Dorogawa Onsen

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Dorogawa Onsen

Retro hot spring resort at the entrance to the trail leading to the holy Mt. Sanjogadake.

3.58 1

Last update :

En no Gyoja is said to have opened the trail “Omine-Okugakemichi,” which is now included in the World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” At the heart of the Heritage, stands Mt. Sanjogadake, the holy mountain for those who practice mountaineering asceticism, where they still keep females out to this day. Their temple, Ominesanji, is at the mountain top. Dorogawa Onsen is at the entrance of the trail to Mt. Sanjogadake, lined with more than 20 inns and lodges.

At the plateau 800m above sea level, it is cool in summer and can be chilly at night. In winter, snow comes down, letting tourists enjoy snowscape from the hot spring with mildly alkaline simple spring water. You can make a day trip to Dorogawa Onsen Center run by the village just to enjoy soaking.

Developed around the base of mountaineering asceticism, the town has a unique retro ambience. In summer, you may bump into mountaineer priests heading for a training. Around the resort, there are spots to get one of the 100 best waters in Japan, “Gorogoro Water,” Goyomatsu Cave, Menfudo Cave, Mitarai Gorge and more scenic places. For souvenirs, get “Daranisukemaru,” a Chinese/Japanese medicine for stomach, supposedly invented by En no Gyoja.

Highlights

  • Located at the heart of the World Heritage “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”
  • The hot spring resort with retro inns which have been used as a base for mountaineer priests heading for a training.
  • During the season for the mountaineering asceticism, mountaineer priests and climbers liven up the town.
  • Caves and the gorge are intriguing to see.
  • Get “Daranisukemaru,” Chinese/Japanese medicine for the stomach.

Photos

  • Streets with unique ambience in Dorogawa Onsen 
Image provided by Tenkawamura

    Streets with unique ambience in Dorogawa Onsen Image provided by Tenkawamura

  • Retro lodgings
Image provided by Tenkawamura

    Retro lodgings Image provided by Tenkawamura

  • Dorogawa Onsen Center for a little soaking fun
Image provided by Tenkawamura

    Dorogawa Onsen Center for a little soaking fun Image provided by Tenkawamura

  • Dorogawa Onsen Center’s outdoor hot spring
Image provided by Tenkawamura

    Dorogawa Onsen Center’s outdoor hot spring Image provided by Tenkawamura

  • Goyomatsu Cave stays cool in summer
Image provided by Tenkawamura

    Goyomatsu Cave stays cool in summer Image provided by Tenkawamura

Reviews

1
  • 刑凱達

    在大峯山登山口入口處,充滿懷舊氣息的溫泉小鎮,空氣清新風景很好。

Details

Name in Japanese
洞川温泉
Postal Code
638-0431
Address
Dorogawa, Tenkawamura, Yoshinogun, Nara
Telephone
0747-64-0333 (Dorogawa Spa Tourism Bureau)
Hours
Always open
Directions
From Kintetsu Yoshino Line, Shimoichiguchi Station, ride Nara Kotsu Bus for 70 min. and get off at Dorogawa Onsen Stop
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)