Kyoto is home to many public bathhouses, but there is one place that makes visitors say, “You can enjoy this much for the price of a regular public bath?” That place is Gokoyu.
At first glance, it looks like a traditional neighborhood sento, but its wide variety of baths and well-equipped facilities rival even large hot spring complexes in some aspects. Despite this, the admission fee remains very affordable, making it an excellent value for money.
Gokoyu also features a small refreshment corner, which is perfect for couples or spouses meeting up, as well as for relaxing after a bath.
In this article, we will introduce the charms of Gokoyu in a clear and easy-to-understand way, especially for first-time visitors.
Feature ①: Special Mineral Stones at Gokoyu
The greatest attraction of Gokoyu is the use of Bad Gastein Radon-222 mineral stones (radium stones) from Austria, which are placed directly into the bathwater.
Bad Gastein stones are natural mineral stones mined from a famous spa resort in Austria that is well known for its radon therapy. These stones are considered among the world’s top mineral stones in terms of emitting low-dose radium radiation. In Europe, they have long been recognized as well-known therapeutic stones, and they are believed to offer various health benefits.
Radon-222 has a half-life of approximately 3.8 days, while Radon-220 lasts only 55 seconds, meaning their duration of effectiveness is completely different. In other words, Radon-222 maintains its effects for a much longer time, allowing the benefits of radon to last more consistently.
The effects of Bad Gastein mineral stones are said to be beneficial for conditions such as chronic rheumatism, lower back pain, neuralgia, arthritis, and asthma. These wide-ranging benefits are believed to come from the radiation hormesis effect, a phenomenon in which low-dose radiation is thought to stimulate the body’s natural healing responses.
Feature ②: Sauna at Gokoyu
Gokoyu has two types of saunas—a low-temperature sauna and a high-temperature sauna—as well as two cold-water baths, all located on the second floor.
The low-temperature sauna is equipped with a television, allowing guests to relax while watching their favorite programs inside the sauna.
You can choose the sauna temperature that suits your preference, and after the sauna, the cold-water bath feels incredibly refreshing and invigorating.
This combination of sauna and cold plunge is an irresistible attraction for sauna lovers.
Feature ③: Stone Sauna
The stone sauna at Gokoyu is an extremely rare facility in Japan, using therapeutic mineral stones known as Hokutolite.
Very few places in the country offer stone sauna with these medicinal stones.
This facility was created with the hope of promoting deep, core-level health by healing the body in three ways—drinking, inhaling, and warming.
By gently warming the body and encouraging profuse sweating, the stone sauna helps cleanse the body from the inside out and supports overall well-being.
- Hokuto lite
The Hokuto lite used in Gokoyu’s stone sauna was discovered at Beitou Hot Spring in Taiwan.
The name Hokuto lite comes from Beitou Hot Spring, where this rare mineral stone was first found.
Hokuto lite is an extremely rare mineral, discovered only in two locations worldwide: Beitou Hot Spring in Taiwan and Tamagawa Hot Spring in Akita Prefecture, Japan.
For more than 100 years, Hokutolite has been regarded as a therapeutic stone believed to be effective for various illnesses. It has even been featured in the mass media as a “miracle stone” said to help treat cancer.
- Benefits of Stone Sauna
To experience health benefits, it is important to bathe consistently rather than just once.
Ganbanyoku (stone sauna) uses far-infrared radiation, which gently warms not only the surface of the body but also the interior, including internal organs and muscles. By warming the internal organs, ganbanyoku is believed to help improve metabolic function.
Gokoyu’s ganbanyoku is not a medical treatment facility, and bathing here does not mean that illnesses will be cured. In addition, the degree to which people feel improvements in their physical condition varies from person to person.
For those hoping to improve their overall constitution, it is recommended to bathe at regular intervals over a certain period of time. Ideally, bathing two to three times per week for at least one month is suggested.
The room temperature is set at a relatively mild level of around 40°C (104°F). This allows guests to stay for longer periods without placing excessive strain on the body. It also takes advantage of the fact that the body’s immune system is said to be most active at around 38°C (100.4°F).
Hokuto lite emits extremely small amounts of radioactive elements, including radium. Even in very low doses, radium releases radon radiation. When this radon reaches cells deep within the body, it is believed to produce the following effects.
- Activates the immune system and strengthens the body’s natural resistance
- Increases the production of various hormones and enzymes essential for maintaining good health
- Promotes the regeneration of damaged cells
- Stress relief and recovery from stiff shoulders, lower back pain, and chronic fatigue
- Beauty and rejuvenation benefits through the elimination of waste products (such as heavy metals) from the body
- Relief of symptoms related to joint pain, rheumatism, asthma, and atopic dermatitis
- Support for injury recovery and post-illness physical rehabilitation
- Weight management and beauty benefits
How to Use
As this service is by reservation only, please gather at the designated location five minutes before the start time.
Before entering the stone sauna, please wash your body thoroughly to ensure cleanliness and warm your body in advance. To help your body absorb the minerals more effectively, it is recommended to soak slowly in the bath beforehand to open your pores.
When using the stone sauna, place a bath towel on the stone bed and another towel on the pillow, then lie on your back and relax.
The usage time is 50 minutes. Please adjust the duration according to your physical condition and comfort level.
① Begin by lying on your back
② Lie on your side (both left and right sides)
③ Lie face down
④ Finish by lying on your back
Please rest quietly and relax so as not to disturb other guests.
For proper hydration, please take a break once every 15 minutes.
If you feel unwell at any time, please leave the room immediately.
After use, drink plenty of fluids and allow your body to rest without cooling it down too quickly. This will help enhance the benefits of the stone sauna.
Stone sauna Fee
¥750
(A separate bath admission fee of ¥550 is required.)
Stone sauna Reception Hours
- Weekdays: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sundays: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Public Holidays: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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