Yurinoyama Onsen is a charming hot spring in the Yukawa Onsen area of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture. Surrounded by beautiful nature and a long history, this peaceful bathing spot is located beside Yukashi Lagoon, a scenic brackish lake named by the renowned local poet Haruo Sato.
Unlike large and modern hot spring resorts, Yurinoyama Onsen retains the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese toji retreat, where people have long visited to rest and recuperate in natural hot spring waters. Its abundant spring water, gentle bathing temperature, and quiet surroundings have made it a favorite among hot spring enthusiasts for generations.
Yurinoyama Onsen is part of Yukawa Onsen, a historic hot spring area said to have been discovered approximately 1,500 years ago. For centuries, pilgrims traveling to the sacred sites of Kumano used the hot springs as a place for yugori, a traditional purification practice involving bathing before continuing their pilgrimage.
According to local legend, two elderly men who had traveled from Ise were deeply grateful for the hospitality they received from the people of the area. They are said to have touched the ground with branches of the sacred sakaki tree, causing hot spring water to emerge from the earth. A stone image of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha associated with healing and medicine, is also said to have appeared at the same time.
Later, according to tradition, the Buddhist monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) visited the area and was impressed by the therapeutic qualities of the spring. He is said to have established a hall dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai.
Because of these traditions, Yukawa Onsen developed not simply as a bathing destination but as a place closely connected with the spiritual traditions of Kumano.
One of the greatest attractions of Yurinoyama Onsen is its beautiful location. Yukashi Lagoon stretches out directly in front of the hot spring, creating a peaceful setting where visitors can enjoy both warm mineral water and a tranquil natural landscape.
The lagoon has a circumference of approximately 2.2 kilometers and is a rare brackish environment where freshwater and seawater mix. Its scenery changes throughout the year.
In spring, cherry blossoms add color to the lakeshore. In summer, lush green vegetation is reflected on the surface of the water, while autumn brings colorful foliage. During winter, many waterfowl visit the lagoon, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers throughout the year.
The elegant name “Yukashi Lagoon” was given by Haruo Sato, a poet born in Nachikatsuura. He was deeply attracted to the beauty of the lagoon and left descriptions of its scenery in his literary works.
The mountains and sky reflected on the calm water can create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, particularly in the morning and evening. Taking a leisurely walk beside the lagoon before or after bathing is a wonderful way to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Yurinoyama Onsen is particularly known for its abundant supply of natural hot spring water. Fresh spring water continuously flows into the bathing area and overflows from the baths.
The wooden building and simple interior retain a nostalgic atmosphere. There are no elaborate decorations or luxurious resort facilities. Instead, the simplicity allows visitors to concentrate on what matters most: the natural hot spring itself.
One distinctive feature is the continuous flow of hot spring water from the faucets. The abundant supply allows guests to enjoy a genuine free-flowing hot spring, a feature highly appreciated by experienced onsen enthusiasts.
The spring is classified as an alkaline simple sulfur hot spring, with a temperature of approximately 38.5°C. This is relatively mild compared with many Japanese hot springs.
Because the water is not excessively hot, visitors can soak for a longer period without becoming uncomfortable. It may initially feel slightly cool to those accustomed to hotter baths, but after spending some time in the water, the body gradually warms from within.
Many bathers enjoy the pleasant warmth that remains after leaving the bath. The soft feel of the water is also gentle on the skin, making the spring accessible even to visitors who are not accustomed to Japanese hot springs.
Yukawa Onsen has traditionally been used as a place for hot-spring recuperation. The water has long been associated with relaxation and relief from ailments such as lower back pain, joint problems, rheumatism, and neuralgia.
It has also traditionally been used by people seeking relief from women’s health conditions and anemia. These are traditional or customary uses rather than medical guarantees, but they reflect the long history of bathing culture in the area.
The spring water is also known for being suitable for drinking, and historically the hot spring has been appreciated as a source of well-being both through bathing and drinking the water.
The area around Yurinoyama Onsen is closely connected with the history of the Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage routes of the Kii Peninsula that are now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the past, pilgrims traveling toward the sacred Kumano Sanzan used the hot springs to recover from the long journey and purify themselves before continuing on to the sacred sites.
It is said that emperors and retired emperors, members of the aristocracy, warriors, and countless other pilgrims traveled through the region over the centuries. The hot springs of Yukawa have provided rest and comfort to travelers throughout this long history.
Traces of the old pilgrimage landscape can still be found around the area today, allowing visitors to combine a relaxing bath with a walk through the history of the Kumano pilgrimage.
Visitors to Yurinoyama Onsen can also explore several attractions nearby. Yusenji Temple, associated with the worship of Yakushi Nyorai, is located close to the hot spring and continues to attract visitors praying for recovery from illness.
Other hot spring facilities in the Yukawa Onsen area include Kiyomon-no-Yu and Shiki-no-Sato Onsen, each offering a different atmosphere and bathing experience.
A short drive will also take visitors to some of the most famous sights in southern Wakayama, including Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Falls, Nanki-Katsuura Onsen, and Kinoshima.
Combining a visit to Yurinoyama Onsen with the Kumano Kodo or the Kumano Sanzan is an excellent way to experience the region’s natural scenery, history, spirituality, and hot-spring culture together.
Yurinoyama Onsen is approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Yukawa Station on the Kisei Main Line, also known as the Kinokuni Line.
The hot spring is also relatively close to Kii-Katsuura Station, making it a convenient place to visit as part of a sightseeing trip around Nachikatsuura.
The walk from the station is itself part of the experience, as visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery around Yukashi Lagoon on their way to the hot spring.
Yurinoyama Onsen offers an opportunity to experience the quiet beauty and long history of Yukawa Onsen, a hot spring area with traditions said to date back approximately 1,500 years.
Soaking in its naturally flowing hot spring water while surrounded by the peaceful scenery of Yukashi Lagoon is a simple but deeply relaxing experience. The nearby Kumano Kodo and temples also provide opportunities to explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region.
For travelers who want to escape the crowds of major tourist destinations and experience a quieter side of Japan, Yurinoyama Onsen is a particularly rewarding choice. Here, the natural warmth of the spring, the calm waters of the lagoon, and the centuries-old history of Kumano come together to create a memorable hot spring experience.