Japan’s Spiritual Hot Spring
Yunomine is a quaint little collection of inns tucked into a small valley deep in the heart of the sacred mountains of Kumano. The waters here are said to change color seven times over the course of a day. Yunomine Onsen was discovered about 1,800 years ago, and it is thought to be one of the oldest hot springs in Japan.
Yunomine Onsen is an integral part of the over 1000-year-old Kumano pilgrimage tradition. Pilgrims performed hot water purification rituals in these piping-hot mineral waters after their long journey in preparation to worship at Kumano Hongu Taisha.
The Onsen culture in Japan is very rich, but the strong connection with spiritual culture found in Yunomine is unprecedented. Two sections of the Kumano Kodo have trailheads here, the Akagi-goe and Dainichi-goe, making it a popular place to stay for walkers. Hot water ablutions are still performed to this day during the spring festival of Kumano Hongu Taisha.
Onsen Tamago
A unique (and delicious!) experience at Yunomine Onsen is to cook eggs in the public hot spring cooking basin called Yuzutsu. These are called “Onsen Tamago” or “Hot Spring Eggs.”
Tsuboyu: World Heritage Onsen
Tsuboyu is a small cabin by the creek that runs through Yunomine Onsen. People can privately bath in this small stone-lined Onsen for up to 30 minutes. It is the one of the only hot spring that you can bathe in that is registered as UNESCO World Heritage. It is also very popular with travelers.
Oguri Hangan, who was suffering from a terrible debilitating disease, is said to have soaked in these waters and revived. This famous legend is called “Oguri Hangan and Princess Terute” and is retold in kabuki and religious narratives.
How to use the Tsuboyu Bath
This bath is private use for 1~2 people for 30 minutes. It is a first-come-first-serve bath with no reservations. Please obey the usage time and wait your turn according to your numbered ticket. Thank you.
| Price | Adults: 800 yen, under 12: 400 yen |
| Hours | 6:00~21:00 (Reception closes 20:30) Open year-round. ※ No swimming suits, soap or shampoo allowed. |
※An entry ticket to Tsuboyu is also good for Kusuri Medicine Bath and the Public Bath.
1. Buy ticket from vending machine.
2. Exchange ticket for number card at counter.
3. When it is your turn, place numbered ticket on hook beside door and enter bath.
※ Leave shoes outside of Tsuboyu bath house.
4. Place clothes in basket.
※ Door locks from the inside.
5. Please rinse your body before entering bath. Relax & Enjoy!
Note: If the water is too hot, add cold water from the green tap and mix the water with the stir tool.
Yunomine Onsen Baths
There are Onsen baths in every lodge in Yunomine Onsen as well as three public baths. For the public baths please buy tickets at the ticket counter beside Toko-ji Temple.
Public Baths
Tsuboyu
Kusuri Medicine Bath
| Price | One time – Adults: 600 yen, Under 12: 300 yen All-day – Adults: 800 yen, Under 12 400 yen |
| Hours | 6:00~21:00 (Reception closes 20:30) Open year-round. ※ No swimming suits, soap or shampoo allowed. |
※An entry ticket to the Kusuri Medicine Bath is also good for the Public bath.
Public Bath
| Price | Adults: 400 yen, Under 12: 200 yen |
| Hours | 6:00~21:00 (Reception closes 20:30) Open year-round. |
※An entry ticket for either Tsuboyu or Kusuri Medicine Bath is also good for the Public bath.
※Soap, shampoo, and towels can be purchased at the shop in front of the ticket counter.
Day-use Baths in Lodgings
Ryokan Adumaya
| Price | Adults 730 yen, Children 420 yen |
| Hours | 13:00~15:00 |
| Closed | Variable |
Yoshinoya Ryokan
| Price | Adults 600 yen, 15-and-under 400 yen |
| Hours | Variable |
| Closed | Variable |
※ Reservations Required
Minshuku Adumayaso
| Price | Adults 600 yen, Children 400yen |
| Hours | 13:00~15:00 |
| Closed | Variable |
※ During busy times may close earlier
J-Hoppers Kumano Yunomine Guesthouse
| Price | Adults 600 yen, ages 6-12 300 yen, 6-and-under free |
| Hours | 10:00~15:00 |
| Closed | Open year-round |
Ryokan Yunomineso
| Price | Adults 1000 yen, ages 6-12 300 yen, 6-and-under free |
| Hours | 12:00~15:00 |
| Closed | Variable |
Iseya
| Price | Adults 600 yen, 12-and-under 300 yen |
| Hours | 10:00~16:00 |
| Closed | Variable |
Yunomine Onsen Accommodations
Yunomine Onsen has a variety of Japanese style accommodations including traditional Ryokan Inns and family run Minshuku guest houses. Many of the lodges feature cuisine cooked in the local mineral waters. This is a quiet village to relax in and many visitors chose to spend more than one night here.
Supper Option for No Meals Accommodations
Yunomine Onsen is a small settlement with but one small diner in the middle of town.
It is open from 11:00 to 21:30 (with a break between 14:00 and 17:00), and closed on Mondays and other unscheduled holidays.
You might want to get food somewhere else first, perhaps in Hongu (there is a convenience store near the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center), before going to your accommodation in Yunomine Onsen.
Yunomine Onsen Access
Yunomine 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 Yunomine 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.
For guests arriving by car, please note that the parking lot in Yunomine Onsen for all vehicles is at the southern entrance to the village.
