A Historic Hot Spring with Ancient Roots
A Hot Spring Mentioned in Japan’s Oldest Literature
Shirahama Onsen is traditionally considered one of Japan’s three oldest hot spring resorts. In ancient times, it was known by names such as Muro-no-Yu and Ki-no-Yu, and its history is recorded in some of Japan’s earliest written works, including the Nihon Shoki and the Man’yoshu.
Saki-no-Yu is believed to have existed since the Asuka period. Historical tradition records that Prince Arima visited the hot spring in 657. Several emperors, including Emperor Saimei, Emperor Jito, and Emperor Monmu, are also associated with visits to the area.
During the period when pilgrimages to Kumano flourished, aristocrats and travelers from the capital are also said to have stopped at Shirahama to rest and recover from their journeys. Among them was Emperor Go-Shirakawa.
Bathing at Saki-no-Yu therefore offers more than a relaxing soak. It provides an opportunity to experience a place that has been part of Japanese history for more than a millennium.
An Open-Air Bath with the Pacific at Your Feet
A Bathing Experience Surrounded by Ocean, Sky, and Waves
The defining feature of Saki-no-Yu is its remarkable sense of openness. The baths are built using natural rocks along the coastline, placing bathers directly beside the Pacific Ocean.
Once you enter the water, the view opens toward the endless blue ocean and sky. With the sound of waves just a few meters away, it can feel as though the boundary between the hot spring and the Pacific has disappeared.
The sea is said to be only about one meter from the bathing area at its closest point. On windy days, waves crashing against the rocks can send sea spray toward the baths, adding a thrilling sense of being immersed in the power of nature.
There are two rock bathing areas: one located close to the changing facilities and another reached by descending a flight of steps. The baths offer a particularly dramatic view of the open ocean, with few visual obstructions between the bathers and the horizon.
A Unique Sensory Experience
At Saki-no-Yu, visitors can experience much more than the warmth of the hot spring. The distinctive scent of hot spring minerals mixes with the salty fragrance of the sea, while the sound of waves provides a natural soundtrack.
On clear days, ships can sometimes be seen slowly crossing the Pacific in the distance. The combination of water, wind, sky, ocean, sound, and scent creates an unusually immersive bathing experience.
For a short time, it is easy to forget the outside world and simply relax while surrounded by the vast natural landscape.
The Mineral-Rich Waters of Saki-no-Yu
Warm, Comfortable Waters for Relaxation
The spring water at Saki-no-Yu is classified as a sodium-chloride spring. The water is clear and gentle, with a mineral content that gives it a characteristic hot spring quality.
Because the water contains salt, it is known for its warming effect. Even after leaving the bath, the body can remain pleasantly warm for some time.
The spring is traditionally associated with benefits for conditions such as neuralgia, joint pain, muscle pain, chronic skin conditions, and certain gynecological disorders. These traditional uses reflect the long history of Shirahama as a destination for hot spring therapy.
Saki-no-Yu uses water from the Miyuki Spring, whose source temperature is approximately 78°C. The abundant supply allows visitors to enjoy a generous flow of naturally sourced hot spring water.
A Traditional Bathing Style That Protects Nature
Enjoying the Hot Spring Without Soap or Shampoo
Saki-no-Yu has a distinctive relationship with the surrounding natural environment. Because the bath is located directly beside the sea and the used water flows naturally toward the ocean, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and similar products cannot be used.
This rule helps protect the coastal environment and preserves the traditional character of the bathing area. Rather than relying on modern bath amenities, visitors are invited to enjoy the hot spring itself and the extraordinary natural surroundings.
For international visitors, this can be a unique opportunity to experience a more traditional Japanese approach to hot spring bathing, where simplicity and harmony with nature are central to the experience.
A Hot Spring Loved by Poets and Writers
Inspiration from the Landscape and History
The beauty and long history of Saki-no-Yu have inspired writers and poets over the centuries. The Japanese poet Nakamura Kenkichi, a member of the Araragi school of Japanese poetry, visited Saki-no-Yu and composed a poem recalling the ancient emperors who once came to the hot spring.
His poem evokes the idea that the hot spring once provided comfort to imperial visitors traveling through the ancient province of Kii. It reflects the enduring image of Saki-no-Yu as a place where travelers have come to rest and refresh themselves throughout Japanese history.
International Recognition of Shirahama Onsen
A Hot Spring Praised by a European Physician
Shirahama Onsen also attracted attention from outside Japan during the Meiji period. Erwin von Baelz, a German physician who became an important figure in the study of Japanese hot springs, highly praised the hot springs of the Kii region.
Baelz regarded the quality of the region’s hot springs as comparable to renowned hot spring destinations in Europe. His evaluation helped contribute to international awareness of the exceptional qualities of Japanese hot spring culture.
With its ancient history, natural setting, and distinctive bathing experience, Saki-no-Yu remains one of the most memorable hot springs in Japan.
A Must-Visit Hot Spring in Shirahama
Combine Saki-no-Yu with the Best of Shirahama
Saki-no-Yu is an essential stop for travelers exploring Shirahama. It can easily be combined with visits to some of the area’s most famous scenic attractions, including Shirahama Beach, Engetsu Island, Senjojiki, and Sandanbeki.
The experience can be especially beautiful in the late afternoon. On suitable days, visitors can relax in the hot spring while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The changing colors of the sky and sea create a peaceful and unforgettable scene.
Few places allow visitors to experience Japanese hot spring culture while being so close to the open ocean. Saki-no-Yu brings together history, nature, traditional culture, and relaxation in one extraordinary setting.
Access to Saki-no-Yu
Getting There
Saki-no-Yu is approximately a 15-minute drive from JR Shirahama Station and about 15 minutes by car from the Nanki-Shirahama Interchange on the Kisei Expressway.
The nearest bus stop is Yuzaki, from which the hot spring is approximately a five-minute walk.
Experience the Pacific Ocean from a Historic Hot Spring
Saki-no-Yu offers an extraordinary combination of ancient Japanese history and powerful natural scenery. Here, visitors can soak in a historic hot spring while listening to waves breaking against the rocks and looking across the vast Pacific Ocean.
For international travelers, it is an excellent opportunity to experience an authentic aspect of Japanese bathing culture in a setting unlike an ordinary indoor spa. The mineral-rich water, sea breeze, natural rock baths, and centuries of history make every visit special.
When exploring the Shirahama area, be sure to make time for this remarkable seaside hot spring and experience the unique sensation of bathing at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.