Kyoto Travel Forum

I am taking my mother to Japan in November to enjoy the momiji. We will start our 1-week trip in Tokyo (3 nights), then take the train to Matsumoto Castle for the day, and then head to Kyoto (4 nights). Along this route (or thereabouts), can anyone suggest an Onsen we can stop at so I can give my mother an interesting taste of Japanese life for a few hours? Nothing too crowded, or my mother might balk at the 'exposure' (I've been to an onsen in Beppu so i'm familiar with the lack of bathing attire required). Something picturresque? Outdoor? I was thinking maybe Nikko but that might be a little too far out of the way if I want to be able to hit Matsumoto Castle and then on to Kyoto in 1 day.

Hey. Here's a link to onsens, they are all in Kansai area so you can get to Kyoto in just a couple of hours - several of them are also rutenburo (outside). I'd recommend going to Nara as that is an amazing town with lots of sights except for good onsen.. :)

Enjoy your trip!

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Hi if you are using Kyoto as a base to go to an onsen, there is only 1 choice- Kurama town. The is only one onsen in town- Ya ma no ya do Onsen. The train ride is pretty scenic.Abt 40mins train ride from Kyoto. There is a free shuttle service to the onsen right outside the train station. If you don't want to wait for the bus, just follow the only road and walk upslope for about 15mins. This is the only onsen place within 1 hour ride from Kyoto. There is a public bath for each they charge a one time entrance fee or a full day package fee with lunch. Its up to you. I thought it was a good break from the big Kyoto or Tokyo city.

But warning- no bathing attire also. Go on a weekday. Its quieter.

Otherwise, Hakone which is about 1.5 hours car ride from Tokyo has many options for onsen. But more pricey.

"no bathing attire"--does that mean we should bring our own because none is provided or do you mean that we shouldn't be wearing any because it is not allowed? It's separated for men and women, in case of the latter?

http://www.japaneseguesthouses.com/db/kyoto
http://www.itcj.jp/

I've booked via several websites and love this 2 sites. The 1st one is very helpful as they would help you with your special requests as well. The second one has more choices and you can check out the map looking at the location of the ryokan(usually with onsens).

No attire simply means that you've have to undress in the dressing room before entering the onsens. Attires are not allowed except maybe shower caps provided for ladies in some onsens. See instructions in the japanese guest houses for details.