Kumano · World Heritage
A small stone hut on the stream that runs through Yunomine, and the only bath in the world that is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site and that you are allowed to enter and bathe in. About ¥800, thirty minutes, for one person or two, with no reservation and on a first come, first served basis. Open 6:00 to 21:30 every day. The ticket is also valid for the public bath next to it.
Kumano · Winter only
Every winter a section of the Oto River is dammed off and hot water rises from the riverbed, creating a bath of 40 by 15 meters, 60 centimeters deep. Free, with no ticket and no reservation, and only from 1 December to 28 February. 6:30 to 22:00, and it changes with the weather. A swimsuit is required, and this is not a regular Japanese bath but a river.
Onsen · Wakayama, Nachi-Katsuura
A huge hotel on a cliff, famous for the Bokido bath: a natural cave open to the sea, where you sit in the hot water while the waves break a
Nachi · Free
One of the three grand shrines of Kumano, on the mountain, with a three-legged crow (Yatagarasu) as its symbol. The shrine grounds are free, the treasure hall is ¥300. It is next to the waterfall, and it is a blend of Shinto and Buddhism.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Nachi · Nature
The tallest waterfall in Japan in a single drop, 133 meters, which is itself the deity of Hiryu Shrine. The shrine at its foot is free, the close viewing platform is ¥300. You drink the sacred water from a cup for ¥100.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: 玄史生 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hongu · Free
The head shrine of the three Kumano shrines, in the forest, in a plain unpainted wooden building. Free. 158 steps along an avenue of cedars, and at the information office next to it you get the Kumano Kodo pilgrim passport stamped.
Price checked September 2026
Photo: Tim Notari from Tanabe-Shi Wakayama-Ken, Japan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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