Kawayu Onsen 川湯温泉

The clue to this area's mystique lies in its name, Kawayu Onsen, or hot water river. Thermal water bubbles up from the river bed, allowing for hot-water bathing in a natural setting. Squeezed in between lush green mountain slopes and a huddle of hostels and inns, river relaxation is the order of the day.

A 10-minute bus ride from Hongu-taisha-mae will bring you to the area—the perfect spot for relaxing after visiting the grand shrine and Oyunohara .

Visiting in the cold winter months of December to February offers nature lovers a chance to soak in the Senninburo River Bath, an exclusive bathing area set up for the season that is big enough for a thousand bathers. Swimsuits required.

If you are looking for a relaxing dip outside of those months, some accommodations rent shovels to dig your own bathing spot. There are also some pre-dug baths for those who want to get right in.