A Relaxing Hot Spring Surrounded by Kumano’s Mountains
Wataze Onsen, where Otonashi-no-Sato is located, is one of the three famous hot spring areas of the Kumano Hongu Onsenkyo, together with Yunomine Onsen and Kawayu Onsen. These hot springs have welcomed and refreshed pilgrims traveling to Kumano for centuries. In 1957, the area was designated as a National Hot Spring Health Resort, recognizing its value as a place for rest and recuperation.
The spring water is classified as a sodium-bicarbonate and chloride spring. It is known for leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth, and is sometimes described as a “Beauty Bath”. After bathing, many visitors enjoy the pleasant sensation of soft, moisturized skin.
The hot spring center features spacious bathing areas as well as facilities such as bubble baths and reclining baths. Guests can take their time enjoying a relaxing soak while surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the Kumano mountains.
The bathhouse is also used regularly by local residents, giving it a warm and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the everyday life of the community. Visitors can therefore enjoy not only a relaxing hot spring experience but also a glimpse into local Japanese culture.
An Outdoor Playground Along the River
WATAZE OUTDOOR Otonashi-no-Sato is also popular as an outdoor recreation area along the Shiromi River. The river flows directly beside the facility, with many shallow areas and relatively gentle currents. During the summer months, it becomes a favorite place for families to enjoy playing in the water.
The exceptionally clear mountain stream is beautiful to look at and provides a refreshing atmosphere unique to the countryside. Some visitors also enjoy cooling off in the river after relaxing in a tent sauna, making the most of the surrounding natural environment.
Each season offers a different experience. Cherry blossoms appear in spring, while summer brings lush green mountains and refreshing breezes from the river. In autumn, the surrounding mountains are covered in colorful foliage. During winter, the crisp, clear air creates a particularly peaceful atmosphere, and on clear nights, countless stars can be seen in the sky.
Under the right conditions, visitors may also encounter mystical scenes such as river mist floating above the water or a spectacular view of the Milky Way stretching across the night sky.
Well-Equipped Campsites and Comfortable Cottages
The facility has a campsite where visitors can enjoy nature at close range. A variety of camping options are available, including free camping areas, sites where motorcycles can be brought directly in, and designated sites where guests can park their vehicles next to their tents. These options make the campground suitable for everyone from first-time campers to experienced outdoor travelers.
There are also 10 cottages available for overnight stays. Each cottage is equipped with essential facilities such as air conditioning, a kitchen, a toilet, and bedding. This makes them a comfortable choice for visitors who are new to camping or families traveling with young children.
The cottages and camping facilities are also suitable for groups and longer stays. Some travelers use Otonashi-no-Sato as a base while walking sections of the Kumano Kodo. Away from the noise of the city, guests can slow down and enjoy a peaceful stay surrounded by mountains and forests.
Food and Relaxation Alongside the Hot Spring
Otonashi-no-Sato also has a restaurant and a shop, allowing visitors to enjoy a meal or take a break during their stay. Outdoor terrace seating along the river provides a pleasant place to relax while enjoying views of Kumano’s natural surroundings.
The restaurant offers meals and light refreshments featuring local ingredients, making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the area. Combining a hot spring visit with a meal is especially suitable for those making a day trip through the Kumano region.
The on-site shop also sells souvenirs and local specialties from the Kumano area, making it a convenient place to find something memorable to take home.
A Convenient Base for Exploring the Kumano Kodo
Otonashi-no-Sato is located close to the Kumano Kodo, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” Its convenient location also makes it an excellent base for visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha and exploring the wider Kumano region.
Kumano Hongu Taisha is approximately a 10-minute drive away. After visiting this sacred shrine, which has attracted pilgrims for centuries, travelers can return to Otonashi-no-Sato and relax in the soothing waters of Wataze Onsen.
The nearby Kawayu Onsen and Yunomine Onsen also make the area ideal for an onsen-hopping itinerary. Each hot spring has its own atmosphere and characteristics, allowing travelers to experience different aspects of Kumano’s rich hot spring culture.
Discover Traditional Kumano Culture
Another attraction of Otonashi-no-Sato is the opportunity to experience traditional culture from the Kumano region. One popular activity is a traditional Japanese paper-making experience using Otonashi-gami, a local style of handmade paper.
Making paper by hand in the peaceful surroundings of the mountains provides a unique opportunity to slow down and forget the busy pace of everyday life. Through this hands-on experience, visitors can learn more about the history and culture of Kumano while enjoying the simple pleasure of making something with their own hands.
A Peaceful Hot Spring Retreat in the Heart of Kumano
Wataze Onsen Center Otonashi-no-Sato is much more than a hot spring facility. It is a destination where visitors can experience hot springs, nature, outdoor activities, local food, and traditional culture in one place.
Surrounded by mountains and forests, the gentle sound of the river and the songs of birds create a soothing environment where both body and mind can relax. Combining a visit to Otonashi-no-Sato with the Kumano Kodo or Kumano Hongu Taisha allows travelers to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of the Kumano region more deeply.
Visitors can stop by for a relaxing day trip or stay overnight in a cottage or campsite to enjoy a slower pace of travel. The experience changes throughout the year, from cherry blossoms in spring and lush greenery in summer to colorful autumn leaves and crisp winter skies.
With its relaxing “Beauty Bath,” beautiful mountain scenery, clear river, comfortable accommodations, and convenient location near some of Kumano’s most important cultural sites, Wataze Onsen Center Otonashi-no-Sato is an appealing destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and authentic experience in rural Japan.