kyotohotspring

Top 3 Best Kyoto Hot Springs & Public Baths for a Perfect Day Trip

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:22:48 GMT

Enjoying an authentic Japanese bathing experience is one of the most memorable parts of traveling in Kyoto.
From mountain hot springs surrounded by nature to beautifully preserved historic public bathhouses in the city, Kyoto offers many wonderful hot spring and public bath that can be enjoyed as day trips

Here, I introduce the “Top 3 Hot Spring & Public Baths in Kyoto.”
Whether you want to relax after sightseeing, experience Japanese culture more deeply, or unwind in a quiet mountain setting, these spots offer the perfect way to discover the true charm of Kyoto.

1st Place: Kurama Onsen

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★★(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★★(5/5)

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

Kurama Onsen is a hot spring resort surrounded by magnificent nature, offering both day-use baths and overnight stays. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful soaking experience far away from the noise of the city. Although it takes about one hour by train from central Kyoto, the area around Kurama Onsen is home to popular attractions such as Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring.

The open-air bath is designed to blend harmoniously with the natural landscape, allowing you to soak while admiring the lush surroundings.

Inside the facility, there is also a restaurant where you can enjoy dishes made with Kyoto ingredients. Combining bathing and dining makes it an ideal place to relax and spend a leisurely day.

2nd Place: Funaoka Onsen

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★★(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★☆(4/5)

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

Funaoka Onsen is a public bath located in a quiet residential area of Kyoto, where you can strongly feel a sense of traditional Japan. The building is also culturally significant, and its wooden architecture and classical changing rooms allow visitors to experience the history of bathing unique to Funaoka Onsen.

You can enjoy a wide variety of baths, including an open-air bath and wooden bathtubs, and the facility is popular among international visitors to Japan.

Although its name includes the word “onsen,” it is not a natural hot spring but a traditional public bath (sento).

The admission fee is very affordable, offering excellent value for money. However, since the facility is compact and mainly consists of bathing areas and a small rest space, a stay of about one to two hours is ideal.

3rd Place: Fufu-no-Yu

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★☆(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★★(4/5)

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

Fufu-no-Yu is a hot spring facility located in the popular Arashiyama sightseeing area, making it very easy to stop by during your visit to the nearby tourist spots. Its water comes from the “Arashiyama Onsen” source, classified as a mildly alkaline simple hot spring. The water is gentle on the skin, smooth to the touch, and helps warm the body deeply.

Despite being close to major attractions, Fufu-no-Yu is surprisingly quiet, and visitors can enjoy spacious baths without the crowds typically found in Arashiyama. This makes it a perfect place to relax and recharge between sightseeing activities.

Compared to many other facilities, it is relatively new, so visitors are more likely to feel a strong sense of cleanliness.

An important point for international visitors: guests with tattoos are not allowed to enter, so please be aware before visiting.

Honest Review of Kurama Onsen & Funaoka Onsen Guided Tours in Kyoto

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:09:45 GMT

I am Atsuki Nakagawa, a guide offering onsen tours at Kurama Onsen and Funaoka Onsen. In this blog, I have compiled reviews from people who have joined my onsen guided tours. All of them are honest reviews, so both positive and negative points are included. If you are interested in an onsen guided tour, I hope you find this helpful.

➀Kurama Onsen Review

An excellent hot spring with transportation provided by our guide.
Only thing I can say is that I can not recommend this for those who are severely handicapped as there are steep steps to the outdoor baths. Otherwise, a very enjoyable experience.

Regarding review ➀,

As mentioned in participant reviews, this tour is not recommended for those who have difficulty walking. In addition, we do not accept participants with heart conditions. However, anyone who can walk without difficulty can safely enjoy this guided tour, so please feel at ease.

②Great way to relax

You start with a short ecplenation of dos and don'ts in an onsen. Then you take a relaxing bath with a guide. He was nice enough to drive me back to the hotel. He doesn't speek English well but manages to communicate with a translation device.

Regarding review ➁,

I am Japanese and have been living in Kyoto for a long time, so my English is not very good ��

However, I can understand to some extent if you speak slowly in English.

I have never had any serious trouble communicating in English, so please don’t worry.

