Uji Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu receives many positive reviews online, but there are also some negative comments.
I have visited Genji-no-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
The quality of the hot spring water was excellent.
This natural hot spring flows from a depth of 1,111 meters underground, and the water has a brown color.
It is a salt-rich spring similar to seawater, known for its excellent heat-retaining properties. The body warms up quickly, and the warmth lasts long after bathing.
Since many hot springs have clear, colorless water, the brown color feels special and adds to the overall sense of satisfaction.
The outdoor bath was spacious, and I was able to relax and unwind in the carbonated bath.
The outdoor bathing area includes both shallow and deep sections, allowing guests to choose according to their preference. There are also plenty of chairs for outdoor relaxation, and the sauna, cold plunge pool, and open-air baths are all located in the same area.
One of the most popular features among visitors is the carbonated bath. With a mild temperature of 38°C (100.4°F), it is comfortable for long soaks and helps both the body and mind fully relax.
The restaurant inside the facility was very good.
This hot spring facility places a strong emphasis on food, offering a wide and varied menu.
I especially recommend the kakuni (Japanese braised pork belly). Kakuni is slowly simmered for many hours in a sweet soy-based sauce, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Negative reviews
The relaxation area was not very comfortable.
Some reviews mention that it was difficult to take a nap in the relaxation area due to the number of children and students. It’s true that the rest area can become crowded at busy times, and students may be chatting. However, there is space to lie down, so it is still possible to relax.
You may occasionally hear snoring, as some guests do sleep in the relaxation area.
Also, note that the relaxation room is located on the second floor, so some visitors may not notice it at first.
Some regular customers are very strict about manners.
It seems that some middle-aged and older groups of women, in particular, can be quite strict about bathing manners, so female visitors should be aware of this. However, as long as you follow basic onsen etiquette, you are unlikely to be criticized.
Be sure to learn the proper bathing manners in advance before entering the hot spring.
Please refer to this article for guidance.
During busy times, the hot spring can feel crowded and cramped.
Female visitors, in particular, make up a large portion of the guests, so the facility tends to get crowded in the early evening on weekends. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on weekdays or go in the morning or around midday.
Finally
Genji-no-Yu is one of my favorite hot springs in Kyoto. While there are some negative opinions, the positive aspects far outweigh them.
It will undoubtedly become one of the most memorable experiences of your trip to Japan, so I highly recommend giving it a visit.
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