【2025 Edition】Kyoto’s 20 Best Day-Trip Hot Springs! Complete Guide with Map, Prices, and Tattoo Info

Kyoto Prefecture, one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations, has so many sightseeing spots that you might find yourself walking a lot and getting tired.

While sightseeing is great, for your next Kyoto trip, why not stop by a day-trip hot spring to soothe your travel fatigue?

This time, we will introduce 20 popular hot springs in Kyoto Prefecture, carefully selected by hot spring lovers, where you can fully enjoy day-trip hot springs, including public baths, spa facilities, and even luxury ryokan that offer day-use plans.

With this ranking, your Kyoto trip is sure to be even more fulfilling with day-trip hot springs! Fill your Kyoto trip with day-trip hot springs!

Quick Comparison Table: Find Your Perfect Day-Trip Hot Spring Instantly

To help you easily find a place that suits your travel style from 20 day-trip hot springs, we have summarized key information. Regarding tattoo policy, please check the official website in advance as it varies by facility.

MAP

Kyoto Day-Trip Hot Springs: Essential Knowledge

In Japan, there are bathing facilities called “Onsen” and “Sento,” which are similar yet different. Before enjoying a day-trip hot spring, let’s understand the basic differences.

Recommended by Purpose! Kyoto Day-Trip Hot Springs 20 Selection

【For Access Priority in Central Kyoto City / Around Kyoto Station】

1. Tensho-no-yu Daimon (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Tensho-no-yu Daimon,” located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a historic public bath that was the first in Kyoto City to use natural hot spring water. Even after its renovation in 2009, the facility remains new and clean. It is a popular public bath where you can easily stop by on your way back from sightseeing. It’s conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Line’s “Nishikyogoku Station” and JR’s “Nishioji Station.” Free parking for 6 cars is also available, making it convenient for car visitors. The fact that it’s open until 1 AM is another great point.

Features: Boasts natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source, gushing from 1000m underground. It is a “Simple Hot Spring” with a smooth texture, expected to have skin-beautifying effects. It is also said to be effective for neuralgia, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, cuts, and constipation.

【For Enjoying History and Gourmet in Southern Kyoto City (Fushimi, Joyo)】

2. Gyakko-yu Keizan-no-yu (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City)

“Gyakko-yu Keizan-no-yu” is a Japanese-style hot spring facility that integrates a natural hot spring, relaxation facilities, and dining options. It operates from 8 AM until late at night, making it convenient for use at any time. The facility boasts various amenities such as a shop selling local souvenirs, amusement facilities, and rest areas. Be sure to check out occasional events like fortune-telling and mochi-pounding ceremonies.

Features: Features dozens of diverse bathtubs and saunas for both men and women, allowing you to enjoy a hot spring tour. The “Kame no Yu Onsen,” transported from Kameyama in Ise, is a sodium-bicarbonate/chloride spring known for making skin very smooth. High-concentration carbonated springs are also expected to promote blood circulation and beautify the skin.

3. Fushimi Chikara-no-yu (Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City)

“Fushimi Chikara-no-yu” in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, is a day-trip hot spring facility conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Kintetsu Subway Takeda Station. It is popular among both locals and tourists. In addition to the hot spring, it has various facilities such as a dining area, body care and massage relaxation facilities, and a barber shop, allowing you to enjoy a full day. It’s also perfect for stopping by on your way back from sightseeing.

Features: You can enjoy a rich variety of 11 bathtubs for women and 9 for men, plus 3 types of saunas. The natural hot spring open-air bath features special spring water transported by tank truck from Nose Art Lake Onsen. It is a viscous hypotonic weakly alkaline simple hot spring, allowing you to fully enjoy an authentic hot spring experience. There are also unique baths like Silk Bath, Powerful Bath, and daily changing baths, so you can enjoy a hot spring tour.

4. Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu Kyoto Honkan (Joyo City)

“Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu Kyoto Honkan,” located in Joyo City, is a day-trip hot spring facility boasting 100% natural hot spring water flowing directly from the source. Its luxurious building, resembling a high-class ryokan, is fully equipped with healing facilities, allowing you to fully enjoy the ambiance of Kyoto, making it very popular among tourists.

