method. The Yutsubo source water is nearly 90 degrees Celsius—be careful of burns and lower eggs slowly. The UNESCO-registered "Tsubo-yu" operates on a 30-minute rotating basis per group; weekend wait times may occur. Visitors with cars should use the public parking area at the hot spring village entrance.
Best time to visit
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The afternoon stroll when steam rises from the paved streets is most atmospheric.
Access & map
Yunomine, Hongu-chō, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture 647-1732, Yunomine Onsen
Model course featuring this spot
Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine and a Tour of the Hot Spring Mist Village
Wakayama
Explore features & model courses
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