[Honest Review] Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu – Bath Quality, Facilities & What to Know

Uji Natural Hot Spring – Genji-no-Yu

In this article, I will provide an honest review based on my actual experience at Genji-no-Yu, covering both the highlights and the drawbacks, including the quality of the hot spring water, the variety of baths, overall comfort, and important points to be aware of before visiting.

Facility Information

Closed:
Open year-round (no regular holidays, except for maintenance days)

Opening Hours:

• Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
• Weekends & Public Holidays: 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM

Admission Fee:

Adults: ¥1,100

Towel Set Rental:

Towel set: ¥220

Rating: ★★★⯨☆(19 stars total)

• Bath Variety & Quality　 ★★★★★

The natural hot spring, which flows from a depth of 1,111 metres underground, is a chloride spring containing salt minerals similar to those found in seawater. One of its key characteristics is its excellent heat-retaining properties, allowing the body to warm up quickly and stay warm for a long time after bathing.

The outdoor bathing area is exceptionally spacious and includes both shallow and deep sections, making it ideal for long, relaxing soaks. The hot spring water in the open-air bath has a yellowish-brown hue, giving it a distinctly natural appearance that hot spring enthusiasts will truly appreciate.

In addition to the large open-air bath, the facility offers a wide range of bathing options, including Shigaraki pottery tub baths, a cold plunge pool, a carbonated bath, indoor baths, and a sauna, making it a highly recommended destination for those who enjoy variety in their bathing experience.

• Atmosphere & Authenticity　★★★★★

From the moment you step inside, the interior—richly designed with natural wood—creates a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. The facility is quiet and calm, making it an ideal environment for those who want to relax and unwind while enjoying the hot springs.

• Comfort　★★★★★

Both the changing rooms and bathing areas are kept very clean, allowing guests to bathe comfortably and with peace of mind. The hot spring temperature is relatively mild, at around 40°C (104°F), making it comfortable even for international visitors who may be new to Japanese hot springs. In addition, the relaxation area is spacious, providing plenty of room to lie down and unwind after bathing.

• Accessibility for Tourists　 ★★☆☆☆

The location is not very convenient. It takes around 30 minutes by train and on foot from Kyoto Station or Byodoin Phoenix Hall, which makes it less ideal to visit as a casual stop during sightseeing. This limited accessibility can be considered a drawback.

That said, the high quality of the hot spring and the overall level of satisfaction more than make up for the inconvenience. For those who plan to visit, taking a taxi is highly recommended.

Please also note that guests with tattoos are not permitted to use the bathing facilities.

• Scenic Value / Surroundings　★★☆☆☆

While the interior of the facility is very clean and well maintained, the surrounding area consists mainly of residential and commercial zones with heavy traffic, and the scenery cannot be described as particularly attractive. For this reason, it may be best to visit Genji-no-Yu with the hot spring experience itself as your primary purpose.

Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu – FAQ

Q1. Are tattoos allowed at Genji-no-Yu?

No. Guests with tattoos are not permitted to use the bathing facilities, regardless of size.

Q2. Can international visitors use Genji-no-Yu?

Yes, international visitors are welcome.
However, guests are expected to follow basic Japanese hot spring etiquette, such as rinsing the body before entering the baths and not washing inside the tubs. English signage is limited, but the facility is generally easy to use.

Q3. What type of hot spring water does Genji-no-Yu have?

The hot spring is a chloride (salt) spring drawn from 1,111 meters underground.
It is known for its excellent heat-retaining properties, helping the body warm up thoroughly and stay warm after bathing.

Q4. Is there an outdoor bath?

Yes. Genji-no-Yu features a very large outdoor bathing area with both shallow and deep sections.
The water has a yellowish-brown color, giving it a distinctly natural hot spring feel.

Q5. What bathing facilities are available?

The facility offers a wide variety of baths, including:

• Large open-air bath
• Shigaraki pottery tub baths
• Carbonated bath
• Indoor baths
• Cold plunge bath
• Sauna

Q6. Is the water temperature very hot?

No. The baths are kept at a relatively mild temperature, around 38–40°C (100–104°F), making them comfortable even for visitors new to Japanese hot springs.

Q7. How long does it take to get there from Kyoto Station?

It takes about 30 minutes by train and on foot from Kyoto Station.
Because access is not very convenient, taking a taxi is recommended.

Q8. Is it easy to visit during sightseeing in Uji?

Not really. Genji-no-Yu is located away from major tourist spots such as Byodoin Temple, so it is not ideal as a quick stop during sightseeing.
It is best visited with the hot spring itself as the main purpose of the trip.

Q9. Is there a relaxation area?

Yes. The facility has a spacious relaxation area where guests can lie down and rest after bathing.

Q10. Who is Genji-no-Yu best suited for?

Genji-no-Yu is especially recommended for:

• Visitors who value hot spring quality
• Those looking for a calm, relaxing atmosphere
• People who want to experience a hot spring loved by locals rather than a tourist-focused facility

Conclusion

Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu is a highly satisfying hot spring facility that places a strong emphasis on the quality of the bathing experience itself. With mineral-rich hot spring water, a wide variety of well-designed baths, a calm and traditionally Japanese atmosphere, and a clean, comfortable interior, it is especially recommended for true hot spring enthusiasts.

While the location and surrounding scenery may be somewhat inconvenient, the quality of the hot spring and the overall comfort more than make up for these shortcomings. It is a destination well worth visiting, even if it means taking a taxi.

Please note that guests with tattoos are not permitted to use the bathing facilities.