Saki no Yu Onsen
Japan's oldest open-air onsen, offering a historic soak with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Saki no Yu Onsen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Japan's oldest open-air onsen, offering a historic soak with breathtaking Pacific Ocean views.
"One of, if not, the best onsen experience I ever had in life."
Bring Your Own Towels
Essential! Pack a drying towel and a small towel for the pool. No showers available. :towel:
Embrace the Open Air
Be ready for wind and sea spray. It's part of the unique, raw experience. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oceanfront Hot Pools
Directly facing the Pacific Ocean
Soak in naturally heated waters with unparalleled views of the vast Pacific Ocean. A truly immersive experience.
Historical Significance
Shirahama, Wakayama
Experience one of Japan's oldest open-air hot springs, steeped in history and tradition.
Wave-Crashing Serenity
Lower pools
Feel the invigorating spray of ocean waves as they crash near the edge of the pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Pack Smart for Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Towels
Essential! Pack a drying towel and a small towel for the pool. No showers available. :towel:
Embrace the Open Air
Be ready for wind and sea spray. It's part of the unique, raw experience. :ocean:
Minimal Privacy
The ocean-facing pools have little privacy. Nearby hotels can see in. :eyes:
Check Closing Times
Tourists have been turned away when arriving close to closing. Plan accordingly. :clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Towels
Essential! Pack a drying towel and a small towel for the pool. No showers available. :towel:
Embrace the Open Air
Be ready for wind and sea spray. It's part of the unique, raw experience. :ocean:
Minimal Privacy
The ocean-facing pools have little privacy. Nearby hotels can see in. :eyes:
Check Closing Times
Tourists have been turned away when arriving close to closing. Plan accordingly. :clock:
Cash is King
The entrance fee is typically paid in cash. :yen:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saki no Yu Onsen is lauded as a historically significant and uniquely beautiful onsen, offering an unparalleled ocean-facing bathing experience. Visitors rave about the raw, natural setting and the therapeutic hot springs, often calling it a must-visit despite its basic facilities. Some note the minimal privacy and lack of showers, but the overall consensus is that the experience is well worth the modest fee.
"It is a historical place and a very unique onsen that you can face the ocean directly while you're soaking the hot water. It is very small and there is no shower facility at all. There are toilets at the parking outside.
The outermost bath pools both male and female, which have the best view facing the ocean, have no privacy at all. Condo or hotel which of course built later than the onsen can see the full view of the bath without anything blocking it.
Moreover, anyone can walk pass the entrance of the male onsen which there are only three pieces of fabric hang over there. When wind blow them off, anyone who walks outside can see naked males changing clothes! :(
And check the time carefully. I saw a big group of tourists came and disappointed because they were closing and did not let the customers in."
JR V.
"One of, if not, the best onsen experience I ever had in life. It was raining that day and the storm was raging. I entered the onsen and it was open to the ocean. I enjoyed soaking in the hot area. Then I moved to bottom pond where the wave crashed in. So I got the fresh cold wave crashing from the side and cool rain pouring from above. Then I went back to the hot spot in the onsen bath at the upper level again. I don't think I can get such an experience anywhere and anytime like that again. With only 500 yen fee, it definitely worths it!"
Tee Ponsukcharoen
"Very worth a visit. If you love Onsens, you must try. The onsen is built into the rocks by the sea. There are two pools. The one closest to the sea is a little cooler, but you are right by the ocean waves. It’s 500 yen to enter. Just bring towel to dry yourself and a small towel you can take to the pool. I went in Jan 2025. It was 7 degrees but with the wind it felt like -2 degrees. You learn to get changed fast, but really appreciate the onsen heat once you enter.
No cameras allowed in the onsen (obviously!!)"
Philip LUTTON
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Osaka, take the JR Kuroshio Limited Express train to Shirahama Station (approx. 2 hours). From the station, it's a short bus ride or taxi to Saki no Yu Onsen. Some visitors mention a 25-minute walk from the station if you enjoy a stroll.
