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This is the oldest hot spring in Japan, which flourished as a bathing spot（Yugoriba） for Kumano pilgrims.
It is located along the Nakahechi Route (Akagi-goe and Dainichi-goe ridges) on Kumano Kodo Path, nationally known as Japan’s oldest hot spring. It was opened 1800 years ago. Emperors Shirakawa, Toba, Goshirakawa and Gotoba stopped here on the way to Kumano, which made this hot spring widely known.
The source spring is still very active. The sulfur-sodium-hydrogen carbonate spring is said to be effective for neuralgia and rheumatoid. The hot water is distributed to Hotel, inns, bathing facilities and medicinal hot springs in the village for visitors to enjoy the efficacy.
Of those, Tsuboyu is a public bath registered as a world heritage. Natural rocks surround the small hot spring, which sometimes change colors 7 times a day. Hot spring maniacs would be delighted. The space is big enough for three people and the structure is quite simple, but visitors love the wild atmosphere. You take turns every 30 min.
The source spring is very hot at 90℃. Along the stream through the village, hot spring holes are set up. Buy eggs or vegetables at nearby stores and soak them here for a unique cooking experience.
Steam rising in the hot spring village
Yunomine Onsen Public Bath Tsuboyu
Hot spring hole along a river
Some reviews are AI-translated.
We bought eggs from a nearby shop, and the owner even told us how long to cook them today for the best taste! 😋
The sulfur smell here is pretty strong, so it’s different from most Japanese hot springs I’ve been to.
I saw people boiling eggs, so I bought some from a nearby shop too. Just soak them for about ten minutes and they're ready to eat.
