Onsen (Hot Springs) in Kyoto 2024-2025

One of the best ways to relax after a busy day of sightseeing

Best time: December–February (all year round)

Onsen is the name for the famed Japanese natural hot spring baths. Some of the best ones in Kyoto and its surroundings are Kurama Onsen, Tenzan-no-yu Onsen, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, and Arima Onsen.

Kurama Onsen is located in a tiny mountain village named Kurama, where you can find both indoor and outdoor baths. Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a natural hot spring with a huge bath and spa complex where saunas are also available.

Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, and Arima Onsen are located much further from Kyoto, but they are also worth the trip for an enjoyable visit. Kinosaki has approximately seven public hot baths, and during wintertime, all ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) serve seasonal specialities such as fresh savoury crabs.

Onsen experience is available all year round, but the best season for this activity is winter, when you can warm yourself up and give your tired body a chance to relax and free your mind.

Practical info

When would be a good time to experience onsen in Kyoto?

The most ideal time to experience onsen in Kyoto is during the winter season which falls between December and February. Nevertheless, onsen baths are available throughout the year in Kyoto and the surrounding areas. More so, the winter season is the perfect time to enjoy the warmth of onsen baths and bask in the relaxation they provide after a long day of sightseeing.

Which are some famous onsen locations in Kyoto?

Kyoto has numerous onsen locations. Some of the most renowned ones include Kurama Onsen located in Kurama village and Tenzan-no-yu Onsen situated near the Arashiyama area. While some onsens like Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama, and Arima Onsen are quite far from Kyoto, they offer a beautiful scenic drive to reach them and enjoy their services.

What distinguishes outdoor onsen from indoor ones?

Indoor onsen consists of enclosed spaces that are very much like a public bathhouse compared to outdoor onsen which provides an open-air bath surrounded by natural landscapes. The primary advantage of outdoor onsen is that visitors can enjoy nature's beauty while taking a hot dip. It is a great way to relax surrounded by serene, lush greenery, or a snowy environment.

What are some special features one can enjoy at Kurama Onsen?

Kurama Onsen offers an opportunity for visitors to enjoy nature's beauty while enjoying an outdoor bath. It also features an indoor jacuzzi with hydrotherapy bubbles, an experience to remember. Besides, visitors can enjoy the serene sound of the mountain at night while making full use of the onsen. Additionally, they serve fresh local Kyoto-style cuisine, a must-try while at Kurama Onsen.

Which delicacies should one try at Kinosaki in winter?

During winter, all the traditional Japanese inns in Kinosaki serve fresh savory crabs, a seasonal specialty that offers a unique taste. Visitors can relish a wide variety of crab dishes that include sushi, sashimi, and hotpots. Furthermore, Kinosaki is famous for its seven public onsen baths that allow visitors to hop from one bathhouse to another in traditional yukata clothing and geta footwear.