Yes, there is parking available near the onsen. This is a convenient option if you are road-tripping through Wakayama.
Take the JR Haruka Limited Express from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka, then transfer to the JR Kuroshio Limited Express towards Shirahama. The total journey can take around 3 hours.
Saki no Yu Onsen is located in Shirahama, known for its beautiful beaches like Shirahama Beach, Engetsu Island, and Sandanbeki Cave.
Travel times to Shirahama vary. From Tokyo, it's a longer journey involving the Shinkansen and then the Kuroshio Limited Express. From Osaka, it's significantly shorter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is very affordable, typically around 500 JPY. Some sources mention an option for 700 JPY which might include a towel. It's best to have cash on hand. +1
No advance booking is usually required for Saki no Yu Onsen. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary, and it's crucial to check them before your visit as they have specific closing times. Some visitors have been disappointed by arriving too late.
As a traditional onsen, it's generally suitable for most ages, but very young children might need supervision. Check specific onsen rules if you have concerns.
While not always guaranteed, there might be an option to rent towels for an additional fee. It's highly recommended to bring your own to be safe. +1
🎫 🧖 Onsite Experience
Saki no Yu is a very basic, traditional onsen. There are no shower facilities inside the bathing area. Toilets are located outside in the parking area.
Yes, there are changing areas. However, be aware that the men's changing area has minimal privacy, with only fabric screens that can blow open in the wind.
No, cameras and phones are strictly prohibited inside the bathing areas to respect privacy. Enjoy the moment and the views without the need for a photo.
The water is naturally heated and comes directly from the hot spring. It's known for its therapeutic properties and the unique experience of bathing by the sea.
Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. Weekends and holidays can be busier.
📸 📸 Photography
While photos are not allowed inside the onsen itself, the surrounding Shirahama area offers stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the dramatic coastline, Engetsu Island, and the beaches.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light for coastal photography. The dramatic rock formations also look impressive under various lighting conditions.
The coastline around Saki no Yu provides numerous viewpoints. Engetsu Island, with its distinctive hole, is a popular subject.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and coastal landscapes. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water.
You can photograph the exterior of the onsen and its setting by the sea, but remember that photography is prohibited within the bathing areas for privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the onsen itself is simple, the surrounding Shirahama area offers plenty for families. Shirahama Beach is a great place for kids to play, and exploring the coastal rock formations like Engetsu Island can be an adventure. Pack extra towels and be prepared for a quick change after your soak.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, bring your own towels to avoid rental fees. Pack snacks and drinks, as on-site food options are usually limited or non-existent. Consider using public transport like buses from Shirahama Station to reach the onsen, which is generally more economical than taxis.
❤️ Couples
+1While privacy is limited in the main pools, the shared experience of bathing in such a historic and natural setting can be very bonding. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for a more intimate feel. Afterwards, explore the beautiful Shirahama coastline together, perhaps catching a sunset at Engetsu Island.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Experience of Saki no Yu Onsen
+1This onsen prioritizes tradition over modern amenities. Expect a very simple setup with no showers within the bathing area. You'll need to bring your own towels for drying and for use in the pool. The changing facilities are also basic, with particular note on the minimal privacy in the men's section, where wind can affect the hanging screens.
The modest entrance fee of around 500 JPY makes it an incredibly accessible experience. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and appreciate the natural beauty and historical significance. The lack of cameras allowed inside further encourages visitors to be present in the moment, soaking in the atmosphere rather than just capturing it.
Navigating Shirahama's Coastal Wonders
Beyond the beach, explore geological marvels like Engetsu Island, a picturesque islet with a natural archway through its center, particularly striking at sunset. Nearby, the Sandanbeki Cave offers dramatic cliffside views and boat tours into sea caves. The Senjojiki rock plateau provides expansive, layered rock formations that are a sight to behold.
Getting around Shirahama is relatively easy. While Saki no Yu is walkable from some parts of the town, local buses connect the main attractions, including Shirahama Station. Renting a car can offer more flexibility for exploring the wider Wakayama region, but be mindful of parking availability at popular spots.
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