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Beppu, the “capital of onsen,” may be the destination where you can find a huge number of onsen in Japan – there are just hot springs in every corner – but the majestic city of Kyoto, known for temples and imperial palaces, sets the perfect backdrop for your onsen experience.
Kyoto is an excellent place to dip in onsen as the city blends its cultural richness with natural beauty and traditional and unique hot springs. On this list, you will see the top onsen in Kyoto, which are in serene locations, such as mountains, forests, and rivers. Let’s take a closer glimpse.
1. Tenzan no Yu
Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto, famous for the iconic Bamboo Grove, is a sight to behold, but you wouldn’t be able to enjoy your next stops if your limbs are tired. Why don’t you stop by a nearby onsen, such as Tenzan no Yu?
Tenzan no Yu has both indoor and outdoor tubs for soaking in uber-relaxing thermal water. You may also avail yourself of massage treatments and sumptuous meals.
Hours: 10 AM-12 AM (closed on Thursdays and Fridays)
Contact: +81 75-882-4126
Address: 7, 55-4 Saganomiyanomotocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto 616-8315, Japan
2. Funaoka Onsen
Opened even before the Japanese took part in the World War in 1923, Funaoka Onsen, therefore, is the oldest onsen in Kyoto. This traditional Japanese onsen and bathhouse is renowned for its rock-lined rotenburo or outdoor bath. Be sure to check out the “electric bath” that literally provides a light electric current that’s beneficial for relaxation and heart health. However, those wearing tattoos are not allowed here mostly because odd as it may sound, tattoos are associated with Japan’s organized syndicates, even if you are not.
Hours: 3 PM-11:30 PM, 8 AM-11:30 PM on Sundays
Contact: +81 75-441-3735
Address: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8225, Japan
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3. Fu Fu no Yu
This onsen is also located near the ethereal bamboo forest and the Tenryuji Temple. Aside from the rotenburo, they also offer uchiburo or inside bath, silky buro, and utase yu or the feeling of a waterfall stream cascading on your back. The treatments here can relieve muscle pains, neuralgia, and skin illnesses.
Hours: 12-10 PM
Contact: +81 75-863-1126
Address: 1 Arashiyama Kamikawaracho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 616-0001, Japan
4. Kurama Onsen
Kurama Onsen is unique because, unlike Kyoto’s onsen, which is located within the city, it is nestled within north Kyoto’s mountains. This onsen retreat will have you enjoying the soothing hot springs amidst the stunning scenic beauty of the surroundings. The baths here are filled with sulfur-rich hot spring water. Reaching this rejuvenating spot requires you to take a train.
Hours: 10 AM-9 PM
Contact: +81 75-741-2131
Address: 520 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 601-1111, Japan
ALSO READ: MUST-VISIT TEMPLES IN KYOTO
5. Hana no Yu
Unlike other onsen that have adopted modern designs, this onsen in Kyoto is still oozing with tradition. A spa complex with rock-framed outdoor hot spring pools, whirlpool baths, and saunas, Hana no Yu, being anchored on tradition, requires guests to respect the local culture and customers before you can enjoy the bath.
Hours: 10-1 AM
Contact: +81 75-813-2611
Address: 15-3 Mibumatsubaracho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto 604-8823, Japan
6. Sumiya Kiho-an
This onsen is unique on its own because it is part of a traditional Japanese inn known as the Sumiya Kiho-an Ryokan, but also located within the Kyoto mountains. Being part of an inn, the experience here is a luxury. The baths are filled with natural hot spring water directly sourced from the ground, boosting the water’s healing properties, helpful for relieving stress and fatigue.
Hours: 11:30 AM-10 PM
Contact: +81 771-22-7722
Address: Miyanooku-25 Hiedanocho Kakihana, Kameoka, Kyoto 621-0036, Japan
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7. Nizaemon no Yu
This is indeed a contender in the category of the best onsen in Kyoto. Not “Doraemon,” but “Nizaemon no Yu,” with the “no Yu” meaning “of hot water,” as you see common on this list. This onsen’s waters are scentless and feature clear carbonate chloride hydrogen water, making your skin silky smooth after taking a bath.
Hours: 8-1 AM on Saturday and Sunday, 10-1 AM from Monday to Friday
Contact: +81 75-393-4500
Address: 5 Katagiharabonyama, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto 615-8165, Japan
8. Ohara Sanso
Since Ohara Sanso is also accessible when you trek in Kyoto’s mountains, the onsen experience here is natural. It’s not the most beautifully designed and modern onsen since it’s outdoors, but the water here has high mineral content, providing maximum health benefits. After the treatment, you can even enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Hours: 3-10 PM
Contact: +81 75-744-2227
Address: 17 Oharakusaocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 601-1248, Japan
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Kyoto is popular for its historic traditional inns or ryokan that integrate onsen spaces, such as at the Sumiya Kiho-an Onsen. Thus, the cultural and historical associations of these relaxing treatments cannot be overlooked.
Furthermore, the season also plays a huge role, such as cherry blossoms blooming around in spring and, of course, in winter, nothing beats a hot bath under the cold weather. So, what are you waiting for? Relax and rejuvenate in the best onsen in Kyoto.
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