Goko-yu receives many positive reviews online, but there are also some negative comments.
I have visited Goko-yu many times, so in this article, I will summarize both the positive and negative opinions found in online reviews and give an honest assessment of whether they are truly accurate.
Positive Reviews
It is one of the top three public bathhouses in Kyoto.
Among Japanese locals, Gokō-yu is highly regarded and widely loved as a sento. For just ¥550 per person, you can enjoy both a spacious sauna and multiple baths, making it an outstanding value for money.
The most distinctive feature of this bathhouse is the use of radon stones placed in the tubs, which are said to provide effects similar to a radon hot spring. Radon stones emit very small amounts of natural radiation, and bathing in this environment is traditionally believed to offer various health benefits.
In addition, the facilities are very well equipped: the first floor includes a relaxation lounge and food area, while the bathing area features a wide variety of baths as well as a large sauna, making Gokō-yu a fully equipped and highly satisfying public bath experience.
It is conveniently located near Kyoto Station, with a bus stop close by.
It has excellent access from Kyoto Station and is very easy to visit.
If you are staying near Kyoto Station, I recommend visiting Gokō-yu in the evening or at night.
Radium hot springs are rare.
Strictly speaking, Gokō-yu is not officially classified as an onsen. However, the definition of an onsen in Japan is not strictly logical and is somewhat ambiguous, so it is fair to say that Gokō-yu offers an experience very similar to an onsen.
If you are interested, you may want to look into how onsen are defined in Japan.
The sauna is excellent.
The sauna facilities are excellent, with both high- and low-temperature saunas, allowing guests to choose according to their preferences and physical condition. Gokō-yu is well known among locals for its high-quality sauna facilities, and it attracts many sauna enthusiasts.
It’s nice that they offer light meals.
Gokō-yu is the only sento in Kyoto where you can purchase light meals. The snack corner can also be used as a relaxation and rest area.
Negative reviews
The stairs inside the bathing area are inconvenient.
The bathing areas are located on both the first and second floors, and you need to use the stairs to reach the second floor. The stairs have non-slip surfaces, but there are quite a few steps, so please be careful to avoid injury.
The facilities are old.
While the facilities are indeed old, they are so well equipped that it doesn’t really bother most visitors.
However, Gokō-yu is not recommended for those who prefer modern bath facilities.
I injured myself on the step of the jet bath.
Some of the baths are quite deep, and if you enter without noticing the depth, you may lose your balance and risk injury. Please check the depth of each bath before entering and bathe with care.
Finally
When reading reviews, please note that older reviews may list outdated prices, as admission fees are often increased over time. Be sure to check the sento’s official website for the latest pricing.
(As of January 2026, the admission fee is 550 yen per person.)
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