Tsubo-yu: Japan's Oldest and Only UNESCO-Listed Hot Spring
Experience Japan's oldest and the world's only UNESCO-listed hot spring in a quaint mountain village along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.
Tsubo-yu in Yunomine Onsen is a tiny, rustic bathhouse holding the distinction of being the only UNESCO World Heritage-listed hot spring in the world. This simple stone and wood cabin, situated along a creek, offers an intimate and legendary onsen experience dating back 1,800 years.
A brief summary to Tsubo-yu
- Hongucho Yunomine, Tanabe, Hongucho Yunomine, Wakayama, 647-1732, JP
- +81735-42-0074
- Visit website
Local tips
- Bring coins for the local bus, as change may not be available.
- Purchase eggs at a local shop to boil in the hot spring waters at Yuzutsu, near the riverbank.
- An entry ticket to Tsubo-yu also grants access to the Kusuri Medicine Bath and the Public Bath.
Getting There
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Walking
From anywhere in Yunomine Onsen, Tsubo-yu is easily accessible on foot. Follow the main path through the village towards the Yunotani River. The small wooden structure housing Tsubo-yu is located directly next to the river, near the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath.
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Public Transport
Arriving by bus at Yunomine Onsen bus stop, walk towards the center of the village. Follow signs for Tsubo-yu or the Yunomine Onsen Public Bath. Tsubo-yu is a short walk from the bus stop, located next to the river. Ryujin Jidosha bus operates in the area. From Kumano Hongu Taisha, the bus to Yunomine Onsen costs ¥330-¥550.
Discover more about Tsubo-yu
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
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Kumano Kodo Guides
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Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Route (Chikatsuyu-Oji - Kobiro-Oji Section)
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Koguchi shizen-no-ie
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Third Place Kumano Kodo
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Guest house Sora Chikatsuyu
14.3 km
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Kumano-Kodo Nakahechi Pilgrimage Route
18.2 km
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Akagi Castle Ruins
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Kumano-Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine Hall of Worship
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Kumano Kodo - Nakahechi Daimon-saka Pilgrim Route
21.8 km
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Kumano Kodo Information Center
24.3 km
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Yoshino Kumano National Park
36.2 km
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Shirahama Midsea Observation Tower CORAL PRINCESS (SHIRAHAMA KEY TERRACE HOTEL SEAMORE)
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Senjojiki Rock Plateau
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Iseji Trail Landmark After Terraces
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kumano Kodo Dainichietsu trailhead
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Yunomine onsen Yuzutsu
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Oyunohara
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Kumano Hongu Taisha
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祓殿石塚遺跡
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Fushiogami Teahouse
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Doro Kyo Gorge
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悪四郎山
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丸山千枚田
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Nachi Waterfall
20.9 km
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Seiganto-ji
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Kumano-Nachi Taisha
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Essential places to dine
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ときわや
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Yorozuya Eatery
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Tororoya
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Kakinoate
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bodai
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Rio Ramen
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Iseya
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Sansaro Cafe
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Sukiya R42 Kumano
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Cotton Club
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