Nara Kawakami Village
Shimonoha Onsen Yamabatoyu
A hidden hot spring in Oku-Yoshino where you can enjoy a private source's free-flowing natural hot spring in a scenic cedar-log bath
- Scenic View
- Nature Immersion
- Onsen Ryokan
- Natural Hot Spring
- Free-flow from source
About Shimonoha Onsen Yamabatoyu
"Shimonoha Onsen Yamabatoyu" is a hot spring inn in Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. It draws from its own naturally gushing spring, an extremely rare source even nationwide, and offers natural hot spring waters flowing directly from the source with no added water, for guests to enjoy to the fullest. The large bath is built entirely from cedar logs, and mineral deposits from the rich spring water accumulate in layers, creating a mysterious appearance that looks almost like pottery. Outside, there is an open-air bath carved from a giant zelkova tree, where you can soak while gazing at the panoramic view of the valley spread out before you and enjoy a blissful time of relaxation, as if becoming one with nature. After bathing, you can relax in the spacious lounge or enjoy dishes made with seasonal mountain vegetables and river fish.
Hot SpringONSEN
Indoor bath
The cedar-log bathtub is covered in layers of mineral deposits from the rich spring water that overflows from it, creating a mysterious appearance reminiscent of pottery or a limestone cave. A generous flow from the inn's own spring, with no added water at all, pours in continuously, and the smooth texture of the water and the gentle scent of hydrogen sulfide are soothing. You can surrender yourself to this superb natural hot spring as it gradually turns pale yellowish brown over time, and enjoy the bliss of being warmed through to the core.
Open-air bath
A magnificent log bath carved from a giant zelkova tree. You can take your time soaking in the naturally flowing hot spring water that comes directly from the indoor bath, at a slightly lukewarm and just-right temperature for a long, leisurely soak. In front of you, the beautiful natural valley of Oku-Yoshino unfolds like a panorama, and surrounded by the sound of the river and the clear mountain air, you can sink into a deep sense of relaxation, as if fully merging with nature.
Facility Information
- Address
- 391 Shimonoha, 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] 10:00-16:00
- Closed Days
- Wednesday
- Gender Access
- Gender Separated
- Tattoo Policy (Communal Bath)
- No Tattoos
- Official Website
- View official site
Access
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JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
64 SELECTIONS
Only the 64 places worth returning to.
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.