Enjoy wild stream fun！ Japan's Wakayama hidden hot spring spot — dig your own bath

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Japan

In the cold of autumn and winter, soaking in a hot spring and enjoying the purifying waters is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, Kawauchi Onsen not only offers traditional bathing, but also the rare experience of grabbing a shovel and digging your very own hot spring pool at your favorite spot along the riverbank.

▲ In Japan’s Kawauchi Onsen, you can dig your own hot spring pool right by the riverside.

Kawauchi Onsen is a wild stream hot spring, quietly flowing through the forests of Wakayama like an ordinary mountain stream. But as you approach the riverside, you’ll see many small pools enclosed by stones, stretching along the river into the distance, with several bare-chested boys energetically swinging shovels.

▲ Boys digging a hot spring.

According to Nakagishi Rikizo from the Kumano Hongu Tourist Association, the biggest highlight of Kawauchi Onsen is that you can dig your own hot spring pool by the river anytime. By carefully observing the small stone-enclosed pools along the bank, you’ll know you've found a good spot when you see bubbles continuously rising up from below — that means there’s hot spring water beneath. Interestingly, only the water near the riverbank is hot; just a little further into the stream, the water turns icy cold again.

However, most travelers don’t usually carry large shovels. Nakagishi Rikizo points out that if you’re staying at any of the inns or guesthouses along Kawauchi Onsen, the operators will provide shovels for free. But if you’re not staying overnight and still want to try digging your own hot spring, you can still ask the inn operators — though there may be a small rental fee.

▲ The annual "Thousand People Bath" event held every winter. (Photo / Provided by Kumano Hongu Tourist Association)

In addition, between December and February each year, the “Thousand People Bath” event is held here. The area’s large open-air bath, “Sennin-buro,” is opened to the public, attracting many visitors who come specifically to soak together — a beloved winter tradition. Visitors should also note that during the Sennin-buro event, digging hot springs along the riverside is prohibited, so those hoping to try their hand at digging their own must plan accordingly.

Kawauchi Onsen
Transportation: From JR Kisei Main Line Shingū Station, take a Kumano Kotsu bus and get off at Kawauchi Onsen Station or Fujino-yama-mae Station.