Yunomine Onsen comprises a small spa village dotted with ancient architecture, historic inns and some of the world’s oldest hot springs. The main Yunomine Onsen was discovered around 1,800 years ago and was the first public hot bath to be World Heritage listed. The mineral-rich water is said to help diabetes, gout and digestive disorders when drunk and skin diseases and rheumatism during bathing.

Around Yunomine Onsen you can see a hot well where the water is 90 degrees Celsius and is often used for boiling eggs and vegetables hung in nets. These can be purchased from various souvenir shops around the village. You can also enjoy local delicacies at Yunomune Tea House, such as udon (wheat noodles), onigiri (rice balls) and mehari (rice rolled in pickled mustard greens).

There’s a definite spiritual culture throughout Yunomine Onsen, which extends to the surrounding nature trails where you can immerse yourself in Japan’s verdant flora. You might also stumble upon the Fudono Falls, Yomura River or Kumano River.

Getting there

Yunomine Onsen is in the Wakayam region, about 1.5 hours’ drive from the coastal city of Tanabe or 45 minutes from Shingu. You can fly into Tanabe via Nanki-Shirahama Airport or drive to the onsen in three hours from Osaka International Airport.