A trip to an onsen, or hot springs resort, is a must when you visit Japan. There’s no better way to soothe your body and calm your mind than bathing in their blissfully warm, mineral-rich waters. What’s more, because they tend to be located in more rural regions, it’s a chance to explore charming areas of natural beauty that are off the normal tourist routes. Not to mention, the hospitality is second to none!
Here are nine spectacularly serene and scenic onsen in Kyoto where you can enjoy this quintessential Japanese experience.
This traditional Japanese ryokan is the very epitome of luxury. It boasts award-winning interior design and delicious fresh seafood, plus plenty of cosy spots to relax and unwind. In addition to the onsen in the rooms, there are six open-air baths you can reserve for your private use. These have magical views out over the ocean and forested mountainside of the stunning San’in Kaigan Geopark, with each season bringing something unique to admire.
Taiza Onsen Sumihei
Sumihei is a private inn with 19 rooms, overlooking the stunning ocean views of the San’in Kaigan Geopark here in Taiza, which is famous for its rare taiza crab.
Sumihei has received many awards for …
Popular with locals, this onsen provides plenty of space for you to relax in. The male and female baths each accommodate up to 100 people, and are overflowing with fresh, crystal-clear water. Both indoor and outdoor onsen are available, as well as a medicinal herb bath for extra health benefits. Combine your visit with fruit-picking activities or a full course meal of the chef’s signature crab cuisine to really make the most of the experience.
Kumihama Onsen Yumotokan
Located in the north of the Kinki region, Kumihama Onsen Yumotokan prides itself on its spaciousness, with separate indoor male and female baths that can each accommodate up to 100 customers. Both mal …
Picturesque and peaceful, this onsen has specifically designed its rooms to offer unbeatable views of the gorgeous Amanohashidate sandbar. It offers both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, plus rejuvenating saunas and delicious ishigama (stone oven) cuisine that showcases local produce. As well as being just five minutes’ walk from Amanohashidate Station, Monjusou is close to several famous temples and shrines. Ideal for unwinding after a day of sightseeing!
Monjusou
Get up close and personal with Amanohashidate at Monjusou, where all the guest rooms are designed for the best view possible overlooking the Amanohashidate sandbar with its pine trees. The story of th …
This oceanfront onsen was built in the shape of a ship to truly embrace its coastal location. Its idyllic open-air baths look out over the Sea of Japan, so you can daydream about far-flung adventures as your cares melt away. The resort’s restaurant serves kaiseki meals in semi-private spaces, with each dish featuring carefully chosen seasonal ingredients. Another fabulous advantage of this ryokan is that the accommodation cost is inclusive of drinks at dinner, in your room, and in the café.
Kasyouen Hanare Kai
Facing the Japan sea, the Kasyouen Hanare Kai is a ryokan inn shaped like a ship. Using over 4297.5 square meters for 15 guest rooms, this luxurious space also has open air baths that look out to the …
Surrounded by the verdant forests of Kanbayashi, Ayabe Onsen is ideal for nature lovers. What’s more, it’s home to a natural hot spring that’s particularly rich in restorative minerals. Refresh yourself in a beautifully scented open-air cypress bath, or take a dip in a special medicated onsen for even greater health benefits. There’s also a sauna, plus a golf course and tennis court if you’d like to work up a sweat first!
Ayabe Onsen
Ayabe Onsen Nio-no-yu, surrounded by the nature of Kanbayashi in Ayabe, is a natural hot spring that boasts a rich and incredibly effective set of hot spring ingredients that is one of the finest in k …
If you want to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural Kyoto, Kigusuriya is a fantastic choice. Family-run and friendly, the ryokan takes pride in offering its guests an authentic Japanese experience. Once a Meiji-era pharmacy, it sits on an old trade route and continues to offer travellers a healing place to stay. With spacious rooms, meticulously prepared local food, and soothing onsen baths, you might just find it hard to leave!
Ryokan Kigusuriya
The Kigusuriya Annex is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, spacious private rooms, and delicious local cuisine. Three generations run this inn together and take pride in offering a genuine Japanese experience to their customers. The name Kigusuriya means natural remedy in Japanese as it was once a Meiji period Japanese pharmacy. It was established as an inn during the eighth year of the Taisho era (1919), when there were many travelers passing through Miyama from the Japan sea down to Kyoto. When you stay here you can feel the long history of the inn and experience the warm hospitality that has been passed down through the generations.
This elegant ryokan is located in Kameoka’s Yunohana Onsen. With its striking open-air lobby, refined cuisine, and thoughtful hospitality, a trip here will whisk you away to another world. The natural hot springs feed into revitalising indoor and outdoor baths, with shared and private facilities available. The hotel has both Japanese and Western-style guest rooms, including some with their own onsen attached. Does it get more blissful than that?
Syoenso Hozugawatei
Syoenso Hozugawatei is a Japanese-style ryokan inn in Kameoka’s Yunohana Onsen, often referred to as “Kyo no Okuzashiki,” meaning a getaway location close to the city of Kyoto. Upon entering the ryoka …
One of the great things about getting out of Kyoto City is having the chance to experience a slower pace of life. And that’s exactly what Keburikawa offers. Legend has it that samurai used to come here to heal their wounds in the hot springs, and today you can benefit from a dip in those same rejuvenating waters yourself. The scenic woodland garden also features a footbath to replenish you after exploring the grounds!
Keburikawa
Keburikawa is located deep within the Yunohana Onsen region, which is often referred to as “Kyo no Okuzashiki,” meaning a getaway location close to the city of Kyoto. Legend has it that long ago in th …
This opulent hotel in Kyotanabe City offers an impressive range of spa facilities for guests to enjoy. These include a variety of hot spring baths, a fitness centre, a comfortable recliner room, plus one of the largest stone saunas in the region. All that, and it’s only a five-minute walk from Matsuiyamate Station – making it the perfect way to relax your body and mind during your travels.
SPA & HOTEL Suishun Matsuiyamate
Suishun, a spa where you can stay overnight, has opened in Kyotanabe City! After you’ve enjoyed the hot springs and the facilities, you can relax in our guest rooms, prepared with choice bedding. This …
