Spacious Outdoor Baths
Wataze Onsen is a beautiful hot spring featuring the largest Rotenburo open-air hot spring bath in all of western Japan. It is a little confusing because the main lodging facility is called Watarase Onsen, the name most commonly used. Watching the moon rise over the mountains as you soak in this gorgeous setting is an experience that you will never forget. It is famous for its private Rotenburo open-air baths for couples, families or groups. The main hot spring has a large volume of high-quality water and offers eight different types of baths. There are rental bungalows and a campground close by.
Wataze Onsen
| Price | Adults 1,000 yen, Children 500 yen |
| Hours | 6:00 to 22:00 (last entrance time is 21:30) (open year-round!) |
4 private outdoor baths
| Price | Adults 1,800 yen, Children 900 yen |
| Hours | 8:00 to 19:00 |
NOTE of TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Three of the five men’s public open-air onsen baths of Watarase Onsen will be closed for renovation from July 1, 2024, until about the end of 2025. Hotel Sasayuri onsen baths will not be affected, only the public baths.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
Wataze Onsen Accommodations
Wataze Onsen Access
Wataze Onsen is located a short drive from the Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Daily busses travel here from Tanabe, Shingu and Gojo.
Buses run from Kii-Tanabe and Shirahama to Kawayu Onsen.
Bus Timetable #1 (Eastbound), Bus Timetable #2 (Westbound).
Buses also run from Shingu to Kawayu Onsen.
Bus Timetable #3 (Westbound), Bus Timetable #4 (Eastbound).
Buses also depart regularly from Hongu Taisha-mae.
Kumano Hongu Taisha simplified Bus Timetable #11.
