Tenzan No Yu Onsen: an exceptional spa complex in Kyoto
Nestled in the picturesque district of Arashiyama, west of Kyoto, the Tenzan No Yu Onsen 天山の湯 offers a unique spa experience, combining tradition and modernity. This vast complex offers much more than just a hot bath: it's a true immersion in Japanese wellness culture. With its many baths of varying properties, modern facilities and enchanting natural setting, Tenzan No Yu has become a must for visitors seeking relaxation and authenticity in Kyoto. Let's discover this haven of peace where time seems to stand still.
Overview of Tenzan No Yu Onsen
Tenzan No Yu Onsen is strategically located in Sagano, just a stone's throw from the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest. This vast thermal complex is not just an onsen, but a veritable spa offering a multitude of bathing experiences. The facility draws its water from a natural spring 1,200 meters deep in the surrounding mountains. This water, particularly rich in sodium, has a mineral concentration close to that of seawater, giving it unique properties.
The complex comprises several distinct zones, each with its own special ambience. There are indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, relaxation areas and even a restaurant. The architecture skilfully blends traditional Japanese elements with modern touches, creating an atmosphere that is both authentic and contemporary. Visitors can enjoy a complete relaxation experience, from simple thermal baths to more elaborate treatments.
The Ginkaku bath
Tenzan No Yu
The different types of baths and their benefits
Tenzan No Yu Onsen offers an impressive variety of baths, each with its own characteristics and benefits:
1. The Kinkaku bath: Located outside, this stone-encased pool is sheltered under a wooden awning. Its cloudy, iron-rich water is particularly recommended for people suffering from anemia.
2. Utatane baths: These baths offer half-body immersion, ideal for those who prefer a gentler experience.
3. The Ginkaku bath: Also outdoors, this clear-water bath becomes effervescent on weekends thanks to the addition of carbon dioxide. The bubbles that form on the skin offer a unique sensation and are reputed to be beneficial for blood circulation.
4. Jetted tubs: Indoors, these individual tubs are perfect for soothing sore muscles after a day of sightseeing.
5. Cold pool: maintained at 16.5°C, this stimulates blood circulation and is ideal after a sauna session.
The foot basin
Tenzan No Yut
The sodium- and calcium-rich waters of Tenzan No Yu are renowned for softening the skin and providing a particularly relaxing bathing experience. Water temperatures of up to 42°C promote muscle relaxation and the elimination of toxins.
Additional facilities and services
Beyond the baths, Tenzan No Yu Onsen offers a full range of services for an all-round wellness experience:
1. Saunas: Separate men's and women's saunas offer a deeply detoxifying experience. The women's sauna, made of cypress wood, diffuses soothing essential oils, while the men's sauna is equipped with a TV screen.
2. Massages: The complex offers Korean massages accompanied by exfoliation for purified skin.
3. Footbaths: In addition to the classic footbaths, there are footbaths in hot water or in hot ceramic beads, as well as a "fish pedicure" option.
4. Relaxation areas: Areas equipped with massage chairs, tatami mats and offering newspapers and mangas are available for relaxing between baths.
5. Games room: A Japanese-style games room is available for children.
6. Restaurant: A large restaurant serving traditional, high-quality cuisine provides on-site dining.
7. Juice bar: A juice bar offers fresh fruit juices to quench your thirst after a swim.
Ceramic foot bath
Tenzan No Yu
The onsen restaurant
Tenzan No Yu
The sauna for men
Tenzan No Yu
Practical guide: prices, opening times and rules to follow
To make the most of your visit to Tenzan No Yu Onsen, here is some essential practical information:
Rates: - Adult: 1,050 yen (approx. €8.40) - Child: 500 yen (approx. €4) - Free for children under 3 - Towel hire: 200 yen
Times: Open daily from 10am to 1am
Rules to follow:
1. Take off your shoes at the entrance and use the lockers to store your shoes.
2. At reception, you'll be given a wristband to open your locker and pay for your drinks.
3. The baths are separate for men and women. Make sure you go to the right section.
4. As in most onsen, tattoos are prohibited. If you have any, ask about establishments with private baths.
5. Before entering the baths, wash thoroughly in the showers provided. Please refer to our Onsen guide to good manners for more details on proper etiquette.
6. Toiletries (soap, shampoo, face wash) are provided in the showers.
How to get there and fit in with your visit to Kyoto
Tenzan No Yu Onsen is within easy reach of central Kyoto:
1. Take the Keifuku Randen streetcar line.
2. Get off at the "Arisugawa" stop.
3. The onsen is just a few minutes' walk from the stop.
To make Tenzan No Yu part of your visit to Kyoto, here are a few suggestions:
1. Start your day with a visit to the historic Arashiyama district, exploring the famous bamboo forest.
2. After a morning of walking, treat yourself to a relaxing break at Tenzan No Yu to rest your tired muscles.
3. Enjoy a traditional Japanese meal at the on-site restaurant.
4. End your day with a final bathing session, admiring the sunset from the outdoor baths.
5. If you'd like to extend the experience, we offer traditional houses for rent in the surrounding area.
A unique experience: Japanese tradition meets modernity
A visit to Tenzan No Yu Onsen is an authentic experience of Japanese spa culture combined with modern comforts. The complex offers a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in age-old onsen customs while benefiting from contemporary facilities.
The experience begins at the entrance, where you slip into a traditional yukata, immediately creating an exotic atmosphere. The outdoor baths, or rotenburo, allow you to connect with the surrounding nature, while the indoor facilities offer a more intimate, controlled experience.
The variety of baths on offer allows you to discover the different facets of Japanese spa culture. From traditional baths to modern whirlpools, saunas and footbaths, each facility tells part of the story of onsen in Japan.
More than just physical relaxation, Tenzan No Yu offers a true cultural immersion. It's an opportunity to practice the Japanese art of bathing, observe local rituals and perhaps even chat with the locals. This unique experience will leave you not only relaxed, but also enriched with a better understanding of this important aspect of Japanese culture.
For further information or to make a reservation, please contact Tenzan No Yu Onsen on (+81) 075-882-4126 or visit their website: http: //www.ndg.jp/tenzan/en/.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
(+81) 075-882-4126Timetable
Get off at the "Arisugawa" stop on the Keifuku Randen streetcar linePrice
Adult: 1,050 yen (€8.40) Child: 500 yen (€4), free for under-3sAccess
Open every day from 10 a.m. to 1 a.mWebsite
http://www.ndg.jp/tenzan/en/
