Muro-no-yu

Muro-no-yu is a communal bathhouse in the Nanki Shirahama region of Wakayama Prefecture. It is part of the Shirahama Onsen resort, which is one of Japan’s "Three Ancient Springs".
Muro-no-yu stands in the Yuzaki Onsen area, where traditional ryokan inns and hotels line the streets. Across the street is Shirara-hama beach, a popular destination for beachgoers. Muro-no-yu is housed in a stone building, whose powerful demeanor gives a sense of history. The bathhouse is reminiscent of an old "sento" public bathhouse, with a reception counter to welcome bathers.
The most distinctive feature of Murono-yu is that it gives bathers a feel of two different hot springs. The two springs are called "Mabuyu-gensen" and "Miyuki-gensen", and are both drawn directly to Muro-no-yu's bath from the hot spring source. The spring water of Mabuyu bath has a soft sulphur content and a foggy look, and a slight green hue. The Miyuki bath is a clear saline spring with a smooth texture.
The nearby seafood market, Fisherman's Wharf Shirahama, also sells souvenirs. It is worth a visit after your bath at Muro-no-yu!
(Photo courtesy: Nanki Shirahama Tourism Bureau)