Onsens in Kyoto
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
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Try Kurama onsen in the hills to the North of Kyoto.
Winter is a good time to sit in a hot bath. Having said that, Spring, Summer, Autumn and the bits in between are also good times to enjoy a hot bath.
Winter is a good time to sit in a hot bath. Having said that, Spring, Summer, Autumn and the bits in between are also good times to enjoy a hot bath.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
Yes, Kurama has a very aesthetic, if not romantic setting for a winter bath interlude. And it's also used a lot by locals so nothing touristy about the whole place.
#4
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 16,934
I didn't make it up there, but Kurama is very well reviewed everywhere. Adding to the pleasure is the cute little train you take up there, and I understand that they meet you at the station with a free shuttle service.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
Btw, part of the Kurama "thing" is to hike to the mountaitop temple first for serenity and views. Then return to the village and take a "rotenburo" outside bath. Quite an experience especially in Winter.
#6
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Irvine, CA
Posts: 15
The Daytrip experience at Kurama looks appealing and reasonable at 4800 yen per person. But, the overnight stay starts at 17850 yen per person! That's nearly $200!!
Are there any other recommendations for onsen? I like the look of Kurama, but I can't afford the overnight stay price.
Thanks!
Are there any other recommendations for onsen? I like the look of Kurama, but I can't afford the overnight stay price.
Thanks!
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,233
The Daytrip experience at Kurama looks appealing and reasonable at 4800 yen per person. But, the overnight stay starts at 17850 yen per person! That's nearly $200!!
Are there any other recommendations for onsen? I like the look of Kurama, but I can't afford the overnight stay price.
Thanks!
Are there any other recommendations for onsen? I like the look of Kurama, but I can't afford the overnight stay price.
Thanks!
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist



Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NRT
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 10,048
If you want a nice, but cheap onsen ryokan, Kyoto is not the place to look.
If you check out some prices in different areas of Japan, you'll see a higher class of inn for the same price (or less) in some regions:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com
From the site above, I found one cheaper onsen that looks like it has nice outdoor baths - about an hour from Kyoto. However, I've never been so I don't know if I'd recommend it.
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d...haranosato.htm
My suggestion for people who don't want to spend so much is to stay at a regular hotel in Kyoto and experience an onsen ryokan in some part of rural Japan.
If you check out some prices in different areas of Japan, you'll see a higher class of inn for the same price (or less) in some regions:
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com
From the site above, I found one cheaper onsen that looks like it has nice outdoor baths - about an hour from Kyoto. However, I've never been so I don't know if I'd recommend it.
http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/d...haranosato.htm
My suggestion for people who don't want to spend so much is to stay at a regular hotel in Kyoto and experience an onsen ryokan in some part of rural Japan.

