The 9 Best Onsen In Kyoto: Everything You Want To Know

Discovering Kyoto's Best Onsen: A Comprehensive Guide

Kyoto, while not renowned for its natural hot springs, offers several exceptional onsen experiences that blend traditional Japanese hospitality with modern luxury. Here, we delve into the best onsen in and around Kyoto, highlighting their unique features and what makes them stand out.

1. Taiza Onsen Sumihei

Located in the picturesque San’in Kaigan Geopark, Taiza Onsen Sumihei is a luxurious ryokan that epitomizes relaxation. This private inn boasts 19 rooms, each offering stunning ocean views. The onsen experience here is unparalleled, with six open-air baths available for private reservation, providing magical views of the ocean and forested mountainside. The ryokan is famous for its award-winning interior design and fresh seafood, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking luxury and tranquility.

2. Kumihama Onsen Yumotokan

In the north of the Kinki region, Kumihama Onsen Yumotokan is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. This onsen features spacious indoor and outdoor baths, each capable of accommodating up to 100 people. The highlight includes a medicinal herb bath, which adds an extra layer of health benefits to the soaking experience. Visitors can also enjoy fruit-picking activities or savor the chef’s signature crab cuisine, making it a well-rounded onsen experience.

3. Monjusou

Monjusou is a picturesque onsen located near Amanohashidate, famous for its sandbar. The guest rooms are designed to offer the best views possible of this natural wonder. The onsen features both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, along with rejuvenating saunas and delicious ishigama (stone oven) cuisine. Its proximity to Amanohashidate Station and several famous temples and shrines makes it an ideal spot for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

4. Kasyouen Hanare Kai

This oceanfront onsen is uniquely shaped like a ship, embracing its coastal location. Kasyouen Hanare Kai offers idyllic open-air baths overlooking the Sea of Japan, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation. The resort’s restaurant serves kaiseki meals in semi-private spaces, featuring seasonal ingredients. The accommodation cost includes drinks at dinner, in the room, and in the café, adding to the overall luxury experience.

5. Kurama Onsen

Located in the quaint mountain village of Kurama, just 30 minutes from central Kyoto, Kurama Onsen is a scenic outdoor bath surrounded by forest. The mineral-rich waters are said to help with conditions like diabetes and muscle pain. Accessible via a short hike or free shuttle bus, this onsen is a great way to relax after hiking up to Kurama-dera Mountain Temple.

6. Tenzan-no-yu Onsen

Near Arashiyama, Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is an expansive bath and spa complex. It features both indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, and a restaurant. The waters come from over 1 km underground, and the complex includes a quirky fish bath where tiny fish nibble your feet. This onsen is well worth the visit for its comprehensive facilities and excellent dining options.

7. Funaoka Onsen

While not a true onsen, Funaoka Onsen is a historic bathhouse dating back to 1923. Its distinctive wooden building and ornate tile work make it a local favorite. The bathhouse features a variety of baths, including a small outdoor garden tub, providing a unique and relaxing experience.

8. Togetsutei Ryokan

Located in Arashiyama, Togetsutei Ryokan offers open-air baths facing the forest, creating a serene and natural ambiance. This old-established ryokan prides itself on its cuisine and traditional Japanese-style rooms, ensuring a purely authentic experience. All 25 guest rooms are designed to provide the best possible views and comfort.

9. Kyoto Yunohana Resort Suisen

Easily accessible from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Yunohana Resort Suisen is a hidden gem surrounded by untouched nature. The resort features gender-segregated large public baths, including open-air baths, and offers a variety of hot spring experiences. Its serene riverside setting and luxurious amenities make it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Onsen Day Trips from Kyoto

For those looking to explore beyond Kyoto, several onsen towns offer unique experiences:

• Kinosaki Onsen: About 2.5 hours north of Kyoto, this picturesque onsen town features seven public bathhouses. Guests staying at a ryokan get free access to these bathhouses, making it a perfect overnight trip.
• Arima Onsen: Located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Kyoto, Arima Onsen is one of Japan's oldest hot spring towns. It offers two unique spring types: clear "silver" and reddish-brown "gold" waters.
• Shirahama Onsen: On the Pacific coast, about 3 hours south of Kyoto, Shirahama Onsen is known for its beautiful white sand beach and seafront ryokan with stunning ocean views.

Seasonal Onsen Experiences

Japanese onsens take on a special character with the changing seasons:

• Spring: Baths framed by billowing cherry blossoms create breathtaking scenes.
• Summer: Lively festivals and fireworks reflected in the steaming pools add to the festive atmosphere.
• Autumn: The surrounding maples turn vivid crimson and gold, enhancing the natural beauty.
• Winter: Snowflakes dance down on open-air tubs, creating an enchanting scene.

Tips for Visiting Onsen

• Privacy: Many ryokans offer private baths or "family baths" that can be reserved for private use, ensuring privacy and comfort.
• Cuisine: Onsen ryokans often feature multi-course kaiseki dining, showcasing local and seasonal ingredients.
• Accessibility: Some onsen are easily accessible by train or shuttle bus, making them convenient day trips or overnight stays.

By exploring these onsen, visitors can experience the best of Kyoto's hot spring culture, blending relaxation, natural beauty, and traditional Japanese hospitality.