Kamiyu Onsen

上湯温泉 川原の湯うえゆおんせん かわらのゆ

Public Bathhouse
Kansai·Nara

Day Use

Yes
Mon09:00–17:00
Tue09:00–17:00
Wed09:00–17:00
ThuClosed
Fri09:00–17:00
Sat09:00–17:00
Sun09:00–17:00

except Thursday

¥500

Bathing & Water

Natural onsen water

Uses natural hot spring water

Outdoor BathYes

Open-air outdoor bath

Capabilities

Mixed BathingNo

Shared bathing area for all genders

上湯温泉

Kamiyu Onsen
Iron-bearing
+ Bicarbonate
Hot source · 54°CIron-rich
Known good for
  • Aches & jointsstiff shoulders
  • Smooth skindry, rough skin
  • Recoveryfatigue, stress

Kamiyu Onsen is a sodium-bicarbonate spring with a notable iron(II) signature — the jūsō-sen softness of an Na-HCO3 base, overlaid with the rusty character of dissolved iron that oxidizes reddish-brown on contact with air. The water emerges at 53.6 °C, classified as a hot spring, and reaches the bath at the same temperature without cooling. Weakly alkaline at pH 7.7, it carries the soft, skin-smoothing feel of the bicarbonate family alongside a metallic edge from the iron content.

Analyzed Sep 8, 2019

Explore the water

Views

River
Forest

About

Kamiyu Onsen sits on the riverbank in the remote Totsukawa valley, rebuilt after flood damage in 2017. The open-air bath is right at the water's edge, fed by a smooth spring with mineral deposits visible on the basin walls. Worth noting: the men's section has direct river access; the women's section is smaller and separate.

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1 review

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Sergey M
1 year ago

619. Kamiyu Onsen Kawara no Yu, Kamiyu Onsen, Totsukawa, Nara ★★★ Onsen for 500 (free for Kamiyuso guests). Operating hours stated as 09:00 to 17:00 (closed Thursdays). They stamp the 88 Onsen of Wakayama booklet. The large outdoor bath was available for men; for women - a smaller semi-open-air bath upstairs. Large outdoor bath with a stunning view of the river and forest. On the other bank there was a tree uprooted with its roots exposed. At the edge of the bath there's a path down to the river. Clear water with mineral fragments (both small ones and some larger chunks). Proper sulfurous onsen smell. Occasional sand particles. 42-42.5 degrees. Amazing place and a must-visit when traveling near the Wakayama-Nara border. 16.06.2025

Last updated June 23, 2026