Photo/Illutration Bathers enjoy the “sennin-buro” outdoor hot spring bath in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, on the season’s opening day on Dec. 1. (Shinichi Katsube)

TANABE, Wakayama Prefecture--A seasonal open-air hot spring bath alongside a river opened recently, giving visitors the opportunity to relax in what looks like a swimming pool at the Kawayu Onsen spa resort here.

A winter tradition in this western city, the “sennin-buro,” or mountain hermit bath after a local legend, stands beside the Otogawa river, with hot water from deep underground drawn into it.

Measuring roughly 24 meters by 12 meters, the “swimming pool” looks large enough for 1,000 people, a play on the Japanese word “sennin” for that number of people.

The Kumano Hongu Tourist Association and other entities have run it since 1985.

An opening ceremony was held Dec. 1, during which a ritual was held to pray for the safety and prosperity of all who cleanse themselves in the tub.

After Shinichi Shiba, head of the event’s executive committee, declared the opening, tourists and other bathers enjoyed the hot spring bath on the first day of the season.

“It’s set at 42 degrees, but the temperature is different depending on where you are in it,” Shiba said. “I hope visitors may find the best spot for them.”

The open-air bath is available for free from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. until Feb. 29. Bathers must wear swimming suits or traditional “yuamigi” bathing attire.

Lanterns are lit between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Saturdays, except when it rains.

For more information, visit (https://www.hongu.jp/en/onsen/kawayu/).

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