Sightseeing
Local Information
TOP ＞ Local Information
Yunomine Onsen Town and Tsuboyu(World Heritage Site)
Approximately a 7-minute drive, 5 km
Yunomine Onsen, cherished as the oldest hot spring in Japan, retains the nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town. At the center, the Yuzutsu gushes out boiling water at around 90 degrees Celsius. Nearby shops sell eggs in nets and vegetables, which can be boiled in the hot spring water and eaten—a delight for children. The Yuzutsu is watched over by the Yuzutsu Jizo, also known as the "Child Blessing Jizo" because of the belief that bathing in Yunomine Onsen can bless couples with children. Near the Yuzutsu, you'll find Tsuboyu, a rock bath whose water color is said to change seven times a day. Tsuboyu is recognized as a World Heritage Site as part of the pilgrimage route.
Kawayu Onsen
Approximately a 5-minute drive, 4 km
Kawayu Onsen is a unique hot spring where water over 70 degrees Celsius gushes up from the riverbed, mixing with the waters of the Oto River. In summer, you can dig your own hot spring bath in the riverbank with a shovel and enjoy an original open-air bath. In winter, the expansive open-air bath known as "Sennin-buro" (Hermit Bath) appears. Sennin-buro is a beloved winter attraction, available from December to February. Kawayu Onsen offers a unique hot spring experience year-round. It is also a great spot for river activities before or after checking in at Kumano Shikitei.
Kumano Kodo
Approximately a 20-minute drive
(to Fushiogami-oji on the Kumano Kodo)
The World Heritage "Kumano Kodo" is an ancient pilgrimage route leading to the revered Kumano Sanzan Shrines.
A highly recommended course for walking the Kumano Kodo is the approximately 7 km trail to Kumano Hongu Taisha. This course, which includes the ancient path from Hosshinmon-oji to Fushiogami-oji, represents the final stage of the arduous Kumano pilgrimage.
On this course, you can experience the climax of the Kumano pilgrimage, including Hosshinmon-oji, the gateway to the sacred area of Kumano, and Fushiogami-oji. The name "Fushiogami-oji" comes from the fact that this place offered pilgrims their first distant view of Kumano Hongu Taisha, prompting them to bow in gratitude and reverence.
The trail features well-preserved stone paths, scenic terraced rice fields, and tea plantations, offering plenty of sights and a comfortable walking experience for hikers of all levels, including beginners.
Kumano Hongu Taisha
Approximately a 10-minute drive
Kumano Hongu Taisha, one of the Kumano Sanzan Shrines, has an especially ancient and revered atmosphere. Ascending the stone steps through the grove of cedar trees to the main shrine, you will be greeted by a magnificent structure with a cypress bark roof. The left shrine enshrines the deities Fusumi no Okami and Hayatama no Okami, the central shrine honors the main deity Ketsumimiko no Okami, and the right shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. These deities are revered for granting traffic safety, family harmony, longevity, abundant catches, and marital happiness. About 500 meters away from the main shrine lies the former shrine site, Oyunohara, marked by a towering torii gate. In early spring, it is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing.
Dorokyo Gorge
Approximately a 20-minute drive
(to Dorokyo Meguri no Sato Kumano River)
Dorokyo Gorge, spanning Nara, Mie, and Wakayama Prefectures, is a grand canyon designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Natural Monument.
The breathtaking scenery features ancient, mysterious rock formations and unique stones, making it an ideal spot for a boat tour. You can board a boat at Dorokyo Meguri no Sato Kumano River, about a 20-minute drive from Kumano Shikitei.
For those who prefer to enjoy the view from land, the historic Dorokyo Hotel (now a café), with its charming, time-travel-like atmosphere, also offers a wonderful view. Additionally, near Dorokyo Hotel is Tamaki Shrine, a renowned power spot said to be reachable only by those who are "called."We recommend visiting both for a full experience.
Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Art Museum
Approximately a 15-minute drive
This museum is located near Chikatsuyu-oji, one of the most walked sections of the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi route. It houses and exhibits works primarily by artists associated with Nakahechi. The building was designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa, who won the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize, often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. Nearby, you can also find the roadside station "Kodo Aruki no Sato Chikatsuyu," where you can enjoy meals and shopping. For guests coming from Arita IC to Kumano Shikitei, this is a convenient stop along the way, and we highly recommend a visit.