Kurama Onsen Guided Tour: Cultural Bathing Experience & Meal
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Join us for an authentic journey into Japanese bathing culture, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama.
Japanese bathing has a deep history and a refined set of customs.
“What is the proper way to bathe?”
“What etiquette should I follow?”
Our bathing specialist will guide you gently and clearly through everything you need to know.
You will also experience outdoor air-bathing, where you lie down and let the cool mountain air relax both your mind and body. Before entering the baths, you’ll change into a traditional yukata, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring retreat.
Before the bathing session begins, you can also enjoy a recommended matcha drink, a perfect way to start your wellness experience.
After bathing, enjoy a carefully prepared bowl of udon, warming you from within and leaving you relaxed and satisfied.
Soak in warm water surrounded by Kurama’s quiet mountains—deeply soothing for both body and mind.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Looking for a truly authentic Japanese experience beyond the typical tourist spots? Join us for a unique cultural journey into the heart of Japan’s bathing tradition! ・Learn traditional Japanese bathing steps and etiquette We will clearly explain the etiquette and bathing methods, even for first-time visitors. ・Experience Outdoor air-bathing (lying-down cool-air relaxation) After bathing, you can relax by exposing your body to the cool air. ・Change into a yukata for a more authentic atmosphere You can enjoy the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese hot spring inn. ・Enjoy a complimentary matcha drink You can experience Japanese matcha. ・Discover the health benefits of various bathing styles A hot spring expert will teach you. ・Relax in the natural mountain setting of Kurama After the experience, participants are free to leave at their own pace. If you would like to have a meal, we recommend trying the local specialties (meal is not included in the tour price).
Options
Guide tour of Kurama Onsen
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Guide fee
Yukata Rental
matcha tea drink
Towel / Face towel rental
Bathing fee
Meals
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time at Kurama Onsen
paul m,Jun 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I cannot emphasize enough how hospitable and kind our guide was during the onsen experience. My daughter and learned about onsen culture in a truly beautiful mountainous area. Kurama onsen is a treasure. Ask for Atsuki when you book!
Authentic and beautiful experience
kitteridgem,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful experience in a lovely place just north of Kyoto. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable, walking us through the history and social reasoning behind public bathing. The place was clean and lovely (not very old-fashioned feeling, though) and the dinner afterward (at the location) was delicious.
Kumara Onsen Review
patrickmR780UZ,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An excellent hot spring with transportation provided by our guide. Only thing I can say is that I can not recommend this for those who are severely handicapped as there are steep steps to the outdoor baths. Otherwise, a very enjoyable experience.
Very good.
Flyer34921817982,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This onsen experience was a very good memory. There were few tourists, and I was able to relax both physically and mentally in a calm atmosphere.
Best experience
nakagaway2026,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Surrounded by nature, Kurama Onsen was very relaxing, and the guide staff taught me how to take a relaxing bath and prepared a drink of matcha tea. He also explained the history of Japanese bathing culture, which was very interesting. They drove us to and from the hotel, so it was comfortable!
Great way to relax
Adam G,May 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You start with a short ecplenation of dos and don'ts in an onsen. Then you take a relaxing bath with a guide. He was nice enough to drive me back to the hotel. He doesn't speek English well but manages to communicate with a translation device.
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