Guide Tour Overview
This guided tour offers a deeper experience of Japanese hot spring culture that goes beyond simply visiting famous tourist spots. Surrounded by the rich natural scenery of Kurama, you will discover the values and traditions that Japanese people have cherished for generations.
This experience is not just about soaking in a hot spring. You will learn traditional Japanese bathing etiquette and the cultural meaning behind it, allowing both your body and mind to fully relax. After bathing, you can change into a yukata and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of a traditional hot spring inn. You will also take time for gaikiyoku (outdoor cooling and relaxation), engaging all five senses as you connect with nature and Japanese hot spring culture.
After the tour, we recommend enjoying local specialty dishes to complete your Kurama hot spring experience.
Tour Schedule
- ① Learn the History of Japanese Onsen Culture
Before bathing, your guide will carefully explain the history of Japanese hot spring culture and proper bathing etiquette. By learning about the cultural background of onsen, you will gain a deeper appreciation of their significance, and understanding the correct etiquette will enhance the overall bathing experience. This guidance allows beginners to enjoy the hot springs with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.
- ② Hot spring Bathing Experience
After receiving guidance from your guide, it is time for the actual onsen bathing experience. By practicing the proper bathing methods in a hot spring surrounded by the natural beauty of Kurama, you will feel your body warming from the core and experience deep relaxation of both body and mind.
- ③ Outdoor Cooling and Relaxation
After warming your body in the hot spring, you will enjoy outdoor cooling—a traditional practice of cooling and relaxing outdoors. While lying down or sitting comfortably, you can fully experience the natural surroundings of Kurama, allowing the pleasant aftereffects of bathing and deep relaxation to settle in. Spending this quiet time while listening to the sounds of the mountains and nearby river creates a truly special and memorable moment.
- ④ Resting in the Relaxation Room
After the hot spring bath and outdoor cooling, you will take time to rest in the relaxation room. As the warmth in your body gradually settles, you can fully unwind and relax both physically and mentally. Spending time in this quiet space enhances the overall onsen experience, making it even more comfortable and memorable.
Prices & Additional Details
Price per person: ¥10,000
Maximum number of participants: 5 people
Meeting point: Kurama Onsen
Guide’s Expertise
I hold the nationally recognized qualification of Hot spring Bathing Instructor, a highly specialized certification held by only about 500 people in Japan. Obtaining this qualification requires studying health and wellness from a medical perspective and takes four years to complete. The training is conducted by medical doctors specializing in balneotherapy (hot spring therapy), ensuring that all instruction is based on medically sound bathing practices.
I have over five years of hands-on experience working directly in onsen facilities, providing bathing guidance to guests. Nationwide, there are only around 20 facilities in Japan that offer professional onsen bathing instruction, and each facility has only a small number of instructors. This makes my practical experience and expertise extremely rare.
In addition, I hold multiple onsen-related certifications, including Hot spring Sommelier and Hot spring Tourism Practitioner. By combining scientifically appropriate bathing methods with enjoyable and engaging experiences, I offer a unique program that allows guests to relax, learn, and fully enjoy Japanese hot spring culture in a safe and meaningful way.
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