Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is a huge bath and spa complex on the west side of Kyoto. It’s one of the few onsen in Kyoto and it’s well worth the trek across town to relax here.
Tenzan-no-yu Onsen Exterior – image © Chris Rowthorn
Located in western Kyoto, a short distance before you get to Arashiyama, Tenzan-no-yu is an actual onsen (natural hot spring bath). The onsen water comes from a well drilled 1200 meters below the city. The onsen water is a rich tan color and is said to be good for a variety of conditions. You can enjoy this pure onsen water in two rock-lined rotemburo (outdoor baths). Otherwise, the water in the other tubs is normal Kyoto water, which is just fine.
In the indoor bathing areas, there is a wide variety of spacious tubs and individual washing areas. There is also a huge sauna, the largest we’ve seen anywhere. A few times a week, two attendants come into the sauna and perform a short manzai (Japanese standup comedy) route routine. Then, they sprinkle fragrant water on the hot rocks and fan it over the patrons. The second time they come around, you can stipulate the number of times they fan you – 10 is a good number (after that, you’ll probably find it too hot).
Relaxation area – image © Chris Rowthorn
Once you’re done with the baths, you can relax in a comfortable chair or head into the restaurant for a full meal or snack. The restaurant serves a pretty serious menu of tasty Japanese food. I know people who actually travel across town just to eat here! You can also get a massage in one of the adjoining massage rooms.
Restaurant – image © Chris Rowthorn
Visit the Tenzan-no-yu English website to see some great pictures of the baths and other common areas.
Tenzan-no-yu is a bit of a trek from central Kyoto. If you want to go by public transport, a good way is to take the Hankyu Line to Omiya Station and then change to the Keifuku Dentetsu (Randen Line), which is the tram line that heads to Arashiyama. Get off at Arisugawa Station and walk south for about 50m (past a convenience store) to reach Sanjo-dori Street. Take a right and walk about 100 meters and you’ll see it on your left. A taxi from central Kyoto will cost about Y2,000. Tell the drive you want to go to天山の湯.
For information on what to do in a Japanese sento, see our Kyoto’s Best Sentos page.
English address:
Ukyo-ku, Saganomiyanomotocho, 55−4−7
Japanese address:
右京区嵯峨野宮ノ元町55-4
Opening hours:
10am to 1am the following day
last entry: midnight
closed third Monday of every month
Admission:
Y1050 adults
Y500 children
Nearest Transport:
2min walk from Arisugawa Station on the Randen (Keifuku Dentetsu) tram line (which starts at Shijo-Omiya and runs all the way to Arashiyama) or
Y2,000 taxi ride from Downtown Kyoto; tell the taxi drive you want to go to 天山の湯.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Tenzan-no-yu on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 882-4126
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Tenzan-no-yu Onsen is located in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
More Information
- Onsen, Sento, Ofuro, Daiyokujo and Super Sento: What’s the Difference?
- Kyoto’s Best Sentos
- Kyoto’s Best Onsen
- Kinosaki Onsen Guide
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
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
