Takao Onsen Hikari no Yu Honest Review | Ideal Onsen After Visiting Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya

About Takao Onsen Hikari no Yu

It is a day-use hot spring facility located near the sea in northern Kyoto Prefecture, making it an easy stop after sightseeing in Amanohashidate or visiting the Ine Boathouses.

I personally use this onsen whenever I go fishing around Amanohashidate or the nearby coastal areas, so in this review, I will honestly share both the good points and the drawbacks from a regular user’s perspective.

Facility Information

Address　View on Google Maps here

• Admission Fee: 900 yen
• Onsen Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Closed: Thursdays (open on national holidays)
• Restaurant Hours: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (open on weekends and holidays only)

Rating: ★★★⯨☆ (17 stars total)

Bath Variety & Quality　★★★★☆

The open-air bath is spacious and offers a great sense of openness. The stone-built tub is clean and well maintained, adding to the overall feeling of comfort. The hot spring water leaves your skin feeling smooth and is known for its beauty benefits, making this an onsen I always visit whenever I travel to northern Kyoto.

There is also a large outdoor relaxation area, along with a cold bath and a sauna, making it a great choice for sauna lovers as well.

If you visit the Ine Boathouses by rental car, the long drive and travel can be tiring, but a soak in this hot spring will help melt away the fatigue and leave you feeling refreshed.

Atmosphere & Authenticity　★★★☆☆

It feels like a bathing facility mainly used by local residents, and the interior is not especially stylish or carefully designed. However, unlike urban hot springs, I personally enjoy the relaxed, rural atmosphere that you can only find in the countryside.

The sense of openness and the atmosphere of the outdoor bath will definitely enhance your overall travel experience and leave you more satisfied with your trip.

Comfort　★★★★☆

There is a relaxation area inside the facility where you can lie down, making it an ideal place to recover from the fatigue of driving or long travel.

The parking lot is spacious and easy to use, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.

Please note that the restaurant is only open during lunchtime on weekends and holidays.

One downside is that guests with tattoos are not allowed to use the baths.

Accessibility for Tourists　★★★☆☆

For travelers visiting places such as the Ine Boathouses, this hot spring is very conveniently located along the route back to central Kyoto, making it an easy stop on the way home. There is a highway entrance nearby, allowing you to return to central Kyoto in about one hour.

However, if you are not planning to visit Ine or Amanohashidate by rental car, this onsen is not recommended, as access without a car is not very convenient.

Scenic Value / Surroundings　★★★☆☆

Although the sea is very close to the facility, it cannot be seen from the open-air bath.

That said, there are many attractive destinations within driving distance, such as Amanohashidate and the Ine Boathouses, so I recommend stopping by this hot spring on your way back after sightseeing.

FAQ

Q1. Is Takao Onsen Hikari no Yu in Kyoto a natural hot spring?

A.　Yes, it is a natural hot spring.

Q2. Is day-use bathing available?

A.　Yes, it is available for day-use only.

Q3. Is there an outdoor bath?

A.　Yes, there is an open-air bath.

Q4. Are there a sauna and a cold plunge bath?

A.　Yes, there is.

Q5. Are guests with tattoos allowed to bathe?

A.　No. Guests with tattoos are not allowed to bathe.

Q6. Can tourists and foreign visitors use the facility?

A.　Of course, you can use it.

Q7. Are towels and amenities provided?

A.　Towels are not included in the admission fee and require an additional rental fee.

Body soap and shampoo are provided in the bathing area and are free to use.

Q8. Who is this place recommended for?

Q9. Who might not find this place suitable?