Kawayu Onsen

Kawayu Onsen is a serene hot spring village nestled along the Oto River in the mountains of Wakayama. Thermal waters naturally rise through the gravel riverbed, allowing visitors to dig their own private hot spring baths using shovels borrowed from local ryokans. During the winter months, a portion of the river is dammed to create the massive, free Sennin-buro communal outdoor bath.

Commenters expressed excitement about venturing beyond traditional tourist hubs like Tokyo and Kyoto, appreciating off-the-beaten-path travel inspiration. However, some voiced skepticism about logistics, noting that traveling to remote destinations outside major urban areas can be costly, weather-dependent, and difficult to coordinate. Others noted a personal preference for big-city activities like anime spots and car culture over rural retreats.