Soak in the Legacy of Ancient Pilgrims
Tsubaki Hana no Yu is a serene roadside station nestled along National Route 42 in Shirahama, Wakayama, where the timeless beauty of Japan’s Kii Peninsula unfolds. Situated near the World Heritage site of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trail, this destination blends natural tranquility with cultural heritage. At its heart lies the historic Tsubaki Onsen, a pure alkaline hot spring with a pH of 9.9, renowned for its skin-softening properties and centuries-old tradition as a healing retreat.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the public bathhouse, where the warm, mineral-rich waters flow directly from the source, or unwind in the free footbaths set among tranquil gardens. The station also serves as a vibrant community hub, offering local specialties like honey-glazed eggs, regional snacks, and guided tourism information. With its sustainably built structure using native Kishu cedar and easy access from Shirahama Interchange or the nearby railway station, Tsubaki Hana no Yu offers a perfect pause for travelers seeking renewal, connection, and authentic Japanese hospitality.
Why Visit
Tsubaki Hana no Yu stands out as the only roadside station in the region where you can experience a public bath fed by a naturally alkaline, pH 9.9 sulfur spring—known locally for its skin-softening properties and historic role as a pilgrimage rest stop along the UNESCO-listed Kumano Kodo trail. Just steps from the bath, the on-site shop offers the only locally made "Tsubaki Onsen Egg" crafted from hens raised in the area, a rich, creamy delicacy prized for its deep flavor. This unique combination of a rare, high-pH hot spring and a signature regional product makes Tsubaki Hana no Yu an essential stop for travelers seeking authentic, place-specific experiences.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor authentic local flavors at Tsubaki Hana no Yu roadside station, where fresh, regional ingredients shine in every dish.
Home-style Meals
お家ごはん：まんま
Specialty
Traditional home-cooked Japanese meals
A cozy restaurant offering hearty, authentic Japanese home-style cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Perfect for travelers seeking a comforting meal after a day of exploring.
Café Magokoro
喫茶まごころ
Specialty
Homemade pastries and coffee
A charming café offering a relaxed atmosphere with freshly baked pastries and aromatic coffee. Ideal for a quiet break or afternoon tea.
Shopping Highlights
Discover unique souvenirs and regional crafts at Tsubaki Hana no Yu roadside station, perfect for memories of your visit.
Souvenir Corner
【お土産コーナー】
A dedicated shop offering a variety of local specialty products, including processed goods, onsen eggs, and confectionery.
Products
Must-Try Item
Onsen Egg
Featured Products
Explore signature local specialties like honey-glazed treats and richly flavored温泉卵, crafted with care from the area’s natural bounty.
Onsen Egg
温泉卵
A soft-boiled egg cooked slowly in the natural hot spring water, known for its smooth texture and rich flavor.
Local Processed Food Set
地元加工品セット
A curated selection of locally produced processed foods, showcasing the region's culinary heritage and natural ingredients.
Matcha Tea Powder
抹茶パウダー
High-quality matcha green tea powder, sourced from local farms and ideal for traditional tea ceremonies or culinary use.
Facilities & Amenities
Relax and recharge at Tsubaki Hana no Yu roadside station, offering public baths, foot baths, and modern amenities for every traveler.
Parking Lot
The roadside station has a parking lot with 17 spaces, including 2 for large vehicles and 15 for regular vehicles.
Near the main entrance
EV Charging Station
One fast EV charging station is available for electric vehicles.
Near the parking area
Wi-Fi
Free wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the station.
Throughout the facility
Restrooms
There are 10 toilets in total: 5 for men (3 available 24 hours), 4 for women (3 available 24 hours), and 1 accessible toilet (24 hours available).
Scattered throughout the facility
Information Center
Provides road information, tourism information, and assistance for visitors.