③An amazing experience

Kurama Onsen, surrounded by nature, was incredibly relaxing. The guide taught us special bathing techniques to help us unwind and even prepared a matcha drink for us. They also explained the history of Japanese bathing culture, which was very interesting. On top of that, we were picked up and dropped off at our hotel by car, making the whole experience very comfortable!

④Alay your Fears! Awesome Onsen Experience

The Family and I wanted an onsen experience but really had no clue where to begin so we booked this guided tour with Atsuki. We were about 30 minutes early and walked the neighborhood, filled mostly with residential dwellings. We met our guide, Atsuki, about 15 minutes before our start time. We were walked to a local cafe that it turns out was a converted onsen (technically a sento, but I’m not qualified to list the nuances!) and given a brief, but very informative history on bathing culture and bathing etiquette. We were also given (humorous) warnings about locals policing said etiquette. We were each given a bathing kit with two towels, shampoo and bath gel to use. Atsuki walked us in to Funaoka Onsen and we separated, males around the blue curtain and females around the red one. The overall experience was relaxed and light and Atsuki was a great communicator even given his limited English. Top notch and I would recommend this experience to anyone who is even remotely interested in giving it a try.

➄Relaxing unique event

A relaxing evening at the onsen.
Our guide was Atsuki. In a small former onsen that is now a café, we were taught the rules of etiquette. Atsuki also provided us with lots of additional information about onsen. Afterwards, we went to the bathhouse together. We didn't have to prepare anything ourselves. Atsuki took care of everything, providing towels, money for the hair dryer, etc.
It was a very informative and relaxing experience. Everyone should visit an onsen at least once.
Arigatou gozaimasu

Kyoto Hot Spring Guide: Kurama & Funaoka Tours Popular with US & European Travelers

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:19:02 GMT

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Funaoka Onsen Review – An Honest Guide to Kyoto’s Historic Public Bath

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 13:12:38 GMT

While Funaoka Onsen receives many positive reviews online, there are also some negative comments.
As someone who has visited Funaoka Onsen dozens of times, I will summarize both the positive and negative feedback found in online reviews and provide a fair, unbiased, and accurate explanation of what to expect

Opening Hours / Closed Days

3:00 PM – 11:30 PM

Sunday : 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Tuesday : Closed

Positive Reviews

Many people appreciate that the hot spring offers a wide variety of baths.

There are few facilities that offer such a wide variety of baths.

Open-air baths, cypress wood baths, deep baths where you can stand while bathing, jet baths, bubble baths, medicinal baths, electric baths, saunas, cold baths, and waterfall baths.

With this many types of baths available, it’s no wonder the onsen receives high praise.

Many people appreciate that the admission fee is affordable.

Funaoka Onsen offers excellent value for money.

The admission fee of 550 yen per person is incredibly affordable. To enjoy the same quality at other facilities, you would likely need to pay around 1,100 yen.

The reason it is so inexpensive is that the hot springs is not operated for commercial purposes, but rather to support the daily hygiene and well-being of the local community.

An open-air bath is perfect for relaxing your tired body after sightseeing in Kyoto.

Visiting Funaoka onsen in the evening after a full day of sightseeing in Kyoto is the perfect way to unwind.

Especially from autumn to spring, the open-air bath feels particularly comfortable as the outdoor temperature is cooler.

Negative Reviews

It is a bit far from major areas like Gion.

There is no train station near Funaoka Hot Spring, so it’s best to use a bus or taxi. Even so, it’s still a bit far, so a good plan is to visit Funaoka Hot Spring on the way to or from Kinkaku-ji.

It’s about a 17-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji, or around 5 minutes by taxi.

The location can be difficult to find.

It’s true that the location can be hard to find, so be sure to use Google Maps or another navigation app.

Since it’s tucked away in the streets of Kyoto, it can be easy to miss.
Look for the stone wall at the entrance as a landmark.

I felt self-conscious about being watched.

Men and women bathe separately, but for many Japanese people, seeing someone with tattoos can still feel unusual.
Others may also be observing whether you follow proper bathing etiquette. To avoid inconveniencing other guests, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with hot springs manners beforehand.

It wasn’t a hot spring.

Although it is not officially a hot spring, Funaoka onsen uses natural groundwater, which makes it feel very close to one.
The definition of a hot spring can be vague, and in many cases, it’s difficult to tell whether a bath is technically a hot spring just by bathing in it.

