Kurama Onsen, Kyoto: Hours, Address, Kurama Onsen Reviews: 4.5/5
Kurama Onsen
Kurama Onsen
4.5
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tours & experiences
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Full view
Top ways to experience Kurama Onsen and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
66 within 3 miles
Kurama Onsen
14
51 ft$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other
Kurama Tsujii
6
0.2 miJapanese • Japanese sweets parlour
Yoshuji
32
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Aburaya Shokudo
12
0.4 miJapanese
Rakuraku
1
0.4 miDessert
Nagomiya Kotengu
8
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Other
Tamondo Kurama
23
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert
Sansando
1
0.4 mi
Kurama-So
7
0.5 miJapanese • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine
Kishimoto Ryuzo Shinise
9
0.4 mi
Attractions
292 within 6 miles
Mt. Kurama
527
0.3 miMountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Kurama-dera
398
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Yuki Shrine
72
0.4 miReligious Sites
Kifune Shrine
701
0.8 miHistoric Sites • Religious Sites
Mt. Kurama Reihoden
26
0.4 miSpeciality Museums
Okunoin Maoden
23
0.6 miReligious Sites
Kifune Shrine
57
0.8 miHistoric Walking Areas • Religious Sites
Sanzen-in Temple
822
Religious Sites
Kibune River
18
0.8 miBodies of Water
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
402
Historic Sites • Gardens
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
281 reviews
Excellent
149
Very good
106
Average
20
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Ceci T
Washington DC, DC336 contributions
Family
If you are looking for a break from temple visits and can’t travel far from Kyoto this is your stop! Only 30 min from downtown Kyoto but it feels very remote in a beautiful mountain setting. Riding the electric train up the mountain is part of the fun. Outdoor onsen is wonderful and very serene. We also enjoyed the indoor bath. Restaurant serves good food. A wonderful way to spend a rainy and cool January afternoon.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mela147
London, UK45 contributions
Couples
I spent two days in this Onsen and I really enjoined the place and the therm. It’s very clean and the service is amazing especially if you want to experience the typical Japanese dinner. The best part was the onsen pool. I really recommend to stay here.
Written November 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandlund66
Karlstad, Sweden7 contributions
Want a genuine Onsen experiance while n K´Japan / Kyoto area?. This is you place!. We did indor and outdoor Onsen for 5000yen (2 person). The outside onsen was soo nice !! , with all the coulors, wonderfull atmosphere . Dont miss this one!
Written November 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim A
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
Solo
Decided to head to Kurama onsen on a wet autumn day - temperatures were still warm. Boarded the train at Demachiyanagi station for a scenic ride to Kurama at the end of the line. Despite the light rain the walk from the station to the onsen took me through the village with many stores open for display. The autumn colours were just beginning to change and there is a delightful small river running alongside the road to the onsen. There is also a shuttle at the station if you are so inclined.
I opted for the public pool (1000 yen plus 200yen for small towel). It was all I needed - the onsen was empty and the feeling of the light rain whilst sitting in the onsen looking at the mist covered surroundings was magical. Highly recommended.
I opted for the public pool (1000 yen plus 200yen for small towel). It was all I needed - the onsen was empty and the feeling of the light rain whilst sitting in the onsen looking at the mist covered surroundings was magical. Highly recommended.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rapsag_69
18 contributions
A wonderful day adventure. Starting with the Wes Anderson style train ride up the mountain to this serene location. A beautiful outdoor Onsen surrounded by mountains and trees. Both times I have been there has been the slightest drizzle of rain which was more like a mist. Once in Autumn so we were wrapped in hues of orange, yellow, red and green from the surrounding trees. It was so tranquil. The baths are clean and well maintained. The second was in summer and again a slow mist/drizzle was a welcome relief while soaking in the surroundings. The restaurant there is also quite good and reasonably priced. Highly recommended as a day trip.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
valorn
Ares, Spain84 contributions
Couples
In their website they say that tatooed people are not allowed.
Nevertheless, my boyfriend has a big turtle tattoed in the back and we asked for permission to enter with tattoo.
The woman said it was ok.
Very nice place.
Nevertheless, my boyfriend has a big turtle tattoed in the back and we asked for permission to enter with tattoo.
The woman said it was ok.
Very nice place.
Written November 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amanda Marble
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
My friend and I both highly recommend this little escape into a more rural part of Kyoto. We took the train up to Kurama, hiked the Kurama-dera Mountian Temple (took the gondola back to the base) then walked up to Kurama Onsen for lunch and a dip in the hot spring. It was very pleasant; the air in the mountains was a bit cooler than in the city. They also have a cold plunge tub, if that is your thing. I suggest reading onsen etiquette before you go. Quite possibly the best day of our trip!
Written August 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adam B
1 contribution
Couples
Made an evening visit to the Kamura Onsen in north Kyoto on our last night in the city.
We managed to catch 2 trains from Gion to the Kamura station alright which took 40 minutes roughly, as hoped a shuttle was waiting to take guests up to onsen.
It was a lovely pool and facility, we used the open air onsen and it amazing to soak under the night sky.
The problem came when is was time to go home. By this time it was raining pretty hard - we asked if the shuttle could take us down to the station - we were told the shuttle had finished and that we had to walk in the rain - fair enough.
So we put on our light raincoats and started the 10 min walk in the rain - which is fine if that’s how it has to be.
