Kyoto is renowned for its historic temples, serene gardens, and vibrant geisha districts.
But did you know that just beyond the city center, you can experience private onsen retreats combining Japan’s cultural heart with deeply relaxing hot springs?
Areas like Arashiyama, Uji, and Lake Biwa (Otsu) offer hidden gems perfect for a rejuvenating stay.
Onsen in Kyoto’s Cultural Heart
While Kyoto city itself isn’t known for abundant natural hot springs, the surrounding regions provide excellent private onsen options. Arashiyama, with its famous bamboo groves; Uji, famed for green tea; and Lake Biwa (Otsu), Japan’s largest lake, all offer luxurious ryokan with private baths.
Pairing a day of temple-hopping and cultural immersion with a soak in a private onsen is one of the most memorable ways to enjoy Kyoto.
Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kyoto)
Set along the picturesque Hozu River at the foot of Arashiyama, Suiran offers a refined blend of traditional Japanese ryokan atmosphere and upscale modern comforts.
With just 39 rooms—including suites with private open-air baths—it delivers an intimate, serene retreat that perfectly harmonizes with its natural surroundings. A peaceful escape ideal for travelers seeking luxury, privacy, and authentic cultural ambiance.
Basic Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 12 Susukinobaba-cho, Saga-Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan |
| Access | Approx. 15 min walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station; short walk to Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge |
| Price | Luxury category (5-star) |
| Check-in/Check-out | Around 15:00 / by 11:00 |
| View on Google Maps | Search “Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto” |
Rooms & Facilities
- Private Bath: Many rooms (especially suites) feature private semi-open-air onsen-style baths on balconies overlooking the river or hills.
- Public Baths: Two open-air mineral hot springs (“Raku” and “An”) available to all guests, plus a private outdoor bath in a communal space.
- Room Style: Traditional tatami flooring, shoji screens, wooden accents, sleek Western furnishings, luxurious bathrooms stocked with premium amenities.
- Amenities: Free high-speed Wi-Fi; flat-screen TVs; refrigerators and tea/coffee makers; electronic bidets; marble sinks; workspaces; balconies or lanais.
- Wellness & Services: Full-service spa with massage, aromatherapy, facials, body wraps, fitness center; in-room and communal onsen; spa open 6 AM–11 PM; 24-hour front desk; luggage storage; gift shop.
- Dining: On-site restaurant “KyoSuiran” and café “Hassui” offer Japanese and international cuisine; room service available.
Guest Reviews Summary
Based on Trip.com reviews, the accommodation has an excellent score of 9.3 out of 10.
Guests highlight the elegance of traditional-Western fusion, soothing private baths, and scenic views.
Private and public onsen praised for beauty, healing atmosphere, and seamless functionality with temperature control.
The accommodation offers excellent service with friendly, attentive, and polite staff. The front desk staff communicates effectively and ensures guests feel welcome.
The accommodation’s location in Arashiyama offers convenient access to various attractions, restaurants, and shops. It is situated near Katsura River and provides a unique Kyoto experience.
Guests enjoyed the breakfast, praising its quality and variety, including delicious Japanese options and elegant morning and evening meals.
The accommodation consistently receives praise for its cleanliness, with guests noting the rooms, bathrooms, and overall environment to be very clean and well-maintained.
Nearby Attractions
- Tenryu-ji Temple – ~3 min walk
- Togetsukyo Bridge – ~7 min walk
- Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – ~7 min walk
- Monkey Park Iwatayama – ~14 min walk
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The Thousand Kyoto (Kyoto Station Area)
The Thousand Kyoto is a stylish and modern 5-star hotel that opened in January 2019. Located just a 2-minute walk east of JR Kyoto Station, it offers a minimalist, Zen-inspired design paired with modern comforts.
With spacious rooms, multiple on-site restaurants, spa and fitness facilities, and consistently high guest ratings, it’s an ideal choice for travelers seeking luxury and convenience near a major transport hub.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | Higashi Shiokoji-cho 570, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216, Japan |
| Access | ~2 minutes’ walk from JR Kyoto Station Central Exit |
| Price | Typically around ¥40,000 per night (e.g. May 2024) |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 15:00 / 12:00 noon |
| View on Google Maps | (Link via official site) |
Rooms & Facilities
Private Bath Details
Rooms feature modern bathrooms with separate showers and tubs; some suites include spa bathtubs and garden views .
