February 2024: Please note Kurama Onsen is temporarily closed for renovations. Please see Kurama And Kibune for other things to see and do in the area.
The best onsen (hot spring) in the Kyoto area, Kurama Onsen is an easy 30-minute train trip north of Kyoto. Sitting in the outdoor tub surrounded by forested mountains is pure onsen bliss.
Kurama Onsen Outdoor Bath © gbsk
Onsen purists quibble that Kurama Onsen is not a real onsen (they claim that the natural spring water is heated a bit before entering the tubs). Frankly, we could care less – Kurama Onsen is a damn fine hot spring and it’s a great way to relax tired muscles after climbing up to nearby Kurama-dera Mountain Temple, or even walking all the way across the mountain from Kibune. You can choose from the indoor tubs that include all kinds of extras, or the bare bones outdoor pools (we always opt for the latter). If you’re lucky enough to be there when it’s snowing, you’re in for a magical experience.
English address:
520 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区鞍馬本町520
Opening hours:
10am-9pm
Price:
Outdoor bath only
Adults: \1000
Children (4-12 years old): \700
Outdoor bath and indoor bath (face towel, bath towel, and yukata included)
Adults: \2500
Children (4-12 years old): 1600
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
3min free shuttle bus ride from Kurama Station, Eizan line
10min walk from Kurama Station, Eizan line
Telephone: 741-2131
Near To Here:
Kurama Onsen is located in Kyoto’s Kurama and Kibune district. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto’s Kurama and Kibune district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
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Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
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