What we saw next was the shuttle barrelling down the road past us with 2 other bathers headed down the train station. With the same person driving who told us 10 minutes ago that it was finished and could not take us!
Really a disappointing end to an otherwise great onsen experience.
We managed to catch 2 trains from Gion to the Kamura station alright which took 40 minutes roughly, as hoped a shuttle was waiting to take guests up to onsen.
It was a lovely pool and facility, we used the open air onsen and it amazing to soak under the night sky.
The problem came when is was time to go home. By this time it was raining pretty hard - we asked if the shuttle could take us down to the station - we were told the shuttle had finished and that we had to walk in the rain - fair enough.
So we put on our light raincoats and started the 10 min walk in the rain - which is fine if that’s how it has to be.
What we saw next was the shuttle barrelling down the road past us with 2 other bathers headed down the train station. With the same person driving who told us 10 minutes ago that it was finished and could not take us!
Really a disappointing end to an otherwise great onsen experience.
Written July 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tom W
5 contributions
Solo
Excellent Onsen in a beautiful mountain valley in Northern Kyoto. For those concerned about tattoos, they’re fine with it if you’re a foreigner - no worries whatsoever. Great scenery. There are two options - just the outdoor Onsen, or use of the indoor Onsen/sauna and outdoor Onsen (you get to borrow a yukata as part of the price. Highly recommended.
Written July 5, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maurodrmmr
Toronto, Canada154 contributions
Couples
Its a little far from kyoto so you'll have to take at least half a day of you schedule yo visit it an enjoy it but it's worth it, the outdoor baths are beautiful especially at dusk, on the full day plan they lend you towels and a yakata to be around the facilities, very comfortable and tranquil.
Written May 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
angielm2015
Huddersfield, UK78 contributions
Hello,
I am tattooed, would this prevent me from using the pool or is it just public bathing that doesn't like tattoos?
valorn
Ares, Spain84 contributions
Tatoo friendly even in public baths.
55tiantian66
Singapore, Singapore28 contributions
Hi, as my schedule is pretty packed up till evening time, will you recommend if I visit the onsen after dinner? Will there be still be shuttle services after the onsen experience?
Also, what is the fastest way to get to Kurama Onsen from either Kinkakuji or Nara in the evening around 5pm?
SharonTweedHeads
Tweed Heads68 contributions
Catch the Eizan line from Demachiyanagi station. It’s about a 30 min ride. Don’t eat and have a full stomach too close to getting in to the onsen.
xzxlinx
7 contributions
Are you able to wear a towel in the onsen or must you be fully nude?
Kim A
Sydney, Australia28 contributions
You can use the towel for bathing before entering the onsen and it seems common to use the towel for modesty as you walk around the onsen. It is usual to be nude once in the onsen pool
faviana17
Paris, France1 contribution
I vê got a breast surgery could I go to the onsen with a special bath clothes?
1. My mom has trouble with walking. Is there much hiking/walking needed around the onsen area from the entrance?
2. Does this place take credit card (visa)? Or strictly cash only?
Thank you!
leileireid
London, UK446 contributions
Hey,
1. I would say no - From the indoor to the outdoor onsen its about 30 m max, There up steps up to the outside onsen.
- its not an etablish path and you have to walk across the car park which is gravel.
- If you want outdoor only you can just pay at the outdoor Onsen.
- When your inside the changing room is about 20m by 5m and its like 2m from the changing room to the bath.
Its really small.
2. I paid with cash, everyone else I saw was paying with cash and I did not see a card machine.
As a recommendation - watch out for hornets and bugs as there are a few and I got stung by a hornet. The staff got the sting out and gave me ice for the swelling and I had bug bite stuff in my bag that helped.
Any other questions let me know.
Taizen911
Port Macquarie, Australia67 contributions
Can my son come into the women’s side with me? He is 10. Or would be made to go by himself to the male bath?
leileireid
London, UK446 contributions
Hi,
I saw mothers with their daughters but no sons with their mothers - based on other onsens I went to I think at 10 he would have to go to the mens as the boys I saw in there where not older then about 6.
Maybe see if they have a contact email and ask?
Is tattoo acceptable
Maurodrmmr
Toronto, Canada154 contributions
Yes, i have one full arm, one half arm, both legs and chest tattooed and I was there no problem
Camillo 82
Rome, Italy5 contributions
Ciao a tutti, ho letto che è possibile pernottare nelle stanze della struttura ma non ho capito se i bagni sono condivisi. Qualcuno che ha soggiornato in questo ryokan sa darmi qualche indicazione? Grazie!
24_rEn_84
Rome, Italy85 contributions
Le terme sono divise uomini e donne (come nella maggior parte delle terme giapponesi, ma non la totalità)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kurama Onsen
- Kurama Onsen is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking Kurama Onsen tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Kurama Onsen tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kurama Onsen:
- (0.00 mi) Kurama Onsen
- (0.46 mi) Kuramaso
- (7.89 mi) Shiraume
- (0.81 mi) Hirobun
- (8.25 mi) BnA Alter Museum
- Restaurants near Kurama Onsen:
- (0.01 mi) Kurama Onsen
- (0.16 mi) Kurama Tsujii
- (0.41 mi) Yoshuji
- (0.42 mi) Aburaya Shokudo
- (0.40 mi) Rakuraku