Funaoka Onsen

Astounding authentic Japanese onsen experience. Incredibly cheap to enter with an inexpensive range of toiletries to buy (would recommend being frugal and bringing hotel towels to use). Small hot spring bath as well as larger pools of several varieties. Lovely staff eager to help.

This was my first time visiting this historic public Sento. That day, I was able to enter from the right side, and from what I understand, the sides switch daily. I wouldn't say the facility is super clean, but the vintage decorations and traditional design make it well worth a visit. As a traveler from Tokyo, I was also surprised by how lively the atmosphere was—locals were chatting freely, and there seemed to be no expectation to stay quiet. The experience felt completely different from Tokyo, but that's exactly what makes traveling so special. The sauna itself is quite mild, but the cold water bath is truly noteworthy. Kyoto's natural groundwater is clean and smooth, offering a completely different sensation from Tokyo's water. If you're looking to experience an old, nostalgic, and uniquely Japanese Sento, this place is a must-visit. Total Cost: ¥560 (Tax Included) - Bath (includes Sauna): ¥510 - Rental Face Towel: ¥50

Took my 15 month old toddler here and was pleasantly surprised that they had 2 change tables and a small fee for babies. We brought our own towels and shampoo. We don't speak Japanese but other people were very helpful in letting us know what to do or which pools are not too hot. No judgement and all smiles. In a corner of one of the pools is 'electrified' (not sure how) so we didn't go in. There is a small outdoor pool which was refreshing.

Authentic local yet foreigner and tattoo friendly onsen / hot spring, with an outdoor hot pool and 4-5 types of indoor hot pools. Went there after dinner around 930pm on a Sunday and it was still operating. Bring or rent towels / shampoo etc. cash only. Price is very reasonable (510 yen for adult) compared to other newly renovated ones.

Very authentic, local onsen. I went with some Japanese friends who use it regularly. Loved the outside bath too. Take your own towels or rent one, and your own soap etc.

A good sento. It has been described as the best sento in Kyoto, but I am not sure there is a big difference. The men's side outdoor area and its baths were really nice however.

Tattoo friendly for those who have tattoos like me. You may get a few looks mainly because of your tattoo but all is well. Place is great. Not as big but it gets the job done. Multiple baths to choose from. My favorite is the ice bath and the kusuri (medicine) bath. Not a big fan of the under water electroshock therapy. Feels weird and tingly (not recommended for those who have heart problems). A small dry sauna is available. Gender divided, red for female, blue for male. Bring your own towel and soap. You can rent a small towel and purchase soaps at counter. ¥490 for adults, towels ¥100. Not far from the Golden Shrine.

A nice onsen. If it is your first time going to an onsen, I would reccomend looking up how it works first, as there are no directions. It is more like a public bath house as then a hot springs bath, but overall a fun and relaxing experience.

Very nice onsen, clean, the lady in the front is nice too and understand simple English. I love it!! Btw my husband and I have tattoo. So it's ok if you have tattoo. You can bring your own towel. They have towel too but small size. You can buy soap and shampoo for cheap. I definitely recommend this place

Decent public bath, nothing fancy. Several options for water temperatures, including one with electrical currents to zap your muscles. I tried it for a few moments but didn't particularly enjoy the mild electrocution sensation. Includes a sauna, but I couldn't enjoy the sauna because there's a TV in there with the volume turned way up. Not sure how most people view that, but I found it really annoying and it made it impossible to sit quietly. I probably wouldn't recommend making the trip to find this place if it isn't already convenient. That said, tattoos are okay here, so if you need tattoo friendly options this is a good one I guess.

If you are looking for an authentic Onsen where you (as a foreigner) will be welcome, look no further. This Onsen is located a short 15-20min walk from the Golden Pavilion. After a long day of sightseeing this is the perfect place to relax, soak and immerse yourself in the local culture. The Onsen is not particularly big, but has everything you are looking for. There are changing rooms with lockers that connect to the bathing area. In the bathing area there is a warm water bath, boiling hot bath, cold bath, hydrotherapy bath, and electric current bath.... Yes electric current! There are little electric currents that give little zaps to your muscles, for an overall relaxing experience. This was my first Onsen, and definitely felt a little awkward if not even embarrassed. The locals are incredibly friendly and guide you so you do not have any "cultural blunders". This was certainly a great experience that I would recommend to anyone traveling through Kyoto. Make sure to remember your own soap and towel!

Loved this public bath house. It is not really a natural hot spring as it is in the middle of the city and no natural mountain water be flown in whatsoever, but the facility itself still serves its purpose of being a very relaxing spa with different temperatured pools. I totally enjoyed my time here. They have about 7 different pools, super hot herbal pool, super hot regular pool, medium temperatured pool, electric pool, cold pool, and an outdoor natural "hot spring" pool. They also have a dry sauna and a steamed sauna. I don't think they have any spa services though, so bring your scrubber and dot it yourself. I was in there for 3 hours and still did not want to leave. I believe it is a quite popular public bathhouse so local residents would come and go throughout the night, but it never felt crowded in any way. There was plenty of space for everyone.

Charmingly old style (if small) sento in Kyoto. Was here in the evening, and enjoyed both the inside and the outside. Don't expect anything fancy.

Very relaxing! Keep in mind that it is a bit difficult to find at night. Bring your own towel or soap if you don't want to pay for it.