If you visit the famous hot spring town of Shirahama in Wakayama, there is one bath you absolutely should not miss.
Saki-no-Yu OnsenPerched on rocky cliffs right beside the Pacific Ocean, this open-air bath offers one of the most dramatic hot spring experiences in Japan.
As you soak in the steaming mineral water, you can hear waves crashing against the rocks just a few meters away.
The scent of the sea, the sound of the ocean, and the warmth of natural hot spring water create an unforgettable bathing experience.
For many onsen lovers, Saki-no-Yu is one of the most iconic hot springs in Japan.
- ##One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Springs
- ##Bathing Right Next to the Ocean
- ##Hot Spring Water (Miyuki Source)
- ##Tattoo Policy (Important for Foreign Visitors)
- ##Access
- ##Access by Air (Nanki-Shirahama Airport)
- ##From the Airport to Saki-no-Yu
- ##Admission & Opening Hours
- ##Travel Tip from an Onsen Lover
- ##Final Thoughts
##One of Japan’s Oldest Hot Springs
Shirahama Onsen has more than 1,300 years of history, and it is considered one of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts.
Ancient texts such as the Nihon Shoki and the Manyoshu mention this region as a famous hot spring destination visited by emperors and nobles.
Saki-no-Yu itself is believed to be the oldest surviving bath among the historic “Yuzaki Seven Baths.”
Originally, the hot spring water naturally emerged from rock formations near the coastline, forming natural pools where people bathed centuries ago.
Today, visitors can still enjoy that same oceanfront bathing experience.
##Bathing Right Next to the Ocean
The most unique feature of Saki-no-Yu is its location.
The open-air bath is built directly into the coastal rocks facing the Pacific Ocean.
On windy days, ocean spray can even reach the bath.
Few hot springs in Japan offer such a wild and natural atmosphere.
Because the bath drains directly into the ocean, soap, shampoo, and body wash are not allowed here.
This keeps the experience simple and close to nature.
##Hot Spring Water (Miyuki Source)
The bath uses water from the Miyuki Source (行幸源泉).
Hot spring type:
Sodium Chloride Spring
Source temperature:about 78°C
This mineral-rich water warms the body deeply and helps improve circulation.
The water is known for:
・strong heat-retaining effect
・relaxing muscles
・soothing fatigue after travel
##Tattoo Policy (Important for Foreign Visitors)
Many travelers wonder about tattoos when visiting Japanese hot springs.
Good news:
At
Saki-no-Yu Onsen
tattoos are generally allowed.
Tattoo Friendly OnsenUnlike many traditional bathhouses in Japan, Saki-no-Yu is known as a tattoo-friendly hot spring.
This makes it one of the easiest historic onsen in Japan for international visitors to enjoy.
However, as with any public bath in Japan, visitors should still behave respectfully and follow bathing etiquette.
##Access
Nearest station:
Shirahama Station
From the station:
Bus → about 15 minutes
Get off at Yuzaki Bus Stop
Walk → about 5 minutes to the bath.
By car:
About 15 minutes from Nanki-Shirahama IC.
##Access by Air (Nanki-Shirahama Airport)
If you are traveling from Tokyo or other major cities, the easiest way to reach Shirahama is by plane.
The nearest airport isNanki-Shirahama Airport,located just a short distance from the Shirahama hot spring area.
Direct flights connectHaneda Airport in Tokyo and Nanki-Shirahama Airport, mainly operated byJapan Airlines.
Flight time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making Shirahama one of the most convenient hot spring destinations to reach from Tokyo.
##From the Airport to Saki-no-Yu
Once you arrive at the airport, getting to the hot spring area is very easy.
By BusTake a bus from the airport towardShirahama Station.
Get off at Yuzaki Bus Stop, which is located in the Shirahama hot spring district.
From there,Saki-no-Yu Onsenis about a 5-minute walk.
Travel time: about 25 minutes
By Taxi
Taxi is the fastest option.
Travel time: about 15 minutes
Estimated fare: around 2,000–2,500 yen
This is a convenient option if you have luggage.
##Admission & Opening Hours
Admission feeAdults: 500 yen
Opening hours
July–August: 7:00 – 19:00
April–June / September: 8:00 – 18:00
October–March: 8:00 – 17:00
Parking available near the bath.
##Travel Tip from an Onsen Lover
The best times to visit Saki-no-Yu are:
・early morning
・sunset
At sunset, the Pacific Ocean turns orange while steam rises from the bath.
It is one of the most beautiful hot spring views in Japan.
##Final Thoughts
Saki-no-Yu is not a modern spa.
There are no fancy facilities, no shampoo, and no indoor baths.
But what you get instead is something much more special:
・over 1,000 years of history
・natural hot spring water
・a breathtaking oceanfront bath
If you want to experience the true spirit of Japanese onsen culture, this is one of the best places to do it.
They also sell commemorative towels.
If you want to experience another historic bath in Shirahama, check out our guide toMuro-no-Yuwhere you can compare two different natural hot spring sources.
Book your trip or airline tickets here. 👇️
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