Introducing the charms of Nanki and Kumano, recommended Hot springs towns in Wakayama.

What makes Wakayama's Hot springs so appealing?

Wakayama Prefecture is a place where the sea, mountains, and World Heritage sites coexist. In its various Hot springs towns, you can enjoy not only hot spring hopping, but also a variety of other activities such as gourmet food and sightseeing. Here, we'll introduce the unique charms of Wakayama's Hot springs.

A diverse range of locations surrounded by the sea, mountains, and World Heritage sites.

What's interesting about Wakayama's Hot springs is,You can choose your bath based on the view you want to see.It is a unique place. The sea, mountains, and World Heritage sites—hot springs with diverse attractions are all located within this single prefecture.

With its long coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, rugged inland mountains, and sacred sites like the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, you'll find that even a short drive reveals a diverse array of Hot springs resorts coexisting in close proximity.

The sea off Wakayama is characterized by its expansive views stretching to the horizon and its varied coastline dotted with strangely shaped rocks. White sandy beaches stretch out before you.Shirahama Hot springs areaThen you can spend your time watching the sunset in a resort-like atmosphere.

In the mountainsRyujin Hot springs areaAs you head in that direction, the scenery changes dramatically, and you'll find yourself surrounded by deep mountains, with a valley carved by the clear waters of the Hidaka River. You can enjoy bathing in the hot springs while being enveloped in nature, with the sound of the river flowing and a sky full of stars.

And it is located within the heart of the World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range".Kumano Hongu Hot springsThe culture of purifying oneself with hot water before visiting a shrine still thrives today, and you can feel the solemn atmosphere firsthand.

While visiting famous Hot springs resorts is certainly enjoyable, choosing your destination based on the scenery you want to see is a luxury unique to Hot springs trip in Wakayama.

You can also enjoy strolling around Hot springs town and trying local cuisine.

Wakayama's Hot springs towns offer a packed schedule of activities, from visiting public baths and footbaths to enjoying local cuisine and sightseeing. Furthermore, Wakayama boasts the largest number of hot spring sources in the Kansai region, and within the towns themselves...There are numerous public baths and footbaths scattered around where you can easily stop by.You can enjoy several different Hot springs, not just the one provided by the inn.

Wakayama, with its abundance of seafood and mountain produce, offers a truly delightful culinary experience. There are two main types of ramen: a light soy sauce-based broth and a rich, flavorful pork bone broth-based broth, allowing you to compare and contrast them.Wakayama RamenEnjoy the fresh, chewy texture of the fish caught in Nachikatsuura, which boasts the largest catch in Japan using longline fishing methods.Raw tunaWrapped in mustard greens leaves, it's incredibly satisfying.Mehari SushiThese are things that only those who visit the area can enjoy.

Furthermore, while Wakayama Prefecture, which stretches long from north to south, has Hot springs and tourist attractions scattered throughout, the number of trains and buses is quite limited. Therefore,Traveling by car is definitely recommended.Since you're not bound by timetables, the range of places you can visit in a single day expands.

One of the biggest attractions of Wakayama's Hot springs towns is that you can enjoy not only the hot Hot springs at your accommodation, but also a variety of other hot springs to visit and enjoy local cuisine.

A classic Hot springs resort representing Wakayama

Next, we'll introduce three of Wakayama's most representative and classic Hot springs resorts. From historic, famous hot springs to those offering breathtaking views, and even a World Heritage site, let's take a look at them in order.

Shirahama Hot springs | One of Japan's three oldest hot Hot springs towns

Shirahama Hot springs isA history spanning over 1300 years and the splendor of the resort.It is a representative Hot springs resort in Wakayama, possessing both of these qualities.

It is one of Japan's "Three Ancient Hot Springs," alongside Arima Hot springs and Dogo Hot springs, and its name is even recorded in the "Nihon Shoki" and "Manyoshu." In the past, Empress Saimei and Prince Naka no Ōe would travel all the way from the capital to visit this place for therapeutic bathing.

The only thing that still conveys the atmosphere of that time is,"Saki no Yu," a natural open-air bath.It is located on a rocky outcrop jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, and the waves come so close that there is no clear boundary between the bath and the sea, creating a truly immersive experience. It is a famous hot spring that you should definitely visit if you come to Shirahama Hot springs. The spring water is mainly chloride and bicarbonate. It warms you to the core of your body while leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.