If you want to truly experience a hot spring, facilities with free-flowing natural spring water (100% source-fed baths) are recommended.

Honest Kurama Onsen Review – The Good, the Bad, and What to Expect

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:49:06 GMT

While Kurama Onsen receives many positive reviews online, there are also some negative comments.
As someone who has visited Kurama Onsen dozens of times, I will summarize both the positive and negative feedback found in online reviews and provide a fair, unbiased, and accurate explanation of what to expect.

Positive Reviews

This is an experience I would recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

Surrounded by nature, Kurama Onsen offers a location and open-air baths that are sure to relax both the body and mind.
From a sightseeing perspective, the area also features scenic hiking trails and attractive nearby destinations such as Kifune Shrine and Kurama Temple.
Many international visitors to Japan also come to enjoy the hiking trails and Kurama Onsen, making it a highly satisfying and memorable experience.

I enjoyed a meal there, and the food was very good.

The head chef trained for many years at traditional Japanese restaurants and is deeply committed to the quality of the cuisine.If you visit Kurama Onsen, I highly recommend experiencing both the meals and the hot spring.
I personally tried the udon and fried chicken(Karaage), and both were delicious.

There is also a wide variety of udon available, ranging from affordable options to more premium dishes, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences.

I went hiking to Kurama Temple just before visiting Kurama Onsen, so my legs were quite sore. However, soaking in the hot spring helped me relax, and the pain gradually eased.

Hot springs are ideal for soothing a tired body after traveling.
One of the best routes is to hike from Kifune Shrine to Kurama Temple, then walk about five minutes from Kurama Temple to Kurama Onsen.

Although the admission fee is higher than at other hot springs, it is well worth the price.

If you want to experience a truly authentic hot spring in Kyoto, Kurama Onsen is the most highly recommended choice.

Guests with tattoos are allowed to bathe.

In a country where many bathing facilities do not allow guests with tattoos, Kurama Onsen is a rare and valuable place.

Negative reviews

Slightly lacking in cleanliness

Kurama Onsen has been operating for many decades, so some of its facilities are understandably outdated.
However, cleaning is well maintained, and I do not believe this is a major issue.

It can be quite bright in the late afternoon due to the setting sun.

I agree with that. However, since the open-air baths are covered, it is generally not something to worry about during the daytime.

Some guests did not follow proper Hot springs bathing etiquette.

If you notice someone not following proper bathing manners, it is best to inform the staff immediately.
Discussing the issue directly with other guests can sometimes lead to conflict, so leaving it to the staff is the safest approach.

Summary

Although some parts of the facilities are aging, this sense of history adds to the charm and becomes one of the factors that make the experience truly special.
In addition, hiking from Kibune Shrine to Kurama Temple is an ideal route for those who want to explore beyond Kyoto’s classic tourist spots or who simply love nature.

I highly recommend adding Kurama Onsen to your Kyoto travel itinerary.

About the appeal of a guided tour at Kurama Onsen

Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:10:58 GMT

Why is a guided tour at Kurama Onsen such a special experience?

About a guided tour at Kurama Onsen

Unlike the busy central areas of Kyoto that most travelers visit, Kurama is a शांत, nature-filled retreat surrounded by mountains and forests. The fresh forest air, scenic mountain views, and deep tranquility create a completely different atmosphere.

Here, you won’t find a typical tourist destination, but rather a place where you can experience the everyday healing power of hot springs that Japanese people have cherished for generations—truly a hidden gem.

Since you’re traveling all the way to Kyoto, Japan, why not make the most of your visit by joining a guided tour to fully experience the charm of Kurama Onsen?

Your guide has extensive knowledge of hot springs and over six years of experience in bathing instruction. As a hot spring specialist, they will carefully explain proper bathing methods and etiquette, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident.

By learning the correct way to bathe, you’ll be able to relax more deeply and enjoy a richer, more meaningful experience at Kurama Onsen.

This guided tour is also ideal for those who feel unsure about visiting a Japanese hot spring for the first time, as the guide will carefully explain bathing etiquette in a clear and supportive way.

Flow of the Experience

Participants will be picked up from their hotel in Kyoto city and transported by car, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey.

Upon arrival at Kurama Onsen, the experience begins with an orientation. While enjoying a cup of matcha, you will learn about proper bathing methods and the history of Japanese hot springs.

