About Kyoto Rurikei Onsen
It is a leisure and spa resort located on a nature-rich highland in Kyoto Prefecture. Following a large-scale renovation in April 2025, Kyoto Rurikei Onsen was reborn with a wide range of facilities, including natural hot springs, mixed-gender bathing areas that can be enjoyed in swimwear, heated pools, and stone sauna (ganbanyoku) experiences.
Based on my personal experience visiting Rurikei Onsen, I will honestly review its strengths and weaknesses.
Facility Information
Address View on Google Maps here
Day-Use Onsen (with Pool & Swimwear Onsen Area)
Weekdays: ¥800
Weekends & Holidays: ¥950
Stone Sauna Area (Ganbanyoku & Relaxation Lounge)
Weekdays: ¥800
Weekends & Holidays: ¥1,000
Rating: ★★★⯨☆(17 stars total)
Bath Variety & Quality ★★★★★
The variety and quality of the baths are among the best in the Kansai region. In addition to large indoor baths, open-air baths, rock baths, reclining baths, and jet baths, the facility also offers a swimwear-required spa area and sauna facilities, making it almost like a “hot spring theme park.” Considering the size and the range of facilities, it receives top marks for families or anyone who wants to spend a full day enjoying the hot springs.
For foreign visitors who may feel uncomfortable bathing naked, the swimwear areas make it very accessible and easy to enjoy.
Atmosphere & Authenticity ★★★☆☆
The open-air baths don’t offer sweeping views, but the natural surroundings make the location appealing. In April 2025, the older facility underwent a full renovation, keeping its strengths while improving its weaknesses, maximizing the charm and atmosphere of the hot spring experience.
However, because the swimwear areas attract many families with children, the baths can be lively. Visitors looking for a quiet, serene onsen experience or hoping to fully immerse themselves in nature might find it a bit underwhelming. On the other hand, it creates a very accessible and welcoming environment for first-time onsen users or those who want to enjoy a more casual hot spring experience.
Comfort ★★★★☆
The free relaxation area is quite small, so it’s better to book a plan with the stone sauna and paid relaxation room for an additional fee. The paid relaxation room allows you to lie down and fully unwind, offering a much more comfortable experience. The facility is well-maintained and clean, making it easy to spend long hours without feeling stressed.
However, on weekends and holidays, the baths are often crowded with families with children, which can make it feel less peaceful. Additionally, the restaurant becomes extremely busy at lunchtime, and there’s a chance you may not even get a seat. For these reasons, visiting Rurikei Onsen on weekends or holidays is not recommended.
Accessibility for Tourists ★☆☆☆☆
This is the biggest drawback: the resort is located far from central Kyoto, making access by public transportation difficult. It’s not realistic for travelers to drop by casually between sightseeing, so visiting typically requires a rental car.
Despite the poor access, the resort offers a wide range of attractions beyond the hot springs, including restaurants, a pool, play areas for children, and outdoor nature activities, making it appealing enough to outweigh the inconvenience. The pool is designed more for children to play freely than for swimming laps, which makes it especially popular with families.
Scenic Value / Surroundings ★★★★☆
The natural environment, surrounded by satoyama (traditional Japanese countryside), is very attractive, and visitors can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons. With hiking trails available, it’s an ideal location for those who love hiking and spending time in nature.
While the open-air baths don’t offer sweeping views of the surroundings, the atmosphere allows you to feel fully immersed in the great outdoors.
FAQ
Q1. Is day-use bathing available?
A. Yes, both day-use and overnight stays are available.
Q2. Is the hot spring truly a natural hot spring?
A. Yes, it is a natural hot spring.
Q3.Is there an open-air bath?
A. Yes, there is a spacious open-air bath. Since it has a swimwear area, families can enjoy it together.
Q4. Can guests with tattoos use the hot spring?
A. No, it is not allowed.
Q5. Are towels and amenities provided in the hot spring?
A. Rental towels are available for a fee. Body soap and shampoo are provided in each of the separate men’s and women’s baths.
Q6. Are there a sauna and a cold plunge bath?
A. Yes, there are multiple saunas, so you can enjoy them without feeling crowded.
The open-air baths are spacious, and the outdoor relaxation areas allow for a leisurely experience, which is another great feature.
Q7. Can tourists and foreign visitors use the facility?
A. Of course, you can use it.
Q8. Who is this place recommended for?
A. People using a rental car
Families with young children
Those who enjoy hiking
Anyone who wants to relax at the hot springs for a full day
Q9. Who might not find this place suitable?
A. People planning to visit on weekends (weekdays are better due to crowds)
Those relying on trains or buses for transportation
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