My name is Atsuki, and I am a guide at Funaoka Onsen in Kyoto.
Today, I’d like to introduce the guided experience that I offer.
If you book through TripAdvisor, the price is 6,500 yen per person, but if you contact me directly, I can guide you for 5,500 yen per person.
Here is the TripAdvisor page: ↓
f you would like to make a reservation, please send me a message on WhatsApp. My WhatsApp number is +81 80-9757-6751. Please let me know your name, number of participants, and your preferred date and time.
Guide tour of Japanese bathing culture at Funaoka Onsen
- Overview
Looking for a truly authentic Japanese experience beyond the typical tourist spots? Join us for a unique cultural journey into the heart of Japan’s bathing tradition!
Just like the tea ceremony, bathing in Japan is a deeply rooted cultural ritual. But how do you bathe the Japanese way? What are the dos and don’ts? Our bathing specialists will guide you through the fascinating etiquette and health benefits of Japanese baths—and then you’ll get to try it for yourself!
What to Expect:
Start at a one-of-a-kind cafe—a cozy space that was once a public bathhouse ! Here, you’ll learn the history and meaning behind Japanese bathing culture, complete with a take-home guide to proper bathing techniques.
Then soak like a local at the legendary Funaoka Onsen, a beautifully preserved bathhouse loved by Kyoto residents for generations.
✨ Why Join?
A chance to experience Japanese culture with all five senses.
Great for travelers interested in wellness, mindfulness, and local traditions.
What’s Included
- Guide fee
- Rental bath towels and towels
- Rental spa bags and body soap etc.
- drink fee （Orange juice or apple juice or grapefruit juice）
- Bathing fee
Meeting and Pickup
Funaoka Onsen
82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokachō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225, Japan
Itinerary
- Sarasa Nishijin
This cafe was renovated from a public bathhouse and is one you can only experience here. While sipping a drink, you will learn about the history of Japanese public baths and how to bathe.
15 minutes Admission Ticket Included
- Funaoka Onsen
Before taking a bath, we will use materials to lecture on unique bathing methods. After the lecture, please try the bathing method yourself.
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- I am an independent guide and am not an employee of Funaoka Onsen and Sarasa Nishijin.
- The guide is a local Japanese and is not very good at English.
- Individuals with contraindications for public bathing (e.g., severe heart or lung diseases, recent gastrointestinal bleeding, advanced malignant tumors, or severe anemia)
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Reviews
From TripAdvisor reviews
★★★★★
Very informative on an… (Hatem_A, Dec 2025)
Very informative on an aspect of Japanese history and culture. This particular Onsen has an interesting history of how it came to be and how the founders competed with traditional geothermal Onsen. Important to know the it requires nude bathing but is segregated by gender, so may not be for everyone and couples will be separated.
★★★★★
Learning about the… (Seretha_C, Oct 2025)
Learning about the history of onsens in Japan as well as the best practices for visitors was super helpful for my first visit especially since I was travelling alone. My guide gave me an overview of the history and let me know how well known Funaoka Onsen is. Such a great guide of the bath house experience in Kyoto.
Actual photos from my guided tours
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