Kurama Onsen Guided Tour: Cultural Bathing Experience & Meal
Description
Join us for an authentic journey into Japanese bathing culture, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama. Japanese bathing has a deep history and a refined set of customs. “What is the proper way to bathe?” “What etiquette should I follow?” Our bathing specialist will guide you gently and clearly through everything you need to know. You will also experience outdoor air-bathing, where you lie down and let the cool mountain air relax both your mind and body. Before entering the baths, you’ll change into a traditional yukata, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring retreat. Before the bathing session begins, you can also enjoy a recommended matcha drink, a perfect way to start your wellness experience. After bathing, enjoy a carefully prepared bowl of udon, warming you from within and leaving you relaxed and satisfied. Soak in warm water surrounded by Kurama’s quiet mountains—deeply soothing for both body and mind.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(6)
I cannot emphasize enough how hospitable and kind our guide was during the onsen experience. My daughter and learned about onsen culture in a truly beautiful mountainous area. Kurama onsen is a treasure. Ask for Atsuki when you book!
A beautiful experience in a lovely place just north of Kyoto. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, walking us through the history and social reasoning behind public bathing. The place was clean and lovely (not very old-fashioned feeling, though) and the dinner afterward (at the location) was delicious.
An excellent hot spring with transportation provided by our guide. Only thing I can say is that I can not recommend this for those who are severely handicapped as there are steep steps to the outdoor baths. Otherwise, a very enjoyable experience.
This onsen experience was a very good memory. There were few tourists, and I was able to relax both physically and mentally in a calm atmosphere.
Surrounded by nature, Kurama Onsen was very relaxing, and the guide staff taught me how to take a relaxing bath and prepared a drink of matcha tea. He also explained the history of Japanese bathing culture, which was very interesting. They drove us to and from the hotel, so it was comfortable!
You start with a short ecplenation of dos and don'ts in an onsen. Then you take a relaxing bath with a guide. He was nice enough to drive me back to the hotel. He doesn't speek English well but manages to communicate with a translation device.
Thank you very much for your kind review. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the onsen experience and felt relaxed during the bath. I’m still studying English, so thank you for being patient with me. I always do my best to communicate clearly, and I’m happy the translation device helped us understand each other. It was my pleasure to guide you—and to drive you back to your hotel safely. I hope you’ll visit Kyoto again and enjoy many more onsen and sento experiences!
