Exploring the Idyllic Onsen of Woodland Kyoto

Ayabe Onsen is in the Kanbayashi area of Ayabe City, surrounded by lush forests and rich greenery. At the Niou no Yu hot springs you can bathe in a beautifully scented cypress bath, which is sheltered whilst also offering panoramic views of the countryside.

Here the water is believed to have skin-beautifying properties, and there is also a special medicinal bath with added herbal ingredients for even greater health benefits. In addition to the resort facilities, Ayabe Onsen has a campsite, golf course, tennis courts, BBQ spots, and even a giant labyrinth to explore!

If you wish to venture away from the onsen itself for some sightseeing, be sure to visit Komyo-ji Temple. Its buildings and gardens are fascinating to explore, with the grounds becoming especially picturesque in autumn when the leaves change to fiery red and vivid amber. Another breathtakingly beautiful spot is the Shaga Forest in Oitomi – visit between the end of March and mid-April when the woods are carpeted with buttery yellow oriental paperbush flowers, or in May when countless fringed irises come into bloom. If you’re a fan of flowers, you should also stop by the Ayabe Rose Garden (Gunze Square), where approximately 1,200 roses of 120 varieties have been planted by local volunteers. Meanwhile for a more hands-on experience, book onto a workshop at the Kurotani Washi Cooperative to have a go at making traditional washi paper by hand.

Access: About 40 minutes by Aya Bus from Ayabe Station on the JR San-in Main Line/Maizuru Line

The castle town of Fukuchiyama has plenty to discover, from sacred shrines to epic natural beauty, so a trip to the local onsen is ideal for refreshing your body after exploring. The water in this region is rich in sodium and calcium chloride, which makes it particularly helpful for improving circulation, healing skin conditions and cuts, plus easing muscle, joint and nerve pain. At the Yoru no Yu bathhouse you can sink into open-air baths of cypress and stone while admiring the gardens, or head inside to enjoy a luxurious jet bath or spa treatment for ultimate relaxation.

No trip to Fukuchiyama would be complete without visiting the striking landmark of Fukuchiyama Castle and its surrounding park, which also houses the impressive Sato Taisei Memorial Art Museum. Other great places to get a sense of the city’s history include Tanshu Kannon-ji Temple, highly celebrated for its 10,000 hydrangeas, and the ancient Motoise Naigu shrine with its unique black cedar torii gates. If you’re feeling artistic, book a lacquerware class at the Yakuno Woodware and Lacquerware Hall to create a unique souvenir of your stay in Kyoto. Then to truly immerse yourself in nature, head out on the hiking trails that traverse the Oeyama mountain range – said to be home to monstrous oni demons!

Access: Take the JR San-In Line to Fukuchiyama Station, then catch a 20-minute bus to Isagoike and walk for 8 minutes

Rurikei Onsen is tucked away deep in the mountains, surrounded by verdant woodland, and features natural radium hot springs and vast starry skies above at night. The radium in the hot spring water here makes these baths ideal for soothing sore muscles and stiff shoulders, easing fatigue, and improving circulation, gout, joint pain and nerve pain. Rurikei is rather unique, because in addition to traditional-style onsen it also has both indoor and outdoor baths where you can wear a bathing suit – making it perfect for those who are a bit shy about using onsen in the nude. As well as the baths themselves, you can enjoy a range of spa treatments and therapies to leave you feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.

One of the top activities to enjoy during your stay in Rurikei is hiking. There are gorgeous trails snaking through Rurikei Valley which will take you past cascading waterfalls, over mossy rocks, and beneath towering trees. Meanwhile back towards the train station you’ll find Ikimi Tenmangu Shrine, which is over 1,000 years old and a popular place to pray for academic success. If you’re staying overnight in the glamping accommodation or hotel, don’t miss the ethereal Kyoto Illumination Synesthesia Hills display. This interactive light installation is absolutely magical, and sure to be an experience you never forget.

Access: Take the JR Sagano Line from Kyoto Station to Sonobe station, then hop on the free 30-minute shuttle bus to the onsen.

Visiting an onsen is a must if you’re interested in trying authentic Japanese cultural experiences during your trip, and these four are among the best hot spring resorts Kyoto has to offer. If you include one – or all! – of them on your itinerary, it’s sure to be one of the most relaxing parts of your entire stay.