Wakayama ♨ Hot spring 📷 9

Ryujin Onsen

龍神温泉

A hot-spring destination where the bath itself is the sightseeing.

See the photos How to get there Open in Maps

Best season Year-round, best in cold months (Nov–Mar)

Time needed 1–3 hours (half a day with a meal)

Admission Day-use bath roughly ¥500–1,500 (≈ $3–9)

Opening hours Typically 10:00–21:00; day-use hours vary by inn

Photos

Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.

What this place is

Ryūjin Onsen (龍神温泉) is an onsen (hot spring) located in Ryūjin village, now a part of Tanabe, Wakayama City in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. Ryūjin Onsen was discovered in the 7th century by En no Gyōja, the founder of Shugendō. Kōbō Daishi, founder of Shingon Buddhism visited the spot in the 9th century. During the Edo period (1603-1868), the onsen was used as a resort area by the Tokugawa ruling family, whose castle was in Wakayama city. Today there are old Japanese inns (ryokans) using the names Kamigoten (Royal Palace) and Shimogoten (Lower Lodgings), from the old feudal system. It is said to be the third best onsen for beautifying your skin in Japan.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

What to expect when visiting a Hot spring in Japan