Main building
Public Bathhouse - Tsubakihanaoyu
A public bathhouse featuring a hot spring with natural hot spring water, sourced directly from the ground. The spring is a simple sulfur hot spring with a pH of 9.9, making it highly alkaline, which helps soften the skin. Open from 12:00 to 21:00 (20:00 in November–February).
Inside the roadside station
Foot Bath
A free foot bath is available for visitors. Open from 10:00 to 17:00 (September–June) and 10:00 to 19:00 (July–August).
Near the entrance and garden area
O-Home Gohan: Mamma
A dining area offering local cuisine and home-style meals.
Inside the roadside station
Café Magokoro
A café serving light refreshments and drinks.
Inside the roadside station
Souvenir Shop
Sells local specialty products, hot spring eggs, and sweets.
Inside the roadside station
Accessible Facilities
One multi-purpose toilet and two accessible parking spaces are available.
Near the main entrance and restrooms
Insider Tips
Plan your visit around the foot bath hours and avoid Tuesdays for a smoother experience at Tsubaki Hana no Yu roadside station.
- Best Arrival Time: Arrive by 10:00 AM on weekdays to access the public bath “Tsubaki Hana no Yu” before the 12:00 PM opening, as the facility often fills up quickly after noon, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Hidden Gems: Visit the "O-kashi Corner" (souvenir shop) early in the day to find the limited-edition Tsubaki Hana no Yu branded salted plum candies, which sell out by mid-afternoon.
- Weekend Special: On Saturdays and Sundays, visit the "O-Ka-gohan: Manma" restaurant between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to try the daily special, a warm bowl of local mountain vegetable stew served with freshly baked rice from the on-site oven.
- Foot Bath Timing: Use the free foot bath from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the summer months (July–August), as it operates until 7:00 PM and provides a perfect cooling break after exploring the nearby Tsubaki Forest trail.
- EV Charging Tip: Plug in your vehicle at the fast-charging station between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on weekdays to avoid weekend congestion, as the single rapid charger is frequently in use during holiday periods.
- Wi-Fi Access: Connect to the free Wi-Fi at the roadside station’s entrance kiosk between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM to download the Tsubaki Hana no Yu mobile guide app, which includes real-time updates on bath hours and seasonal events.
- Local Event Reminder: Check the information board near the main entrance every Friday afternoon to see if the “Tsubaki Forest Walking Tour” with guided commentary is scheduled—these tours start at 3:30 PM and require pre-registration at the front desk.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March–May): Foot baths open in March, ideal for early spring visits with mild weather and blooming flora along the nearby forest trail.
Summer (June–August): Foot baths operate until 19:00, perfect for summer evenings after exploring nearby white sand beaches.
Autumn (September–November): Foot baths remain open through autumn, offering scenic views of the surrounding hills and seasonal foliage.
Winter (December–February): Public bath hours extend to 20:00, ideal for relaxing in hot spring waters during cold months.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a public bath and foot bath, ideal for families. While no dedicated play areas are listed, the foot bath offers a safe, accessible space for children. Stroller access is possible, and the facility includes accessible toilets. The presence of a local food shop with kid-friendly options enhances the experience.
Food Lover Review
The station offers diverse dining with two food options: a casual eatery serving local-style meals and a cozy café. It features authentic regional products like processed goods,温泉 eggs, and local sweets. The availability of fresh, locally sourced items and artisanal snacks adds to the culinary appeal.
Car Camping Review
The station provides 17 parking spots, including two for large vehicles, and has 24-hour restrooms and a public phone. While it lacks dedicated camping facilities, the quiet location and availability of Wi-Fi and charging stations support short overnight stays. Overnight parking is permitted but not explicitly advertised.
Scenic Beauty Review
Surrounded by natural landscapes, including the nearby Shirahama Beach and the Tsubaki Forest, the roadside station offers scenic views. The area features photo-worthy spots like the foot bath and forest trail. Seasonal beauty is enhanced by the coastal and mountainous scenery, contributing to a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.