10 Best Scenic Onsen Hotels in Kyoto That You Will Want

Kyoto, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences, including the quintessential Japanese tradition of onsen (hot springs). For those seeking to unwind and immerse themselves in this cultural practice, here are the 10 best scenic onsen hotels in Kyoto that you will want to visit.

1. The Westin Miyako Kyoto

Located just a 2-minute walk from Keage subway station on the Tōzai line, The Westin Miyako Kyoto is a standout for its extensive spa facilities and traditional Japanese garden. This hotel boasts one of the largest onsen spa facilities in Kyoto, featuring natural hot spring waters excavated from the hotel grounds. Guests can enjoy a complimentary shuttle service to Kyoto Station, operating every 30 minutes. The hotel offers 266 guest rooms, with standard rooms starting at 38㎡, equipped with Heavenly Bed® for ultimate comfort. All Japanese-style rooms come with private natural hot springs, and the hotel also features a fitness center, swimming pool, three restaurants, a tea room, and a bar.

2. Fufu Kyoto

For an immersive experience in traditional Kyoto, Fufu Kyoto is an ideal choice. This hotel is situated next to Kyoto City Zoo and is about a 10-minute stroll to Keage subway station. With 40 Japanese-style guest rooms, each room is thoughtfully designed with private onsen baths made of cypress wood, featuring gentle alkaline spring water for a soothing bathing experience. The hotel does not have any public bath facility, ensuring complete privacy for guests. Each room is adorned with traditional iron teapots, handcrafted flower vases, and seasonal flowers and plants, enhancing the cultural atmosphere of Kyoto.

3. Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Natural Hot Spring

Located in central Kyoto, Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo Natural Hot Spring offers a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and Western conveniences. This hotel features a variety of onsen options, including indoor and outdoor baths, a stone bath, waterfall shower bath, dry sauna, and a Hinoki wood bath meditation area for men. The baths use simple alkaline spring water, known for its health benefits. The hotel is part of Japan’s Dormy Inn hotels, a brand highly rated by both Japanese and international tourists.

4. Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho

Just a few stops away from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Umekoji Kadensho is another centrally located hotel that immerses guests in traditional Japanese aesthetics. The hotel offers an abundance of onsen options, making it perfect for those who want to experience the essence of Kyoto. The design of the hotel ensures that guests are surrounded by traditional elements at every moment.

5. Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo

Conveniently located just 8 minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo offers luxurious, modern accommodation in the heart of Kyoto. The hotel features a traditional-style garden that can be enjoyed from various areas, including the hotel lobby, restaurant, and the large public onsen. The public onsen baths offer stunning garden views, with a bamboo fence ensuring guest privacy.

6. Togetsutei Hotel

Located near Arashiyama station, Togetsutei Hotel offers rooms with private onsen and private bathhouses. With 25 guest rooms, this hotel provides a serene and refined atmosphere, perfect for relaxation. The hotel features open-air baths, indoor baths, and Jacuzzi baths, all designed to enhance the guest experience.

7. Bettei Kamogawa

Bettei Kamogawa takes on a modern and elegant appearance, with an rooftop terrace overlooking the historic city of Kyoto. Each of the three types of guest rooms features a private bathroom and Western-style beds, combined with sophisticated Japanese motifs. While there are no private onsen in the rooms, the hotel offers two open-air baths, an indoor bath, and Jacuzzi baths, all with a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can also enjoy a rooftop foot bath and a special “Koto no Tamatebako” Bento Box for breakfast.

8. HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa

This stylish and spacious hotel is known for its luxurious amenities and traditional Japanese decor. The hotel features private onsen baths in some rooms, along with Western-style beds and sophisticated Japanese motifs. Guests can enjoy the hotel's extensive spa facilities, including a sauna and private baths, as well as a rooftop lounge with a bar and foot bath.

9. Gion Nanba

Located in the heart of Kyoto's Gion district, Gion Nanba offers a traditional ryokan experience with modern comforts. The hotel features private onsen baths in some rooms, along with traditional Japanese decor and amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel's public onsen baths, which offer a serene and relaxing atmosphere.

10. Yuzuya Ryokan

Yuzuya Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a unique onsen experience. Located in a quiet area of Kyoto, the ryokan features private onsen baths in some rooms, along with traditional decor and amenities. Guests can enjoy the hotel's public onsen baths, which are known for their natural hot spring waters and serene atmosphere.

Additional Tips for Onsen Enthusiasts

• Privacy Considerations: For those concerned about privacy, many ryokan and onsen hotels offer rooms with private baths or the option to rent out a bath for a certain period, known as "kashikiri".
• Tattoo Policies: Public onsen generally do not allow tattoos, but private baths may be more accommodating. It's always best to inquire about tattoo policies before booking.
• Day Trips: For a more extensive onsen experience, consider day trips to nearby onsen towns like Kurama or Kinosaki, which offer multiple public onsen options.

Onsen Etiquette

• Nudity: Public onsen typically require full nudity, though some may allow bathing suits.
• Cleanliness: It is customary to wash thoroughly before entering the onsen bath.
• Respect: Always respect other guests and follow the rules of the onsen facility.