Arguably the best onsen in all of Japan. Known as one of the three "Beautiful Woman Baths," Ryuujin Onsen was where the Wakayama feudal lord came to bathe when he needed to relax. The two main ryokan, Kamigoten and Shimogoten, are still run by the same families who served that lord centuries ago. Though neither structure is entirely original, they are both beautiful places to stay and offer excellent baths -- both uchiburo and rotenburo, the latter of which overlook a rushing stream.
Getting here requires a rental car or navigation of some local buses, but it's well worth getting off the beaten path. This simple, remote spot is a perfect place to escape from it all and let your worries soothe themselves away in the warmth of "Bijin no Yu." Indeed, the particular combination of minerals here does make the skin smooth and soft, and those with long hair will notice it even seems to act like a conditioner.
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