After that, you will move to the indoor bath, where you can also experience a cold bath and sauna.

Next, you will head to the outdoor bath. Before doing so, you will change into a traditional Japanese yukata, allowing you to feel as if you’ve stepped into a classic Japanese ryokan. The outdoor bath is spacious and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

Frequently Asked Questions & Concerns

Is it okay if I’ve never been to a hot spring before?

→ Yes, absolutely. Even first-time visitors can join with confidence.

What kind of people usually join this tour?

→ The majority of participants are international travelers from Europe, North America, and Australia.

Guest Reviews

I learned a lot and my bath experience was great, the guide gave me really good advice, answered all of my questions, and was very kind. I recommend at 100% ! ��

It was a memorable experience and a great way to connect to a local. I enjoyed the experience.

Learning about the history of onsens in Japan as well as the best practices for visitors was super helpful for my first visit especially since I was travelling alone. My guide gave me an overview of the history and let me know how well known Funaoka Onsen is. Such a great guide of the bath house experience in Kyoto.
Read more about - Tattoo-Friendly Funaoka Onsen & Japanese bathing Culture Tour

Discover Kurama Onsen | Kyoto Hot Spring & Wellness Experience

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:54:22 GMT

Kurama Onsen is a natural hot spring facility located in the Kurama–Kibune area of Kyoto, offering both day-use bathing and overnight stays. Surrounded by lush mountains and far from the noise of the city, it provides a शांत and relaxing onsen experience in a peaceful natural setting.

・Facility Information

Address 　520 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 601-1111, Japan

Business Hours

10:00–21:00

Restaurant Hours

Lunch: 12:00–15:00 (Last order 14:30)

Dinner: 17:00–20:30 (Last order 20:00)

Parking　 30 spaces (free)

Admission Fees

Adults: Weekdays ¥2,500 / Weekends & holidays ¥2,700

About Bath Variety & Quality

The hot spring water at Kurama Onsen is gentle on the skin, making it especially suitable for those who are not accustomed to onsen bathing. Its greatest attraction is the spacious open-air bath, which offers a wonderful sense of openness and allows you to relax deeply.

About Atmosphere & Authenticity

Its location, surrounded by magnificent nature, strongly conveys the essence of a traditional Japanese onsen experience—quietly soaking in hot spring water in the heart of nature.

About Comfort

There is a spacious rest area where you can lie down and relax, allowing you to spend extended periods comfortably. The food is also very delicious, and with a wide variety of menu options, it comes highly recommended.

About Accessibility for Tourists

Although it is located about one hour by train from central Kyoto, making access somewhat inconvenient, its nature-surrounded setting is precisely its greatest charm.

For international visitors interested in hot springs, Kurama Onsen is certainly one of the top choices to consider when visiting Kyoto.

About Scenic Value / Surroundings

Around Kurama Onsen, you will find Kurama-dera Temple, Kibune Shrine, and popular hiking trails. Many international visitors enjoy exploring these spots, and soothing your body in the hot spring afterward is truly an exceptional experience.

Funaoka Onsen Review | Kyoto’s Famous Historic Bathhouse

ogudmundsson@tripadvisor.com (Sindri Traustason) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:54:22 GMT

Funaoka Onsen is a tattoo-friendly facility and a sento that is easy for international visitors to use. Its charming interior reflects traditional Japanese bathing culture, offering a truly memorable experience.

・Facility Information

Address： 1-7 Murasakino Minamifunaoka-cho, Kita Ward, Kyoto 603-8225, Japan

Opening Hours:

3:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Sundays: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM)

Closed: Tuesdays

Admission Fee : 550 yen

About Bath Variety & Quality

Funaoka Onsen is one of the most famous sento in Kyoto and is well known throughout Japan. It features a wide variety of baths, allowing visitors to fully enjoy their bathing experience.

Although it is not a natural hot spring, the overall satisfaction level is very high. One possible reason is that Kyoto is blessed with abundant water resources, and Funaoka Onsen uses underground natural water, which may contribute to its pleasant and comfortable bathing experience.

About Atmosphere & Authenticity

You can enjoy Japanese sento culture through the artistic decorations in the changing rooms and the beautiful tile murals. The Funaoka Onsen facility itself is not very large, but it is a beloved local bathhouse that offers a satisfying atmosphere and a memorable experience for international visitors.

