Tsubo-yu Travel Guide

Free Guide: Experience Japan's oldest and the world's only UNESCO-listed hot spring in a quaint mountain village along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Tsubo-yu

A brief summary of Tsubo-yu

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.

4.6 Excellent · 311 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Every day6 am–9 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
Hongucho Yunomine, Tanabe, Wakayama 647-1732
Phone
Website

Getting there

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.

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

Overview

Nestled in the remote mountain village of Yunomine Onsen, Wakayama Prefecture, Tsubo-yu offers a unique and historically rich onsen experience. As the only hot spring in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it attracts visitors seeking relaxation and cultural immersion.Legend claims Tsubo-yu was discovered in the 4th century and is Japan's oldest onsen. For centuries, pilgrims walking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route have stopped here for ritual purification and revitalization. The small, rock-lined bath comfortably fits two people and is said to have healing properties, with waters that change color up to seven times a day depending on mineral content and conditions.Bathing in Tsubo-yu is a private experience limited to 30-minute slots. Visitors purchase tickets at the nearby Yunomine Onsen Public Bath, exchange it for a numbered card, and await their turn. The tradition of soaking in these sacred waters continues to draw those seeking physical and spiritual healing, connecting them to centuries of Japanese history and culture.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Explore Tsubo-yu on the map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tsubo-yu, mapped for you.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Tsubo-yu, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from opening hours and how to get there to Eve’s tips and the best time to go, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

More to explore near Tsubo-yu

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery.

Activate your presence Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Explore more

Kinki (Kansai)
More of the region

Explore more of Kinki (Kansai)

Discover Kinki (Kansai), Japan's cultural heartland, where ancient traditions meet modern vibrancy in iconic cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

Explore Kinki (Kansai)
Japan
More of the country

Explore more of Japan

Discover the harmony of tradition and modernity in Japan, where ancient temples and cutting-edge technology coexist in perfect balance.

Explore Japan
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Kinki (Kansai), Japan

Discover Kinki (Kansai) with Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more! Plan and book your trip effortlessly.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for easy trip planning.
  • Seamless booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Evendo is a comprehensive, free app-based travel guide for Kinki (Kansai), Japan. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and book your experiences seamlessly.

  • Detailed history of Kinki (Kansai) and travel essentials for first-time visitors.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature to find nearby attractions.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide.

Are you planning a trip to Kinki (Kansai), Japan? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion! With Evendo, you can explore the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities that Kinki (Kansai) has to offer. From the famous Osaka Castle and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the bustling Dotonbori Street and historic Fushimi Inari Shrine, Evendo provides detailed information, stunning images, local tips, maps, and contact details to help you make the most of your visit.

Evendo goes beyond just providing information. With our easy-to-use app, you can book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, saving you time and effort. No more searching for what to see or do and then figuring out how to get there. Everything you need is in one place. Whether you're marveling at the beauty of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto or savoring delicious okonomiyaki at a local eatery, Evendo ensures that you experience Kinki (Kansai) like a local.

Our app features a rich history of Kinki (Kansai), travel essentials, curated local tips, and an intuitive navigation system to guide you through the city. The 'Near me' feature allows you to easily discover nearby attractions, ensuring you never miss out on anything exciting. Best of all, Evendo is 100% free to use with no hidden costs or in-app purchases. Plus, Evendo covers over 7,000 other destinations worldwide, so you can take your travel adventures global with just one app. Download Evendo today and start your journey!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.