Furthermore, as you walk through Hot springs town, you'll see towers for drawing up the hot spring water scattered everywhere, creating a charming atmosphere befitting a hot spring town. Popular tourist destinations such as Shirahama Beach and Adventure World are also nearby, making it possible to enjoy leisure activities in addition to your visit to Shirahama.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing Hot springs experience or a resort getaway, Shirahama Hot springs has it all.

Katsuura Hot springs | Hot springs town known for its delicious seafood and spectacular open-air baths.

Katsuura Hot springs isYou can enjoy two seas – the rough Pacific Ocean and the calm coves – and savor freshly caught seafood.It's Hot springs resort.

Boasting the largest number of hot springs in the prefecture—177 in total—it's not uncommon to find baths with different types of spring water within a single inn. You can enjoy a full-fledged hot spring tour just within the premises.

One of the symbols of Katsuura is,"Bokido" is a cave that makes full use of a natural, large cave.The highlight is the breathtaking location with the Pacific Ocean stretching out beyond the rocky cliffs carved by the rough waves of the Kumano Sea, and day trips for bathing are also available.

In contrast to the roughness of the open sea, the bay, dotted with islands known as "Kinomatsushima," is calm. You can enjoy a different side of the sea, with accommodations that can only be reached by shuttle boat.

Right next to Hot springs resort is Katsuura Fishing Port, which boasts the largest catch of fresh tuna landed using longline fishing methods in Japan. At the adjacent market, you can enjoy local delicacies such as freshly caught, chewy sashimi while watching a tuna cutting demonstration.

In addition to enjoying Hot springs, you can also savor freshly caught seafood. That's the recommended way to spend your time at Katsuura Hot springs.

Kumano Hongu Hot springs | A famous hot spring resort nestled in the mountains, home to a World Heritage site.

Kumano Hongu Hot springs isThis is the collective name for the three Hot springs, "Yunomine," "Kawayu," and "Watase," that spring up at the foot of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine.This is the same hot spring where pilgrims on their journey to Kumano once purified themselves and soothed their fatigue. It remains unchanged to this day.

Yunomine Onsen, believed to be Japan's oldest hot Hot springs, was opened approximately 1800 years ago and was the center of the ritual ablutions performed by pilgrims before visiting the temple. Tsuboyu, located along the river, is a rare Hot springs that is registered as a World Heritage Site and where visitors can actually bathe.

Hot springs Onsen, where hot spring water bubbles up from the riverbed,You can dig a shovel in the riverbed and create your own original open-air bath.This is a unique Hot springs. In winter, a giant "hermit's bath" appears by damming up the river, and various events are held there.

Developed in 1965, Watase Hot springs is a popular Hot springs resort. It boasts one of the largest open-air baths in western Japan with free-flowing hot spring water, making it easily accessible even for day trips.

Soaking in the hot springs to purify yourself before heading to the shrine – reliving this ancient form of travel is the way to enjoy Kumano Hongu Hot springs.

If you want to fully enjoy visiting Hot springs towns, Nanki and Kumano are highly recommended.

If you want to enjoy not only Hot springs but also sightseeing, you can't go wrong with Nanki and Kumano. Here, we introduce the highlights of each area and recommended ways to spend your time.

The Shirahama area is a great place to explore along with Hot springs.

Hot springs, scenic spots, leisure activities, and local cuisine. The Shirahama area is a place where all of these come together.Even with a limited stay, such as an overnight trip or a day trip, you can make the most of it.That's its charm. The main tourist attractions are all within about a 15-minute drive of each other, making sightseeing easy and convenient.

The first place I'd like to visit is,Shirahama Beach, with its emerald green sea and approximately 620-meter-long stretch of white sand, evokes the feeling of a tropical paradise.A short drive from there will bring you to magnificent scenic spots such as "Senjojiki," a vast expanse of rock formations, and "Sandanbeki," a cave where the Kumano naval forces hid their boats. At dusk, head to "Engetsu Island," selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Sunset Spots." The sight of the setting sun perfectly aligning with the hole in the center of the island is a uniquely beautiful spectacle that can only be seen here.

Furthermore, there's Adventure World, a large theme park where you can encounter approximately 1,600 animals of about 120 species from land and sea, and Toretore Market, where you can enjoy fresh seafood, so even families with children can enjoy themselves all day long without getting bored.

The beauty of the Shirahama area lies in its ability to offer a relaxed holiday where you can easily combine a relaxing soak in Hot springs with scenic walks and delicious seafood in just one day.

Enjoy the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and seafood in the Tanabe and Nachikatsuura area.

