壬生温泉 はなの湯

Look, if you’re in Kyoto and want to hit reset on your cortisol-soaked body, this place will get it done. Checked in around 6 PM when it was busier than a WeWork IPO meeting, but the crowd thinned out fast. Here’s the play-by-play: ✅ Shoes off at the door. Lockers to the left – no coins needed. ✅ Bath pass was 840 yen. That’s about what you’d pay for a latte in Manhattan, except here you leave feeling like an actual functioning human. ✅ Bring your own towel (I grabbed mine from the hotel). You’ll want a small towel for walking around the baths. If you forgot, rent one. Pro tip: the small towel goes on your head in the tubs so you don’t look like a clueless tourist. ✅ Wash up thoroughly after you strip down. The locals are meticulous – respect the culture. ✅ Lockers in the changing room are also free = efficiency porn in action. ✅ Rinse off after each tub using the little buckets. Everyone does it. Be everyone. ✅ Sauna has these bright orange ass pads. Use them or you’re just sitting in other people’s sweat. ✅ I stayed for 90 minutes. Left feeling like I could do a TED Talk on resilience and then deadlift a small car. Inside, the facilities are clean, easy to navigate, and no-nonsense. The relaxation room after was full of people sprawled out in a post-bath coma, which is exactly where I found myself, draped over a floor cushion wondering why I don’t do this every week. For less than the cost of a bad whisky at an airport bar, you’ll walk out reborn. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and your body is screaming for mercy.

After a day in Kyoto, we planned to end our trip with sento which is quite decent, complex fill with well arranging facilities, plus restaurant and parking free for 6 hours. Amazing! There are hot pools with super nice 2 pools with Jacucci and outdoor pool as well.

Very friendly to foreigners, don't need to buy soap or shampoo (bring a towel). Multiple tubs (herbal soak, massage jets, cold plunge, outdoor rock bath), and two saunas (regular and salt)! Most relaxing bath experience of my life, there's even snacks you can buy and a vending machine with flavored milk.

We were on the look out for an onsen and found this place with a quick google maps search. Few things to remember when visiting: - no swimwear - no need to bring your own towel, you can rent small and big towel from the reception. - cash only - orange small towels are to be used when sitting in sauna - wash yourself frequently after and before sauna - hairdryers available in dressing room We had a great relaxing experience. The facilities were clean and large, with many saunas and pools available. Genders were separated to their own facilities. We had some lunch after the visit, also paying only with cash. The food was affordable and delicious! We would strongly recommend this place to experience an authentic and traditional onsen. Staff were also helpfull with translating things!

If you're planning a trip to Kyoto and looking for a truly authentic Japanese experience, I highly recommend visiting this bathhouse, which was easily the highlight of our trip. Located within walking distance, it provided the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural immersion. From the moment we arrived, the experience felt like a mini-adventure. We were welcomed into the bathhouse with a series of straightforward yet essential rules that set the tone for a respectful and rejuvenating visit. It’s important to note that the rules are strictly enforced, so it’s worth paying attention to them to avoid any embarrassing moments. For example, before entering the spa, you must remove your outdoor shoes and store them in a locker to the right of the front door. This creates a clean and peaceful environment inside. Once you’re inside, head over to the vending machine to purchase your entry ticket as well as any additional services, such as a soothing massage. I’d strongly recommend getting a massage—seriously, it was one of the highlights of our visit! After securing your ticket, you head upstairs to the changing area, where the next set of important rules comes into play. The most significant rule is the requirement to wash thoroughly before entering the spa area. This includes both your body and your hair, and it's non-negotiable. It’s crucial to respect this custom, not only to maintain cleanliness but also to honor the tradition of Japanese bathing culture. Once you're clean, you can head to the different pools and saunas, but remember: no swimsuits allowed! Yes, you have to be naked, but this is a typical and relaxing part of the experience. Keep in mind that your hair must be pulled up and kept out of the water to maintain cleanliness. This bathhouse is not just about the physical relaxation but also the mental mindfulness it encourages. The dry sauna was also a standout feature. Make sure to use the mats provided when sitting inside, and always rinse off before entering a new sauna or pool. It's common to bring your own shower shoes and towels, though they do provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. After your sauna or bath experience, it’s customary to rinse off your body again to keep everything fresh. What really made the experience enjoyable was the atmosphere—quiet, respectful, and calming. You’re asked to refrain from talking loudly, using lotions or oils in the water, or disrupting others’ peace. It’s a place where people come to relax and recharge, and it’s important to respect that shared serenity. As for the amenities, the food was a delightful surprise. The hot food options were comforting, and the ice cream and natural yogurt were perfect after a long soak. The vending machines only accept cash or coins, so make sure to bring some yen with you. It’s a small inconvenience, but the quality of the experience more than makes up for it. Overall, this bathhouse provided a wonderfully relaxing and culturally enriching experience. As long as you follow the rules and remain mindful of others, you’re sure to have an unforgettable visit. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or you’re a seasoned traveler, this bathhouse will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed, and truly immersed in Kyoto's unique bathing culture.