Exploring the Idyllic Onsen of Woodland Kyoto

For those who are not familiar with the concept, an onsen is a hot spring where you can bathe in water that’s naturally heated underground. As well as being blissfully warm, the water is usually abundant in dissolved minerals that vary from location to location. In addition to affecting the colour and scent of the water, specific minerals are said to bring different health benefits to bathers. These include everything from helping with skin ailments to lowering blood pressure. In the vast majority of onsen, you bathe naked and the baths are segregated by gender. Don’t worry if you feel apprehensive about this though, because any discomfort will soon melt away as you relax in the rejuvenating hot water! Alternatively, many onsen have private baths that you can use on your own or with your group so you don’t have to disrobe in front of strangers.

There are a few etiquette rules and tips to be aware of when using an onsen, to ensure you have the best experience. For example:
• Wash yourself in the showers before entering the baths themselves
• Tie up long hair so that it doesn’t go in the water
• Leave the big towel in the changing room, and take the small one with you (but keep it out of the water)
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after you bathe
• Many onsen do not allow tattoos, so if you have one either cover it up with a plaster or use a private bath
• Enter the water slowly to allow your body to get used to the heat, and don’t stay in too long if you’re not accustomed to it
• Don’t shower after you’ve finished bathing, because this will rinse away all the health-giving minerals

So now that you know what to expect, let’s look at some of the places where you can enjoy the onsen experience in Woodland Kyoto!

Located in an atmospheric mountain village in Kameoka City, Yunohana Onsen offers a peaceful environment surrounded by stunning natural scenery. The water here is reported to be good for everything from fatigue and sore muscles to gout, arthritis and nerve pain thanks to the levels of radium it contains. You’re sure to feel your aches fading away as you lie back in an outdoor onsen crafted from wood or stone, looking up at a canopy of leaves above your head. There are several traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) here that you can stay at if you want the full experience, including those that have rooms with private baths. Many also allow you to use their onsen facilities as a day guest, which can make for a relaxing afternoon after a morning of sightseeing.

Speaking of sightseeing, there are a wealth of spots near Yunohana Onsen that are worth visiting. Izumo Dai-jingu Shrine is most famous for bringing luck in matchmaking, longevity and fortune, and there are lots of interesting features to discover in the extensive grounds. Further south, Anao-jo Temple boasts a beautifully scenic garden and a Buddha statue said to have healing properties. Depending on the timing of your trip, you could also admire the eight million flowers in the Yume Cosmos Garden as they burst into spectacular colour in October and November. Meanwhile, the Yawaragi no Michi Sakura Park is a stunning place to admire the ethereal sight of cherry blossoms in spring.

Access: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Kameoka Station, then hop on a 15-minute shuttle bus to the onsen