Nara Kawakami Village
Shionoha Onsen Yamabatoyu
A hidden onsen in deep Yoshino where water from its own source flows into cedar-log baths with stunning views
- Scenic View
- Nature Immersion
- Onsen Ryokan
- Natural Hot Spring
- Free-flow from source
About Shionoha Onsen Yamabatoyu
Shionoha Onsen Yamabatoyu is an onsen inn in Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It has its own naturally gushing source, something extremely rare anywhere in Japan, and you can soak to your heart’s content in natural onsen water fed straight from the source, never recirculated, with not a drop of water added. The main bathhouse is built entirely of cedar logs, and the rich minerals left behind by the overflowing water have built up on it, giving it a mysterious look almost like glazed pottery. Outside is an open-air bath hollowed out of a huge zelkova trunk, where you can gaze across the panorama of the gorge spread out before you and enjoy a blissful, unhurried stretch of time that feels like becoming one with nature. After bathing, we recommend unwinding in the wonderfully airy relaxation room or enjoying dishes made with seasonal mountain vegetables and river fish.
Hot SpringONSEN
Indoor bath
In this tub built entirely of cedar logs, the rich minerals left by the overflowing water have built up layer upon layer, giving it a mysterious look like glazed pottery or a limestone cave. Water from its own source, with no water added at all, pours in generously and is never recirculated, and its silky feel and soft scent of hydrogen sulfide are a pleasure. Surrender yourself to this superb natural onsen water, which turns a pale yellowish brown over time, and enjoy the bliss of being gently warmed to the core.
Open-air bath
A bold log bath hollowed out of a huge zelkova tree. Natural onsen water flows straight over from the indoor bath, fed from the source and never recirculated, and its slightly cooler, perfectly balanced temperature lets you linger for a long, slow soak. The beautiful natural gorge of deep Yoshino spreads out before you like a panorama, and wrapped in the murmur of the river and the clear mountain air, you can sink into a deep sense of relaxation, as if becoming completely one with nature.
Facility Information
- Address
- 391 Shionoha, Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3611
- Business Hours
- Monday10:00〜17:00Tuesday10:00〜17:00WednesdayClosedThursday10:00〜17:00Friday10:00〜17:00Saturday10:00〜17:00Sunday10:00〜17:00Holiday10:00〜17:00
(Day-use bathing) 10:00 to 16:00
- Closed Days
- April to October: closed on Wednesdays November to March: closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Gender Access
- Gender Separated
- Tattoo Policy (Communal Bath)
- No Tattoos
- Official Website
- View official site
Access
By car
- About 1 hour 30 minutes from Koriyama IC on the Nishi-Meihan Expressway
- About 1 hour 20 minutes from Katsuragi IC on the Minami-Hanna Road
By train and bus
- Yamato-Kamiichi Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line → about 1 hour by bus
Parking for 12 cars