Facilities
- Spa bath, bedrock bath, and (male-only) dry sauna
- Fitness center, full-body and foot massages
- Three on-site dining venues:
- SCALAE (Italian)
- KIZAHASHI (Japanese)
- TEA & BAR lounge
- 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, room service, bicycle rental, parking (¥2,000/day)
Guest Reviews Summary
Based on Trip.com reviews, the accommodation has an excellent score of 9.7 out of 10.
Guests appreciated the spaciousness and comfort of the rooms, including the beds and overall design. The high water pressure added to the positive experience.
The accommodation offers a well-equipped gym, spa/onsen, modern Japanese theme, luxurious rooms with beautiful spa-themed bathrooms, spacious facilities, great showers, and a new, clean lobby.
The accommodation’s service is excellent, with friendly and attentive staff who provide remarkable assistance to guests.
The accommodation’s location is highly convenient, being very close to Kyoto Station and offering easy access to various tourist attractions and transportation options.
Guests enjoyed the variety of breakfast options, including Japanese kaiseki-style and western/intercontinental selections. The Japanese breakfast set in particular was praised for its deliciousness.
Guests consistently praised the accommodation for its exceptional cleanliness, with comments highlighting the spaciousness and modernity of the rooms.
Nearby Attractions
Just steps from Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower. Within easy reach are transportation links to Nara, Uji, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The hotel is also close to:
- Kyoto National Museum (~1.1 km)
- Nishi Hongan-ji (~1.1 km)
- Ponto-chō, Nishiki Market, and Nijo Castle within a short distance .
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Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei (Downtown Kyoto)
Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei is a recent (2022) modern onsen-style ryokan blending luxury and traditional Japanese hospitality in the heart of Kyoto. With 102 stylish rooms—many featuring private open-air hot spring baths—plus a rooftop terrace offering panoramic river and mountain views, it delivers an exceptional, serene retreat ideal for travelers seeking a rejuvenating cultural experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-324 Inaricho, Kawaramachidori Shijosagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8022 |
| Access | 1 minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line); 4 minutes from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line) |
| Price | Varies seasonally; typical rates range from ¥45,000–¥95,000 per night |
| Check-in/Check-out | 14:00–23:30 / Until 11:00 AM |
| View on Google Maps | Google Maps |
Rooms & Facilities
Private Bath Details
Each room includes a private natural hot spring open-air bath, often with beautiful views of the Kamogawa River or Higashiyama mountains.
Facilities
- Rooftop Sora Niwa Terrace with panoramic footbath, bar lounge with welcome drinks, and evening torch-lit ambiance
- Rooftop Tenkuu open-air bath offering skyline views
- Premium guest lounge with complimentary coffee, tea, matcha, and soft-serve ice cream
- Morning “Koto no Tamatebako” kaiseki-style bento breakfast on the terrace
- Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, ven＄ding machines, concierge, and daily housekeeping
Guest Reviews Summary
Based on Trip.com reviews, the accommodation has an excellent score of 9.7 out of 10.
Guests appreciated the comfortable and spacious rooms, private baths, and high-quality bedding, including silk quilts and pajamas, providing a pleasant and relaxing stay.
The accommodation offers well-equipped rooms with private hot springs, independent balconies, and exclusive amenities such as private elevators and indoor hot springs, providing a comfortable stay.
The accommodation offers excellent and attentive service with polite and helpful staff. Guests appreciate the thoughtful introductions, delicious snacks, and multilingual assistance available.
Conveniently situated near Takashimaya, with easy access to nearby railway stations, major department stores, cafes, and restaurants. Also close to the subway station and Shijo Kamo River area.
Guests consistently praised the cleanliness of the rooms and the overall tidiness of the accommodation, with many highlighting the beauty and good view from the rooms.
Nearby Attractions
- Kawaramachi and Shijo shopping area (1-minute walk)
- Gion and Yasaka Shrine (5-minute walk)
- Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Ponto-chō within about 1 km
- Easy access to Kyoto Station (~10 minutes by train)
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THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA by Kyoto Tokyu Hotel (Higashiyama Area)
THE HOTEL HIGASHIYAMA blends modern luxury with traditional Japanese charm. Opened in 2022, it offers stylish, comfortable rooms, onsen-style baths, a serene garden, and an elegant tea bar—perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat steps away from Kyoto’s cultural heart.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 175‑2, Ebisucho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, 605‑0033, Japan |
| Access | Free shuttle to Kyoto Station (every hour, 8 AM–8 PM); near Higashiyama Subway Station; walking distance to Gion and Heian Shrine |
| Price | Seasonally varies; typically around ¥45,000–¥60,000 per night |
| Check-in/Check-out | 14:00–23:30 (or 14:00–23:59) / by 11:00 AM |
| View on Google Maps | Google Maps |
Rooms & Facilities
Rooms
Stylish, modern rooms feature air-conditioning, private bathrooms with soaking tubs, mini-bars, tea/coffee sets, bathrobes, and garden views in some.