Features: The proud hot spring water is a simple alkaline hot spring known as “Bijin no Yu” (Hot Spring of Beauty), expected to smooth the skin. The cloudy water is less irritating and is said to be effective for neuralgia, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue recovery. The bathing area features various bathtubs with Kyoto-esque charm, such as an indoor bath with a sauna, and open-air baths modeled after a waterfall and pine trees. Relaxation facilities like bedrock baths and massages are also extensive, allowing you to spend a full day relaxing.

【For Immersing in Nature and History in Northwestern Kyoto City (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Sagano)】

5. Natural Hot Spring Kinkaku-ji-yu (Kita Ward, Kyoto City)

“Natural Hot Spring Kinkaku-ji-yu,” located in Kyoto City, is a public bath near Kinkaku-ji Temple, a popular tourist destination in Kyoto. Even after its renovation in 2009, the interior remains new and clean. It is a popular public bath where you can easily stop by on your way back from sightseeing.

Features: The large public bath offers various types of baths including a hydrogen bath, a cascade bath, a bubble bath, an electric bath, a jet bath, a cold bath, and a sauna. An open-air bath is also available. The natural hot spring water is a sodium chloride spring, known as a therapeutic hot spring effective for neuralgia, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, cuts, fatigue recovery, and constipation. Its gentle water quality also provides skin-beautifying effects.

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"Funaoka Onsen" in Kyoto, Old style public bath and cafe are interesting!The "Funaoka Onsen Street" is a tourist spot that attracts many fore...

6. Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-yu (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-yu,” located in Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a healing day-trip hot spring facility proud of its natural hot spring water gushing from 1500m underground in Sagano. In addition to the hot spring, it is fully equipped with aesthetic salons, relaxation facilities, rest areas, and amusement facilities, allowing you to enjoy a full day leisurely. At the dining area, you can savor “Ikesu Ryori” (live fish cuisine) where skilled Japanese chefs prepare fresh fish right before your eyes. On weekends only, you can also enjoy the high-concentration carbonated spring “Ginkaku no Yu,” where numerous bubbles envelop your entire body.

Features: The hot spring water gushing from 1200m underground is a sodium-calcium chloride spring, a therapeutic hot spring with various benefits such as neuralgia, joint pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, cuts, and constipation. The Kyoto-style Japanese interior features 3 types of open-air baths, sleeping baths, a large communal bath,壺湯 (tsubo-yu/pot baths), jet baths, saunas, and foot baths. The carbonated spring, which promotes blood circulation, can be enjoyed only on weekends in the open-air bath “Ginkaku no Yu.”

7. Kyoto Katsura Onsen Nizaemon-no-yu (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Kyoto Katsura Onsen Nizaemon-no-yu,” located in Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy natural hot springs. In addition to the hot spring, it offers extensive healing facilities such as body scrubbing, massage, and bedrock baths. A restaurant is also attached, allowing you to spend your time leisurely. The fact that it’s open late at night is also a plus.

Features: Boasts two types of natural hot spring waters gushing from underground: a smooth “Simple Hot Spring” and a clear, highly moisturizing “Chloride Bicarbonate Spring.” These two high-quality spring waters can be enjoyed luxuriously. The open-air bath is surrounded by rocks, creating a scenic atmosphere. There’s also a bath where you can gaze at “Katsura no Tsuki” (Moon of Katsura), said to have been loved by court nobles in the past.

【For Enjoying Nature in Northeastern Kyoto City (Kitashirakawa, Kurama, Ohara)】

8. Kitashirakawa Natural Radium Onsen (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Kitashirakawa Natural Radium Onsen,” located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, boasts one of the highest radium content in Japan. It gained attention after appearing in Tomihiko Morimi’s novel “Holy Slacker’s Adventure.” It is fully equipped with a restaurant, rest areas, and nap rooms, allowing you to relax and heal leisurely.

