Hot springs in Ryujin
Ryujin, Kansai · Japan
Ryūjin Onsen, nestled in Ryūjin village within Tanabe of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, offers a serene and historical hot spring experience. Discovered in the 7th century by En no Gyōja, it has been revered for its skin-enhancing properties, ranking as one of Japan's top onsen destinations. The area is steeped in history, having attracted notable figures like Kōbō Daishi in the 9th century and serving as a retreat for the Tokugawa family during the Edo period. Today, visitors can stay at traditional ryokans named Kamigoten and Shimogoten, reflecting its feudal past. The onsen's tranquil atmosphere is complemented by its scenic beauty within Kōya-Ryūjin Quasi-National Park, making it a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and cultural immersion. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal due to mild weather and beautiful natural scenery.
Top-rated hot springs in Ryujin
Ryujin Onsen sits in a narrow gorge carved through the Kii Mountains of Wakayama Prefecture, roughly 90 minutes from the coast by bus. The water is a sodium bicarbonate spring measuring pH 9.9, making it one of Japan's most alkaline, and it has long been regarded as one of the country's finest springs for beautifying the skin. Two ryokan, Kamigoten and Shimogoten, have operated in this gorge since the seventeenth century.
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