About Comfort

The rest area is a bit small. However, considering the very low admission fee of 550 yen per person, the cost performance is excellent. Many other onsen facilities charge more than double this amount—often over 1,000 yen.

About Accessibility for Tourists

The nearest train station is a bit far, and the bus stop requires a short walk, so access is not particularly convenient. Still, Funaoka Onsen attracts many international visitors, largely because tattoos are allowed, which is a rare feature in most Japanese hot springs and sento. In many other baths, tattoos are not permitted, which can be very inconvenient.

Scenic Value / Surroundings

Since the famous tourist attraction Kinkaku-ji is nearby, it is recommended to visit Funaoka Onsen at the end of a day of sightseeing.

Discover Tenzan no Yu | Kyoto’s Relaxing Hot Spring Spa

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 12:54:21 GMT

Tenzan no Yu is an authentic hot spring facility that is easily accessible from central Kyoto. Visitors can relax comfortably in its spacious open-air baths. The facility also features a sauna and a wide variety of baths, as well as a dining area, making it a great place to spend a long and leisurely time.

About Bath Variety & Quality

It is known for having some of the highest-quality hot spring water in Kyoto, and one of its greatest attractions is the “free-flowing” natural spring baths.

“Free-flowing” means that the hot spring water is used exactly as it emerges from underground, without being recirculated. At many other facilities, the spring output is not sufficient, so the water is often mixed with groundwater or circulated for reuse.

About Atmosphere & Authenticity

The facility features interiors that incorporate natural materials such as wood and stone, creating a calm and traditional Japanese-style atmosphere.

About Comfort

The facility is spacious overall and well-equipped with amenities such as relaxation areas, a dining space, massage services, and reclining seats. The interior is very clean, and the layout is easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. Bath towels and face towels are available for rent, and the lockers are large and convenient to use.

About Accessibility for Tourists

From Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most famous tourist areas, you can take the Randen Arashiyama Line to Arisugawa Station (about 5 minutes), and then walk for another 3 minutes. The total travel time is roughly 10 minutes, making it easy to stop by between sightseeing spots.

Scenic Value / Surroundings

It is located near the Arashiyama area and is an ideal base for sightseeing. Popular attractions such as Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove, and Togetsukyo Bridge are all close by. After enjoying the hot springs, taking a walk through the quiet residential neighborhood around the facility is also pleasant. Unlike the busy center of Arashiyama, this area is a bit more peaceful.

kyotohotspring

Top 3 Best Kyoto Hot Springs & Public Baths for a Perfect Day Trip

1st Place: Kurama Onsen

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★★(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★★(5/5)

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

2nd Place: Funaoka Onsen

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★★(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★☆(4/5)

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

3rd Place: Fufu-no-Yu

Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★(5/5)

Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★★☆(5/5)

Comfort ★★★★★(4/5)

﻿

Accessibility for Tourists ★★★★☆(4/5)

Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★★(5/5)

Honest Review of Kurama Onsen & Funaoka Onsen Guided Tours in Kyoto

➀Kurama Onsen Review

Regarding review ➀,

②Great way to relax

Regarding review ➁,

③An amazing experience

④Alay your Fears! Awesome Onsen Experience

➄Relaxing unique event

Kyoto Hot Spring Guide: Kurama & Funaoka Tours Popular with US & European Travelers

Funaoka Onsen Review – An Honest Guide to Kyoto’s Historic Public Bath

Opening Hours / Closed Days

Positive Reviews

Many people appreciate that the hot spring offers a wide variety of baths.

Many people appreciate that the admission fee is affordable.

An open-air bath is perfect for relaxing your tired body after sightseeing in Kyoto.

Negative Reviews

It is a bit far from major areas like Gion.

The location can be difficult to find.

I felt self-conscious about being watched.

It wasn’t a hot spring.

Honest Kurama Onsen Review – The Good, the Bad, and What to Expect

About the appeal of a guided tour at Kurama Onsen

Why is a guided tour at Kurama Onsen such a special experience?

Discover Kurama Onsen | Kyoto Hot Spring & Wellness Experience

Funaoka Onsen Review | Kyoto’s Famous Historic Bathhouse

Discover Tenzan no Yu | Kyoto’s Relaxing Hot Spring Spa