Located in the mountainous interior of Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture, along the Kumasegawa River, Tsurunoyu Onsen has been cherished as a therapeutic bathing spot by local people since the Edo period. According to the founding legend, a wounded crane found healing in these spring waters, giving the onsen its name Tsurunoyu (Crane's Hot Water). Currently operated as a municipal facility by Minabe Town. The water is a carbon dioxide-sodium-bicarbonate spring with pH 6.7 and a source temperature of 25.5 degrees Celsius. Remarkably, 99.68% of anions are bicarbonate ions (4,744mg), with 1,124mg of free carbon dioxide, making its carbonated spring characteristics outstanding. The yellowish-brown (olive-colored) turbid water is rare in Wakayama Prefecture, and bathers can enjoy the fizzy, bubbling sensation of dissolved carbon dioxide on their skin. The water has a silky smooth texture with excellent skin-beautifying properties. Due to the low source temperature, the water is heated and provided as free-flowing. Minabe Town is nationally famous as the birthplace of Nanko-ume, Japan's most prestigious plum variety and the nation's largest plum-producing area, as well as for Kishu Binchotan premium charcoal production. During the February plum blossom season, the facility operates without holidays, making it a hidden gem to combine with plum grove walks. The outdoor and indoor baths offer a serene environment surrounded by green mountains and the sound of the river.