Ryujin Onsen

Into the Kii Mountains without any railroad, a steady stream of hot spring fans keep coming. The reason for this is because it has great water which is counted as one of the beauty secrets in Japan.

Sodium hydrogen carbonate spring (alkaline spring) has no color and is clear, very soft water. After bathing, you experience the smoothness and the moisture on your skin as if a beauty serum was applied. It is also effective for chills, neuralgia, and stiff shoulders. Quite a few visitors stay here for a long time to rehabilitate in the hot spring.

The beginning of this place goes back about 1300 years. A legend says Reverend Kobo Taishi received a revelation from Shesha (Dragon King Nanda) to open this hot spring. During the Edo Period, Kishu Feudal Government and the place had developed a close business relationship and inns began to be built to host travelers. Today, a number of inns along the Hidakagawa River have led the good hot spring into their baths to form a sentimental onsen community surrounded by nature. There is also a public bath Ryujin Onsen Motoyu from 7am to 9pm. You can stop by after touring Kumano Shrine and such.

With snowdrift in winter, it has another kind of beauty, but then, you need to watch out for the public bus service from Mt. Koya that may stop.