Uji Tennen Onsen; Genji no Yu
Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- Location
- Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- Water type
- sodium chloride
- Temperature
- 41 °C
- pH
- 7.3
Water profile
Thermicity
Sedative
LowHigh
Relaxing — deep, immediate muscle release.
Mineralisation
Restorative
LowHigh
Loaded with major ions — the essential minerals (Ca, Mg).
Buoyancy
Effortless float
LowHigh
Dense, salty water — you float without effort.
SodiumChloruresBrome
In a traditional Japanese onsen, guests follow a revered bathing ritual. Before entering the baths, visitors typically remove all clothing and wash thoroughly in a designated area to cleanse the body and mind. This serene ritual emphasizes purification and mindfulness. Inside the baths, guests often soak in warm, naturally heated water, reflecting on their inner balance and harmony with nature. Respect for communal bathing spaces is paramount, fostering a sense of tranquility and communal connection.
Insider tip — Named for the Shining Prince Genji — hero of the world's first novel written in Uji by Lady Murasaki Shikibu circa 1010 AD — Genji no Yu pays literary homage in the city where the Tale of Genji's final chapters unfold; after visiting UNESCO World Heritage Byodoin Temple and savoring Uji's extraordinary matcha tea, the natural spring offers contemplative mineral immersion in Japan's most literarily celebrated landscape.
Nearby
Frequently asked questions
How hot is the water?
The water runs quite hot here, around 41 °C — a sedative water that brings immediate muscle release.
What type of water is found here?
This spot features sodium chloride water.
What is the best season to visit?
The most favourable period for this spot is: Toute l'année.