Four healing hot spring hotels in Kyoto: đź‘‹experience local traditions and customs
Kyoto is known and loved for its unique architecture and the efforts it has made to preserve its rich heritage. From its vast temple complexes to its narrow network of alleys and streets, the city is a living, breathing manifestation of Japanese culture.However, not everything in Japan needs to be experienced outside of your hotel; on the contrary, it’s no exaggeration to say that you can fully experience the local traditions and customs without ever leaving your accommodation, simply soaking in the onsen at your hotel. While onsen baths may seem like just another feature of a hotel or resort, they are deeply rooted in the country’s history.
This article will give you some basic knowledge about the history of onsen, as well as how to experience one to four quality hotels where you can participate in the ancient Japanese art of bathing while staying at one.
Hot spring story
Bathing in hot springs as a Japanese custom was mentioned as early as 733. According to the ancient book "Izumo Fudoki", people of all ages and backgrounds would go to Shimane Prefecture to soak in hot springs. The text also said that after a bath, "your face will be beautiful, and after a bath, all diseases will be cured."
This bathing practice originated from one of Japan's largest religions, Shintoism. The ritual is called "misogi", which means "bathing", and involves bathing in water to purify the body and mind. Before important ceremonies, court members and Shinto priests would purify themselves with holy water to achieve a clear mind and mindfulness. This move eventually affected people from all walks of life, and over time, bathing behavior has continued to develop and change to adapt to the cultural background at the time.
How to take a hot spring bath
Before we learn how to use and enter an onsen, it is important to know that this form of bathing is no longer a religious tradition, but rather a normal, everyday activity. That being said, there are some rules and practices to be aware of.
Here are the important things to know: Take off all clothing (including underwear) in the locker room and place it in a locker or basket. If you require special toiletries due to allergies or personal preferences, place these in a plastic bag or toiletry bag. Rinse and shower in the wash area before entering the bath. Since the bathhouse is a shared space, please wash your body thoroughly before entering.
For most onsen baths, the method is simple: take the hottest bath first and end with an ice bath or shower. Some places will have a sauna, so spend some time there before jumping into the ice bath.
It's that simple! There are some other rules and etiquette, but for the most part, this is the most basic guide to using an onsen. For more tips, be sure to bookmark our beginner's guide to onsen culture.
1. Stunning panoramic views from the Kyoto Hotel Sorano Terrace, Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen, Kyoto
Opened in June 2022, the Sorano Terrace Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi Onsen is conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station. Despite being in the heart of Kyoto, you can still relax in the hotel's open-air hot spring baths, which use the hotel's own natural hot spring water. There's also a nearly 4-foot-deep free-standing bathtub, so you can soak in the hot spring while standing upright. Be sure to check out the rooftop lounge; there are stunning panoramic views of the city and even a footbath for you to enjoy.
The hotel has three room types: "Regular Double Room", a small, practical room with a 59-inch Simmons mattress; "Superior Double Room" with a 62-inch Simmons mattress; and "Accessible Twin Room", a spacious, accessible room with two single beds.
2. Stay at the Kyoto Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel and feel refreshed both physically and mentally
Overlooking the winding Hozu River, Kyoto Suiran Luxury Collection Hotel is a riverside resort that combines the best of modern Japanese design with traditional hospitality. This hotel is one of the more luxurious options on this list, and it also comes with a host of amenities to ensure your stay is special.
One of the highlights of the hotel is the restaurant "Saryo Hatsui", which offers guests unlimited champagne service from 5pm to 7pm daily, and guests can enjoy the surrounding Arashiyama area. The hotel pays attention to the details before and after your stay - guests can use the hotel's rickshaw service to and from the nearest train station.
The hotel is close to the World Heritage Tenryuji Temple, and there are many other attractions in Kyoto to visit and see. Recommended attractions include Iwatayama Monkey Park, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fukuda Museum of Art, all of which are just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The hotel is conveniently located, perfect for you to go out and explore, and you can also return to rest at any time. The hotel's Yuzunoha room has two bed options, twin beds or queen beds; and comes with a private cypress bathtub, giving you the most comfortable feeling.
3. Stay at Ohara no Sato Minshuku Ryokan and enjoy a comfortable country resort
In the mountains north of Kyoto is Ohara, a rural town about an hour from Kyoto Station. Located in this beautiful town is Ohara no Sato, a country inn that offers bathhouses and delicious hot pot. The town is famous for Sanzen-in Temple, which comes alive during the fall foliage season. The nearby Jiko-in Gardens also have winter cherry blossoms; if you time your visit just right, you might even see fall leaves and cherry blossoms! (Check out our winter cherry blossom guide here now.)
Ohara no Sato is a little different than your average hotel experience. Generally, a minshuku is often thought of as a Japanese-style B&B and is usually run by a family. As such, all guest rooms are standard Japanese-style tatami rooms, and guests (except for those in some rooms) will need to share toilets and bathroom facilities. The most anticipated part is the hotel's bathroom facilities. The hotel is said to be equipped with a healing and soothing hot spring, and guests can enjoy the classic wooden bath experience and try the authentic open-air Goemon-furo. Of course, it is also necessary to pair it with their specialty - miso hot pot; both allow you to escape from the busy area of ​​Kyoto and immerse yourself in a quaint and relaxing environment.
4. Amanohashidate Onsen Japanese Resort Monjuso on-site introduction
Amanohashidate is rated one of the top three most scenic views in Japan. This pine-covered sandbar, located in the northern coastal area of ​​Kyoto, is home to the Amanohashidate Onsen Japanese Resort Monjuso, which is famous for its hot spring facilities. In addition to the baths, you can also take a break on the large terrace, enjoy a drink in the lounge or relax by the fireplace.
One of the most noteworthy features of this resort is the Amanohashidate Onsen; the hot spring water is said to have skin-beautifying properties. The bathrooms have also been recently renovated (April 2023); so if you want to sweat out toxins in your body, try the Finnish sauna for men or the Nano Mist sauna for women.
After a relaxing soak in the baths, you can enjoy a meal at the stone kiln restaurant "MON", which serves seasonal cuisine and uses delicious locally harvested ingredients.
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