Features: The natural radium mineral spring contains various minerals and is said to be effective for various ailments. Inhaling the steam warms the body from within, and bathing in the mineral-rich water warms the body from the outside, offering a “double moisturizing effect.” The trace radiation’s hormesis effect is said to boost immunity and activate metabolism. After enjoying high-calorie Kyoto ramen, visit here to promote a healthy body.

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9. Kurama Onsen (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Kurama Onsen,” located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a hot spring ryokan nestled in the mountain village of Kurama, a little removed from the Kyoto city center. Its appeal lies in being able to use the open-air bath with a spectacular view surrounded by rich nature for a day trip. Discounted plans that include day-trip hot spring access and a meal are also recommended. In winter, you can also savor the unique Botan Nabe (wild boar hot pot) of the mountain village.

Features: For day-trip bathing, you can use the open-air bath “Horo-yu” and a large public bath equipped with bubble baths, cold baths, and saunas. The simple sulfur spring, rich in minerals, is said to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, diabetes, skin beautification, and back pain. You can fully enjoy Kyoto’s nature from the cypress-built open-air bath, one of the best in Northern Kinki. The Kurama area also offers attractions like Kifune Shrine and Kawadoko cuisine, so visiting them together is recommended.

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10. Kyoto Kitashirakawa Fudo Onsen (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Kyoto Kitashirakawa Fudo Onsen,” located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a hidden day-trip hot spring at the foot of Mount Hiei. The radium content of Kitashirakawa Fudo Onsen is top-class in the Kansai region. You can fully enjoy the health benefits of radium hot spring water.

Features: In the free rest area, you can borrow pillows and radium sheets for a nap, and also enjoy meals. You can bathe as many times as you like within the facility, so you can fully enjoy the hot spring all day long. The water quality is a simple radioactive cold spring, said to be effective for various conditions such as rheumatism, stiff shoulders, asthma, chronic bronchitis, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and arteriosclerosis. Although the tubs are a bit small, you can enjoy a private feeling like a reserved bath. Enjoying the hot spring and resting repeatedly, like in “Toji” (hot spring therapy), is also recommended. Spend your time in a warm space, as if you’ve returned home, forgetting the busyness of everyday life.

11. Kyono Minshuku Ohara-no-sato (Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

“Kyono Minshuku Ohara-no-sato,” located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, is a guesthouse where you can experience the heartwarming atmosphere of the countryside. While hot spring-only use is not available, day-trip plans that include hot springs and their proud cuisine are popular. Enjoy a special hot spring and exquisite hot pot dishes to the fullest in a place surrounded by rich nature.

Features: Ohara-no-sato’s hot spring water is an alkaline sodium-bicarbonate ion spring, said to have skin-beautifying effects by softening the skin’s cuticles and making it very smooth. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, chronic digestive diseases, health promotion, and fatigue recovery. It is a colorless, transparent, and mildly stimulating special hot spring water suitable for recuperation. In the famous open-air Goemon-buro (iron cauldron bath), you can enjoy bathing and forest bathing simultaneously in a private space. The bath water creates a warm atmosphere, as if you’ve returned to your hometown, allowing you to forget the busyness of everyday life.

【For Immersing in Nature and History in Northwestern Kyoto City (Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Sagano)】

12. Natural Hot Spring Kinkaku-ji-yu (Kita Ward, Kyoto City) *Re-posted

Introduced above. Kinkaku-ji-yu is within walking distance of Kinkaku-ji Temple (about 10 minutes) and is recommended as a public bath where you can easily enjoy natural hot springs.

13. Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-yu (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City) *Re-posted

Introduced above. It is easily accessible from Arashiyama/Sagano sightseeing bases and is a popular spot where you can enjoy various bathtubs and Ikesu cuisine.

14. Kyoto Katsura Onsen Nizaemon-no-yu (Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City) *Re-posted

Introduced above. Located in the southwestern part of Kyoto City, its appeal lies in two types of natural hot springs with skin-beautifying effects and extensive relaxation facilities.

