Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is the signature open-air hot spring bath at Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima, located on Nakanoshima Island just off the coast of Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture.
Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima is one of Japan’s rare “one island, one ryokan” accommodations, where the entire island is part of a single traditional Japanese inn. Surrounded by the sea, the property offers a remarkable setting where the ocean, sky, and hot spring seem to merge into one vast landscape.
With its spectacular ocean views, abundant natural hot spring water, and peaceful island atmosphere, Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is regarded as one of the memorable hot spring experiences of the Nanki-Katsuura area.
The greatest attraction of Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is the expansive ocean directly in front of the bath. The open-air bath is located close to the shoreline, creating the extraordinary sensation of soaking in a hot spring while looking directly out over the Pacific Ocean.
During the day, the view stretches across deep-blue water beneath a brilliant sky. At sunset, the surface of the sea can be transformed into shades of gold and orange. After dark, the scenery changes once again, with a star-filled sky above and the gentle sound of waves in the distance.
The name “Chomon-no-Yu” refers to enjoying the hot spring while listening to the sound of the tide. The rhythmic sound of the waves is often the only thing that breaks the silence, creating a peaceful atmosphere far removed from everyday life.
Nakanoshima is a small island located at the entrance to Katsuura Bay, and the entire island serves as the grounds of Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima.
Guests reach the island by taking a private ferry from Katsuura Tourist Pier. The short boat ride across the water is part of the experience itself, providing a sense of anticipation as the island gradually comes into view.
The fact that the inn can only be reached by boat gives the stay a special feeling of escape. Once on the island, the surrounding sea creates an atmosphere that can feel almost like entering another world.
The island has six natural hot spring sources, providing an exceptionally abundant supply of water. Fresh spring water continuously rises from underground and is supplied generously to the various baths throughout the property.
This abundant supply makes it possible to enjoy the character of natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source.
The hot springs of Nakanoshima are known for their remarkable volume, with more than 700 tons of hot spring water produced each day.
Fresh water continuously flows from the natural sources, allowing guests to enjoy hot spring water with a strong sense of freshness.
The spring is classified as a sulfur-containing sodium chloride hot spring. Its subtle sulfur aroma enhances the traditional atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring resort, while the mineral-rich water gently warms the body.
For international visitors, bathing here is also an opportunity to experience one of Japan’s most distinctive cultural traditions: relaxing in a natural hot spring while surrounded by scenery that changes with the weather and time of day.
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is also popular as a “beauty hot spring”. Sulfur-containing hot spring water has traditionally been associated with softening old layers of skin and leaving the skin feeling smooth after bathing.
The mildly alkaline nature of the water is also appreciated for its gentle feel on the skin. Chloride-rich hot spring water is traditionally valued for its warming properties, helping the body retain heat after leaving the bath.
These characteristics have made the hot spring especially popular with visitors seeking both relaxation and a traditional Japanese bathing experience.
As with other Japanese hot spring traditions, these descriptions refer to traditional bathing benefits and should not be considered medical treatment or guaranteed health effects.
The hot spring has traditionally been associated with relaxation and relief from various conditions, including neuralgia, lower back pain, frozen shoulder, bruising, motor impairment, sensitivity to cold, reduced digestive function, mild asthma, mild hypertension, diabetes, atopic dermatitis, and fatigue during recovery from illness.
It is also traditionally enjoyed for general relaxation and maintaining a sense of well-being.
After walking along the Kumano Kodo or exploring Nachi Falls and the sacred sites of Kumano, a long soak while listening to the sound of the ocean can be an especially rewarding way to end the day.
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is not the only place to enjoy hot spring bathing at Kumano Bettei Nakanoshima. The property also features spacious indoor baths and additional open-air baths.
The large indoor bath provides a comfortable place to relax, while views of the surrounding sea add to the experience. The scenery outside changes throughout the day, offering a different atmosphere depending on the weather and season.
For guests seeking greater privacy, private open-air baths are also available. These are particularly suitable for couples, families, and groups who would like to enjoy a relaxing bath without worrying about other guests.
A free-flowing hot spring foot bath called Kukai-no-Yu can also be found along one of the walking paths on the island.
It is an easy place to stop during an island walk, allowing visitors to rest their feet in naturally flowing hot spring water while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Nakanoshima is located at the entrance to Katsuura Bay and has long been associated with the area’s maritime history.
The island helped shelter boats from the rough waters of the Kumano-nada Sea, and ships once stopped nearby while waiting for favorable weather before continuing their journeys.
The area also developed as a gateway to the sacred sites of the Kumano Sanzan, the three major sacred shrines of Kumano, as well as the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims and travelers have passed through the region for centuries.
Walking paths and a viewpoint on the island allow visitors to explore the natural surroundings while enjoying views of the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful coastal scenery known as Kino-Matsushima.
A monument commemorating the poet Wakayama Bokusui can also be found on the island, adding a cultural and literary dimension to its natural attractions.
Kishu Chomon-no-Yu is much more than an ordinary hot spring. It is a special place where the sea, sky, island landscape, and natural hot spring water come together to create an unforgettable experience.
The journey itself is part of the adventure. After crossing the sea by private boat, guests arrive on an island surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, where abundant natural hot spring water flows continuously from underground.
Soaking in the open-air bath while listening to the sound of the waves provides a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.
Combined with visits to Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, Nachi Falls, and the Kumano Kodo, a stay at Nakanoshima offers an excellent way to experience the natural beauty, spiritual traditions, and bathing culture of Kumano.
For travelers visiting Nanki-Katsuura, Kishu Chomon-no-Yu offers an unforgettable Japanese hot spring experience where the ocean seems to stretch directly into the bath.