Facilities
- Onsen-style spa and outdoor foot spa
- Serene garden space
- Indoor fitness center (open 6:00–20:00)
- Elegant tea bar serving traditional tea services
- All-day dining with Kyoto French cuisine and Japanese dishes
- Free Wi‑Fi, 24‑hour front desk, safety deposit boxes, luggage storage
Guest Reviews Summary
Rated 9.2/10 on Trip.com based on 385+ reviews
Guests appreciate the spaciousness and high-end feel of the rooms at this Japanese hotel, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay.
The hotel offers new, spacious, and well-maintained amenities, including a golf course nearby, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The accommodation offers excellent service with friendly, attentive, and polite staff. The front desk staff communicates effectively and ensures guests feel welcome.
The accommodation’s location offers easy access to historical sites, temples, and parks, with proximity to the subway and convenient transportation options.
Guests praised the breakfast for its simplicity, quality, deliciousness, and variety. The restaurant’s standard was great, satisfying different tastes.
Guests consistently praised the cleanliness of the rooms and hotel, describing them as very clean, cozy, and pleasant, with a welcoming atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
- Higashiyama District: Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Shoren-in (~2–10 min walk)
- Historic Temples: Kiyomizu-dera (~1 km), Nanzen-ji, Heian Shrine
- Nishiki Market, Ponto-chō, Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art (all within ~0.5–1 mi)
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Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo (Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto)
Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo is an elegant, tea-themed boutique ryokan tucked into a traditional kyomachiya townhouse, just steps from the majestic Nijo Castle.
With only five uniquely curated suites, each inspired by Japanese teas, it offers an intimate fusion of cultural richness, serene design, and modern comfort—complete with private semi- or open-air baths, refined dining, and a tranquil atmosphere. Ideal for travelers seeking an exclusive, immersive Kyoto experience.
Basic Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 580 Kusuriyachō, Nakagyō-ku, Kyoto 604-0066, Japan |
| Access | 5 min walk from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Line); approx. 15 min by taxi from Kyoto Station |
| Price | Premium / upper-mid range (typically ¥120,000+ per night) |
| Check-in/Check-out | 15:00–21:00 / by 11:00 |
| View on Google Maps | Search “Nazuna Kyoto Nijo-jo” on Google Maps |
Rooms & Facilities
- Private Bath: Each suite includes a private semi-open or open-air onsen-style bath.
- Tea-Themed Suites: Five suites named after Japanese teas (Gyokuro, Genmaicha, Maccha, Houjicha, and Bettei), featuring tea-inspired decor, local antiques, Simmons beds, and premium futons.
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, minibar, tea facilities, flat-screen TV, daily housekeeping, 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, concierge, bar/lounge, terrace/garden, room service, multilingual staff.
- Wellness & Culture: Seasonal Irori-style breakfasts and sukiyaki dinners, Japanese tea ceremony experiences, optional kimono rental, massage and lymphatic treatments.
- Adults-Only & Tattoo-Friendly: Guests must be 13 or older; private baths welcome tattooed guests.
- Parking: No on-site parking; nearby paid options available.
Guest Reviews Summary
Rated 9.0/10 on Trip.com based on 385+ reviews
Guests praised the spaciousness, comfort, and beauty of the rooms, including traditional Japanese style designs and amenities such as hot tubs and tatami mats.
The accommodation offers spacious rooms with modern amenities including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, mini-fridge, and safe. Guests also enjoyed private onsen, outdoor hot tubs, and Japanese garden baths.
The accommodation offers exceptional and warm service with friendly, helpful, and multilingual staff who cater to guests’ needs, providing wonderful and thoughtful experiences throughout their stay.
Excellent location near Nijo Castle, with easy access to Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nishiki Market, and central Kyoto attractions.
Guests loved the traditional Japanese breakfast served at the accommodation, including delicious snacks and freshly prepared seasonal Kyoto vegetables. Highly recommended for an authentic experience.
Guests consistently praised the cleanliness of the rooms, including spaciousness and amenities. The hotel also received compliments for its exceptional cleanliness and friendly service.
Nearby Attractions
- Nijo Castle – ~5 min walk
- Kyoto Imperial Palace – ~10 min walk
- Nishiki Market & Shijo Street – ~10–15 min walk
- Kyoto International Manga Museum – ~10 min by taxi
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