【For Those Seeking a Deep Hot Spring Experience in Northern Kyoto Prefecture (Fukuchiyama, Maizuru, Kyotango, Amanohashidate)】

15. Hotel Royal Hill Fukuchiyama & Spa (Fukuchiyama City)

“Hotel Royal Hill Fukuchiyama & Spa,” located on a hill in Fukuchiyama City, is a hotel with an attached hot spring facility. Its hot spring, where you can fully enjoy the ambiance of Kyoto, is available for day use and is utilized by many people, including locals, tourists, and international visitors.

Features: The “Fukusen-genyu” natural hot spring facility attached to the hotel is a full-fledged hot spring resort equipped with indoor baths, open-air baths, cold baths, saunas, and more. From the open-air bath, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Fukuchiyama. The water quality is a chloride spring, said to be effective for skin diseases, neuralgia, muscle pain, and cuts. You can also utilize massage and aesthetic services to soothe your travel fatigue.

16. Fukuchiyama Onsen Yoro-no-yu (Fukuchiyama City)

“Fukuchiyama Onsen Yoro-no-yu,” located in Fukuchiyama City, is a hot spring facility surrounded by lush nature. You can enjoy the hot spring while admiring the beautiful garden, fully experiencing the elegance of Kyoto. A rest space is also available, allowing you to relax leisurely. The restaurant also has a kids’ menu, making it recommended for families.

Features: The open-air bath is a proud bath where you can bathe while gazing at a Japanese garden. The water of Yoro is a sacred spring known as “the miraculous water that heals fatigue.” In Kyoto, with its long history, you can gain mysterious power here. There are various types of bathtubs, and you can enjoy open-air baths, indoor baths, jet baths, cypress baths, and cascade baths.

17. Takao Onsen Hikari-no-yu (Maizuru City)

“Takao Onsen Hikari-no-yu,” located in Maizuru City, is a day-trip hot spring facility conveniently accessible by car, about 3 minutes from Nishi Maizuru IC and about 5 minutes from JR Nishi Maizuru Station. It is popular among locals and tourists as an easily accessible natural hot spring facility. There are also advantageous services like free bathing tickets on the 11th of every month (Ladies’ Day) and the 26th (Bath Day).

Features: It has extensive facilities to relieve fatigue, including open-air baths, large communal baths, bubble baths, sleeping baths, and saunas. It is a low-irritation sodium-bicarbonate/chloride spring, known as a therapeutic hot spring. The water quality also has skin-beautifying effects, and improved circulation for cold sensitivity is expected. Body scrubbing and relaxation services are also available, making it a pleasing facility for women.

18. Amanohashidate Iwataki Onsen Kuhaus Iwataki (Yosano Town)

Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s three most scenic views, is a popular tourist destination in Kyoto. “Amanohashidate Iwataki Onsen Kuhaus Iwataki,” located in Yosa District, is popular as a day-trip hot spring facility where you can bathe while gazing at Amanohashidate. In addition to the natural hot spring, it has extensive facilities, including a hot spring pool with a water slide and a training room. It is a hot spring facility where both children and adults can enjoy a full day.

Features: It is a clear, low-sulfur, low-irritation hot spring. Even those who dislike the unique smell of hot springs can relax. In the “Bade Zone,” which requires swimwear, families and couples can enjoy bathing together. There are also gender-segregated bathing zones where swimwear is not required, allowing you to explore various tubs. The hot spring with a view of Amanohashidate is exceptional.

19. Yasae Ashiginu Onsen (Kyotango City)

“Yasae Ashiginu Onsen,” located in Kyotango City, is a day-trip hot spring facility with a restaurant and shop. The bathing building and the management building are connected by an aerial bridge 25m high, giving it a unique structure. Many events are held every month, such as “Silver Day (1st)” and “Dango Day (5th, 15th).” Be sure to check out various events like coin drop games, Kids’ Day, and unique jacuzzis!

Features: There are two bathing areas, “Kingdom no Yu” and “Himiko no Yu,” each equipped with open-air baths, indoor baths, saunas, jet baths, sleeping baths, cascade baths, box steam baths, and open-air jacuzzis. The two bathing areas are designed to resemble ancient burial mounds. The hot spring water gushing from 1500m underground is a sodium-calcium sulfate spring, allowing you to enjoy safe and fresh hot water.

