Travel to Japan has surged, especially among Americans, and interest is growing in destinations beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Increasingly, U.S. visitors seek authentic rural experiences, and one rising destination is the lush Kii Peninsula on Honshū.
Spanning Mie, Wakayama and Nara prefectures, the Kii Peninsula is an easy train ride from Kyoto or Osaka yet still feels refreshingly remote. The region is particularly renowned for its restorative hot springs, which are scattered throughout the peninsula and offer varied settings—from oceanfront baths to mountain-side ryokans.
Here are some of the standout hot-spring areas to explore in Kii:
© Hotel Urashima Resort & Spa
Oceanfront and Cave Hot Springs
In Wakayama Prefecture, you can follow a UNESCO pilgrimage route through mist-shrouded mountains, past sacred waterfalls and ancient shrines, and end the day soaking in oceanfront onsen. Nanki Shirahama, recognized as one of Japan’s three great onsen resort areas, offers options ranging from traditional ryokan stays to luxury seaside hotels. Beachside, open-air baths here trace back to the Asuka period, once favored by nobles.
Further along the coast, Katsuura sits between the Pacific Ocean and forested mountains near Nachi Falls. The town is home to Hotel Urashima, a sprawling resort-ryokan complex celebrated for its natural cave hot springs and dramatic seaside settings that blend relaxation with striking coastal views.
© Kadojin
Historic Mountain Hot Springs
Dorogawa Onsen in Nara Prefecture is a high-altitude hot-spring village long used as a retreat by ascetic practitioners journeying to nearby Mount Omine. The village retains a timeless atmosphere, with traditional inns and quiet riverside paths. For an intimate stay, Kadojin is a boutique, eight-room ryokan offering spacious tatami suites and both communal and private open-air onsen baths—an ideal base for experiencing the area’s calming rituals.
In 2026, Dorogawa will also welcome a new luxury hotel on the site of the former Nara Prison. The HOSHINOYA-branded property aims to honor the region’s history while offering refined accommodations and opportunities to connect with local heritage.
Amanemu © Aman
Mineral-Rich Onsen in Ise-Shima
The Ise-Shima onsen region, located in Mie Prefecture within Ise-Shima National Park, is prized for its mineral-rich springs and scenic ocean views. The area also hosts the sacred Ise Jingu shrine, making it a place where spiritual and restorative pursuits intersect. Resorts here emphasize wellness, privacy and a connection to nature, with some properties offering private onsen and bespoke spa programs tailored to relaxation and renewal.
Whether you prefer cliffside baths that meet the sea, secluded mountain retreats, or mineral-rich springs near historic shrines, the Kii Peninsula presents a diverse onsen landscape. It’s an ideal region for travelers looking to combine cultural depth, natural beauty and the therapeutic pleasures of Japan’s hot-spring traditions.