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

Outdoor BathYes

Open-air outdoor bath

OnsenYes

Uses natural hot spring water

Capabilities

Mixed BathingNo

Shared bathing area for all genders

上湯温泉

Kamiyu Onsen
Iron-bearing
+ Bicarbonate

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.

Source temperature
53.6°C
Hot
Tonicity
1.43g/kg
Hypotonic
Highlights
  • Iron-rich

Analyzed Sep 8, 2019

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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5.0

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