The Tanabe-Nachikatsuura area is a place where mountains steeped in the history of Kumano pilgrimages coexist with one of Japan's leading fishing ports.It has two faces, mountains and the sea, and you can enjoy both.That's the charm of this region.

Tanabe, once known as "Kuchikumano," the gateway to the Kumano pilgrimage, is home to the Tokei Shrine, deeply intertwined with Kumano faith. The arrangement of the six shrine buildings, identical to those of the Kumano Hongu Taisha before it was destroyed by a major flood, evokes the atmosphere of that time. A short walk along the coast leads to Tenjinzaki, where a flat rocky reef appears at low tide. If the conditions are right, you can witness a breathtaking view where the water's surface reflects the sky like a mirror, much like the Uyuni Salt Flats.

On the other handNachikatsuura is a base for exploring World Heritage sites, home to one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines.The area is full of attractions, including Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, which appears at the top of 463 stone steps; Seiganto-ji Temple, where a three-story pagoda and Nachi Falls stand side by side; and Hiro Shrine, where the waterfall itself is considered the deity. After your stroll, head to Katsuura Fishing Port, which boasts the largest catch of fresh tuna in Japan using longline fishing. At the adjacent Nigiwai Market, you can enjoy seafood gourmet dishes made with tuna caught by longline fishing.

After enjoying the World Heritage sites, breathtaking scenery, and delicious seafood, unwind and soothe your fatigue in Hot springs while gazing at the sea illuminated by fishing lights. The ability to enjoy both the unique characteristics of the mountains and the sea is a luxury unique to the Tanabe and Nachikatsuura area.

Recommended ways to spend your time in Nanki and Kumano

Now, let's look at some recommended ways to spend your time in Nanki and Kumano. We'll examine Suggested Itineraries for both a 1-night, 2-day trip and a 2-night, 3-day trip.

The flight from Haneda Airport to Nanki-Shirahama Airport takes about 70 minutes, and if you take the first flight, you can start sightseeing in the morning. However, since the various spots in Wakayama are scattered over a wide area, using a car is essential for efficiently visiting them.

For a 1-night, 2-day trip, it's recommended to focus your travels on the Shirahama area.First, we'll drive to Shirahama Beach and take a stroll. In the afternoon, we'll experience the power of nature at Senjojiki and Sandanbeki, and then head to Engetsu Island as the sun sets. On the second day, we'll visit the famous Sakinoyu hot spring. On the way back, we'll enjoy some seafood at Toretore Market, take our time choosing souvenirs, and then return to the airport.

For a 2-night, 3-day trip, try traveling through Nanki and Kumano.On the first day, enjoy the seaside spots and Hot springs in the Shirahama area. On the second day, travel through the Kumano Hongu Onsenkyo Hot springs in the mountains to the Nachikatsuura area. On the final day, visit a World Heritage site before returning to the airport. Even though it's all in Wakayama, the scenery changes every day, so you can enjoy the trip without getting bored.

Whether it's a one-night, two-day trip or a two-night, three-day trip, you can plan a trip centered around Hot springs in Nanki and Kumano. Choose a course that suits your schedule and purpose.

Recommended hotels to stay at in Nanki/Kumano

Next, we'll introduce some recommended hotels in Nanki and Kumano. Please choose your accommodation based on the area you want to visit.

KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE

KAMENOI HOTEL KUMANO TANABE is about a 30-minute drive from Nanki Shirahama Airport.Located in Tanabe, the gateway to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.This hotel is conveniently located as a base for sightseeing in the Tanabe area, which includes Tokei Shrine and Tenjin-zaki, and the Shirahama area, which includes Adventure World and Shirahama Beach.

With the sea right in front of you, every Guest rooms offers an ocean view. From the windows of each room, you can see from Tanabe Bay all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and the blue sea welcomes you.

The inn's pride and joy is its panoramic bath on the top floor, which uses natural Hot springs drawn from Tenjinzaki.With the vast ocean and open sky stretching out before you, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent sunset sinking behind Motoshima Island at dusk.Yes, you can. Enjoying various baths, such as open-air baths and reclining baths, along with the pleasant sea breeze from Tanabe Bay is a unique experience only available at a seaside Hot springs inn.

For dinner, we offer a kaiseki multi-course meal featuring plenty of Kishu ingredients, including fresh raw tuna directly from Katsuura and Kumano beef. At the newly installed open grill inside the restaurant, abalone and shrimp are grilled in the style of a beachside barbecue, bringing out the aroma of the sea and allowing you to enjoy the natural flavors of the ingredients.

KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA

KAMENOI HOTEL NACHI KATSUURA KUMANO KODO is a hotel situated on the coast overlooking Nachi Bay, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Nanki Shirahama Airport.Major tourist attractions in the Nachi area, such as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine, and Nachi Falls, are all within approximately 30 minutes by car.It is conveniently located, making it an ideal base for exploring World Heritage sites.

To soothe your travel fatigue, enjoy the on-site hot spring, which gushes out at a rate of 200 liters per minute. From the garden open-air bath, you can enjoy panoramic views of Nachi Bay and the Kumano mountains, and on clear days, you can even see Nachi Falls in the distance.

For dinner, the star of the show was fresh tuna delivered directly from Katsuura Fishing Port.Tuna from Katsuura is characterized by its chewy texture and rich umami flavor compared to typical frozen tuna. You can enjoy a kaiseki meal featuring the flavors of Kishu, including sashimi made with this luxurious fresh tuna, cutlets made with the rare cheek meat, Kumano beef, and spiny lobster.

The hotel offers a variety of Activity for guests, including guided walks along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. These offer a great opportunity to learn more about the faith and culture of Kumano, so we recommend taking advantage of them.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hot springs Towns in Wakayama

Finally, I will answer two questions regarding Hot springs towns of Wakayama.

Where are Hot springs resorts in Wakayama?

Wakayama is long from north to south,Hot springs resorts are concentrated in the southern part of the prefecture, in the Nanki and Kumano regions.It is largeIt is divided into three areas: along the coast, in the mountains, and along the river.Masu.

Located along the coast are Shirahama Hot springs, with its expansive white sandy beaches; Tanabe Hot springs, boasting the stunning views of Tenjin-zaki; and Katsuura Hot springs, facing the Kumano Sea. With well-developed public transportation such as trains and buses, these Hot springs resorts are relatively easy Access compared to other areas in southern Kii Peninsula.

On the other hand, nestled in the mountains is the Kumano Hongu Onsenkyo Hot springs, which springs up along a tributary of the Kumano River. Along the river is Ryujin Hot springs, situated in the valley of the Hidaka River, which flows into Kumano. Neither of these Hot springs resorts has a direct railway line, but they are Access by bus. However, the number of buses may be limited depending on the route and time of day.

If you're coming from the Kanto region, Nanki-Shirahama Airport will be your base for your trip. Renting a car at the airport is recommended because it allows you to enjoy a comfortable tour of Nanki without being tied to a schedule.

What are the three best Hot springs in Wakayama?

It hasn't been decided yet,Shirahama Hot springs, Katsuura Hot springs, Ryujin Hot springsHowever, it is sometimes introduced as one of Wakayama 's three major Hot springs resorts.

Shirahama Hot springs is one of Japan's three oldest hot springs, alongside Arima and Dogo. It is one of Kansai's leading resort hot Hot springs areas, with accommodations and day-trip bathing facilities concentrated around Shirahama Beach, which stretches for approximately 620 meters with white sand.

Katsuura Hot springs is a coastal Hot springs resort boasting the largest number of hot spring sources in the prefecture. You can also enjoy seafood, including fresh tuna, which is the top catch in Japan using longline fishing methods.

Ryujin Hot springs is a mountain Hot springs resort surrounded by the clear waters of the Hidaka River and the surrounding mountains. It is also famous as one of Japan's three most beautiful hot springs, along with Kawanaka Hot springs in Gunma and Yunokawa Hot springs in Shimane.

Seaside resorts, Hot springs and seafood, mountain retreats – each has its own distinct character, so choose one that suits your travel purpose.

Summary

This time, we introduced some of the most representative Hot springs areas, such as Shirahama Hot springs, Katsuura Hot springs, and Kumano Hongu Hot springs, as well as the sights and Suggested Itineraries of Nanki and Kumano. The biggest appeal of Wakayama's Hot springs is not only the quality of the spring water, but also the variety of locations to choose from. There are not many places in one prefecture where you can find such a collection of famous hot springs with such different characteristics. You can not only soak in Hot springs, but also stroll through beautiful scenic spots and savor freshly caught seafood. Being able to enjoy such a fulfilling trip is one of the unique charms of Wakayama.

The flight from Haneda to Nanki-Shirahama Airport takes about 70 minutes. You can easily take a spontaneous weekend trip. Why not use one of the hotels mentioned as your base and embark on Hot springs getaway in Wakayama?