🏨 Sansuikan Kawayu Ryokuya山水館 川湯みどりや

Located along the Ota River, a tributary of the Kumano River, is the "Kawayu Onsen," one of the hot spring resorts in Kumano Hongu. The hot spring source, with temperatures exceeding 70 degrees Celsius, continuously gushes from the riverbed, which is why it is named Kawayu Onsen. It is a rare attraction in Japan where hot springs can be found simply by digging into the riverbed. On the banks of the Ota River, there are open-air baths exclusively for guests, utilizing the resort's own hot spring source. Guests can leisurely soak in the hot springs while enjoying the soothing sounds of the flowing river and the gentle chirping of birds, creating a blissful moment. In the summer, visitors can enjoy both river play and hot spring bathing. The cuisine features salt-grilled sweetfish, Kumano vegetables, shiitake mushrooms, and other seasonal ingredients from Kumano. Dinner is served as a semi-buffet with about 30 types of local dishes or as kaiseki cuisine. Breakfast includes a buffet with onsen (hot spring) porridge and onsen eggs made from the resort's own hot spring, along with both Japanese and Western-style options. From December to the end of February, there is also the "Sennin Bath," a seven-minute walk from the inn. If visiting in winter, it is recommended to enjoy the spacious open-air bath by the river.

The only inn where you can enjoy the Kawayu Onsen right inside the facility. In summer, you can enjoy both river play and hot spring bathing at the same time. The cuisine made with Kumano ingredients is the inn's signature. The "Sennin Bath" offered in winter is highly recommended.