20. Amanohashidate Onsen Chie-no-yu (Miyazu City)

“Amanohashidate Onsen Chie-no-yu,” located in Miyazu City, with a view of Amanohashidate right in front, is a day-trip hot spring facility with a retro atmosphere. It’s conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Kyoto Tango Railway’s Amanohashidate Station, making it an ideal place to stop by on your way back from sightseeing. Be sure to check for discount coupons distributed at Amanohashidate View Land and Amanohashidate Station Tourist Information Center!

Features: The water quality is a sodium chloride spring, also used as a therapeutic hot spring. Its smooth texture makes it known as “Bijin no Yu” (Hot Spring of Beauty). It is said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, paralysis, cuts, burns, and fatigue recovery. You can enjoy various baths, including an indoor bath named after Amanohashidate, a spacious open-air bath, unique footbaths, and pot baths. The outdoor footbath is free to use.

【For Enjoying Nature and Hot Springs in Southern Kyoto Prefecture (Nantan City, Kameoka City)】

21. Springs Hiyoshi (Nantan City)

“Springs Hiyoshi,” located directly below “Hiyoshi Dam” in Hiyoshi Town, Nantan City, is a roadside station with an attached natural hot spring. In addition to the natural hot spring, there is an indoor heated pool, and you can also enjoy picnics, ground golf, and water play in the adjacent lawn area. Of course, the restaurant and shops are also extensive, making it perfect for a stop during your trip.

Features: The hot water of Hiyoshi Onsen is a natural hot spring of sodium chloride spring quality. It is said to be effective for neuralgia, joint pain, frozen shoulder, sensitivity to cold, chronic skin diseases, and cuts. It is characterized by its high moisturizing effect, earning it the nickname “Hot Spring of Heat,” which means it keeps you warm for a long time after bathing. In the open-air bath, you can enjoy the hot spring water flowing directly from the source. It is a well-equipped facility that you can enjoy all day long.

22. Rurikei Onsen (Nantan City)

“Rurikei Onsen,” located in Nantan City, is a complex facility that integrates hot springs, accommodations, and a barbecue area. It is fully equipped with recreational and healing facilities, allowing both children and adults to enjoy a full day. Various events are also held seasonally. In the large communal bath, you can enjoy natural hot spring water boasting one of Japan’s highest radon contents. It is effective for fatigue recovery.

Features: In the “Bade Zone,” which requires swimwear, equipped with open-air baths, cascade baths, jacuzzis, saunas, and a heated pool, the whole family can enjoy themselves. Various healing facilities are also extensive, including bedrock baths, enzyme baths, and private baths. Warm your body from the core in the hot spring and rejuvenate both mind and body.

23. Omotenashi no Yado Keizankaku (Kameoka City)

“Omotenashi no Yado Keizankaku,” located about a 15-minute bus ride from JR Sagano Line Kameoka Station, is a popular hot spring ryokan in Kameoka, surrounded by rich nature. The interior is a luxurious construction resembling a traditional Japanese house, where you can spend an exquisite time. The appeal is being able to use the hot spring of a high-class ryokan for a day trip.

Features: It is a simple weak radioactive hot spring (hypotonic neutral low-temperature hot spring), said to have various benefits such as neuralgia, muscle pain, sensitivity to cold, fatigue recovery, high blood pressure, and chronic cholecystitis. The men’s bath has white walls, and the women’s bath is entirely made of cypress, creating a warm and healing space. Enjoy your luxurious time to the fullest.

What to Know Before Your Trip: Onsen Use Q&A

Enjoy a Refreshing Trip to Kyoto with Day-Trip Hot Springs!

Kyoto is dotted with many charming day-trip hot springs where you can enjoy beautiful scenery. From the historic Kyoto city center to the lush nature of the suburbs, each area offers unique hot spring experiences waiting for you.

Day-trip hot springs, where you can heal your tired body from sightseeing and deeply experience Japan’s hot spring culture, will be a new way to enjoy your trip to Kyoto. Use this article as a reference to find the perfect hot spring for you and create the best travel memories that refresh both your mind and body!

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