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

TANABE, Wakayama Prefecture--How about an outdoor hot spring bath ... with lots and lots of other people?

It’s an annual winter tradition here at the Kawayu Onsen spa resort and open to all until Feb. 28.

The bathing area alongside the Otogawa river measures roughly 24 meters by 12 meters, with hot water coming from deep underground.

The Kumano Hongu Tourist Association, working with other entities, has operated the bathing area since 1985.

It is called “sennin-buro,” or mountain hermit bath, after a local legend. The bathing area is also seemingly large enough for 1,000 people, a play on the Japanese word sennin for that number of people.

A ritual was held during the Dec. 1 opening ceremony to pray for the safety and prosperity of all who cleanse themselves in the outdoor area.

After it was declared open by Shinichi Shiba, head of the event’s executive committee, tourists and other bathers immersed themselves in the healing water to mark the first day of the season.

“It’s the 40th opening. I hope people enjoy the bath in a relaxed and leisurely manner,” Shiba said.

The outdoor bathing area is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bathers must wear swimming suits or other 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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