[Wakayama] Sakinoyu in Shirahama – A Historic Open-Air Bath Overlooking the Pacific

Sakinoyu is the only remaining bath from the ancient “Yuzaki Seven Hot Springs” mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology. It features a historic rock-lined outdoor bath just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

You’ll feel completely immersed in nature — the sound of waves, the scent of sulfur and sea breeze, the open sky, and ships slowly crossing the vast sea. It’s so open-air that you might even be visible from nearby buildings or breakwaters (yes, really!).

There are no lockers with keys inside, so you’re advised to leave your valuables in your car or ask the staff at reception to hold them for you.

A friendly older couple at reception warmly explained how to enjoy the bath, which added a nice local touch.

Smartphones are strictly prohibited — even in the changing room. They check your belongings to ensure you’re not bringing one in!

You can leave your phone in your car or with reception. While photography is banned in the bath area, the kind staff let us take pictures from outside and even showed us the best angle. So sweet!

The bath is arranged in three tiers — upper, middle, and the lowest closest to the sea.

The lowest one had noticeably saltier water, while the upper ones felt smoother, almost silky with mineral deposits. I asked the staff if the water source was different — turns out, it’s the same for all. Perhaps the proximity to the sea makes the lower bath feel different.

That lowest-tier bath juts out over the sea, and it’s the most “wild” and exhilarating of them all. It’s in plain sight from a nearby apartment building, so if you’re shy, stick to the upper baths (me? no shame, I went full-on wild 😂).

From the upper bath, you can enjoy the view of the ocean in a more peaceful setting. If the sea is rough, you’re in for an even more thrilling experience down below.

🛁 Sakinoyu Onsen Information