Kurama Onsen
Kurama, Kyoto, Japan
- Location
- Kurama, Kyoto, Japan
- Water type
- bicarbonate, thermal
- Temperature
- 42 °C
- pH
- 8
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Standard buoyancy
LowHigh
Soft water — natural, classic buoyancy.
BicarbonatesSodiumCalcium
Kurama Onsen is located in the mountain hamlet of Kurama, north of Kyoto, known for its temple and hiking trails. Its alkaline bicarbonate thermal water (pH 8) is kept at 42°C; the facility offers an indoor bath, an outdoor rotenburo overlooking the forest, and a sauna.
Insider tip — Kurama Onsen is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric mountain retreats — tucked in the cedar-forested valley where the legendary swordsman Minamoto no Yoshitsune allegedly trained with tengu mountain spirits as a boy, and where Kurama-dera temple was founded in 770 AD. The outdoor baths are surrounded by ancient cedar trees in a narrow gorge, with mountain streams audible from the stone tubs. The Kibune Jinja shrine upstream hosts the magical summer kawadoko (riverside dining platforms) from June to September. A Kyoto experience utterly removed from the gilded pavilion crowds below.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 42 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features bicarbonate & thermal water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.