Best Hotels With Onsens in Kyoto!

At the end of a day out, exploring one of Japan's most historically-rich cities, what better way is there to relax than in the warm waters of a gorgeous hot spring.

Frequently surrounded by nature, or boasting gorgeous views of the surroundings, a traditional Japanese Onsen is the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day. Don't worry about needing to stray too far to enjoy this relaxing experience though, as there are many great hotels in and around Kyoto that have wellness facilities, including spas and onsen on-site.

If you're looking for the best place to stay in Kyoto, why not check out one of these great hotels with stunning onsen facilities?

Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward

Situated in the city center of Kyoto, just 46km from Itami Airport, this gorgeous and luxurious Hotel & Spa sits within a close distance of some of the city’s major attractions, including the Kyoto International Manga Museum and Nijo Castle.

Guests can enjoy great on-site amenities, including a fitness center, a terrace, and a garden, as well as a 24-hour front desk, a concierge, and in-room dining. There’s also a stunning family-friendly, modern restaurant where visitors can indulge in French and Italian dishes, and an American-style breakfast.

The on-site spa offers a great range of authentic and unique treatments based on the ancient principles of Japanese traditional Anma Massage, using original massage oils. It is home to a thermal spring and a private Onsen that guests can relax in for a discounted price.

Each of the rooms features a stunning, traditional Japanese style that is seamlessly fused with a modern ambiance. They boast air-conditioning, private bathrooms, stunning views of the garden or the city, and various modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and soundproofing.

Suiran, Ukyo Ward

Situated right along the gentle streams of Katsura River and boasting a beautiful Japanese garden, Suiran, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto, offers the perfect getaway for travellers seeking peace and quiet. This upscale accommodation is located just a 15-minute stroll from JR Saga Arashiyama Station and a 3-minute stroll from Tenryuji Temple, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. There’s also the Togtsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove right on the doorstep, making it the perfect location for taking a leisurely rickshaw ride through the surrounding areas.

The hotel boasts a relaxing spa, complete with its own open-air onsen (reservations must be made in advance), a 24-hour front desk, room service, a gift shop offering souvenirs, and an on-site concierge. On-site dining is available at the on-site restaurant Kyo Surian, which boasts a fusion of Japanese Kaiseki (a traditional multi-course dining style), and French cuisine, and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Tea and coffee can be enjoyed at the on-site Cafe Hassui between 11 am and 5 pm.

Each of the on-site guest rooms is furnished with all the modern amenities one could wish for, including a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle, a refrigerator, and a seating area with a sofa.

Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo, Shimogyo Ward

Situated just 44km form Itami Airport, this hotel is in a prime location in Kyoto, sitting by stunning attractions such as Sanjusangen-do Buddhist Temple, and located only an 8-minute walk from Kyoto Station.

This hotel is a great choice for a relaxing retreat, with great on-site wellness facilities and a bright, contemporary atmosphere. Boasting a hot spring bath, a sauna, and an open-air onsen, there’s a variety of different things to enjoy at the on-site spa, including massage services for the ultimate relaxing getaway. There’s also buffet-style breakfast on offer each morning, serving up a range of warm hearty dishes, a selection of fruits, and local specialities for guests to start their day right.

Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property, and stunning contemporary rooms that weave in aspects of traditional Japanese decor, such as tatami floors. They don’t forgo the modern amenities, though, as each room comes fitted with a bidet, air-conditioning, a refrigerator, a work desk, and soundproofing.

Yumoto Onsen OharaSansou, Sakyo Ward

Located on the outskirts of Kyoto is the stunning Ohara Sansa, which is the ultimate Ryokan mountain escape. Just a short distance from the city center. This stunning retreat is surrounded by lush green mountains and scenic views, and can be reached by a 60-minute shuttle ride from Kyoto Station, making it the perfect way to experience a truly authentic Japan. There’s also the stunning Jakko-in temple located just 100 meters away for those looking to get out and about during their stay.

The hotel boasts a completely non-smoking hot-spring experience, with baths both indoors and outside, and even its own hot-spring foot bath for guests to relax in, as well as hot-spring private reservations if you’re looking to enjoy the warm waters alone.

Thanks to its remote location, there’s plenty to enjoy on the hotel grounds here, including free Wi-Fi throughout, delicious hot-pot dinners, pottery classes, and an on-site cafe. The hotel also offers free-to-use bicycles for guests looking to explore the surrounding nature, and free parking on-site for those who opt to rent a car during their visit.

Due to its traditional style and authenticity, the rooms give off an incredibly Japanese feel. Guests sleep on traditional futon beds atop a tatami floor, and share bathroom facilities, but can still enjoy some modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and air conditioning.

Ryoso Chatani, Sakyo Ward

Situated less than a kilometer from the stunning Sanzen-in Temple, this hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a perfectly traditional Japanese countryside stay, without being too far out of the city. There are plenty of stunning attractions right on the doorstep, including the Ruriko-in Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple. 

The neighboring attractions are made more accessible for guests, thanks to the hotel offering a range of great activities, such as fishing, walking tours, bike tours, hiking excursions, and group cycling. If you don’t wish to leave the hotel that much, though, there’s plenty to enjoy within the grounds of the property, including hot spring baths, free WiFi throughout, a terrace, a garden, bicycle parking, and free private parking for those who bring a car. Guests can also enjoy daily on-site dining with delicious Japanese cuisine for dinner.

Arguably one of the most unique places to stay on this list, the hotel boasts a traditional Japanese style, married with an eclectic assortment of vintage trinkets and decorations. Each of the family rooms boasts authentic tatami floors, air-conditioning, a TV, and a work desk, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It must be noted, though that like most Ryokans, the bathroom facilities are shared with other guests.

Roku Kyoto LXR, Kita Ward

This stunning luxury hotel sits just a 17-minute walk from Kinkaku-ji Temple, and is surrounded by some of Kyoto’s most stunning landmarks, including Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, and Nijo Castle. 

One of the most highly rated on this list amongst guests for its excellent service and facilities, it’s truly unparalleled when it comes to luxury stays in the heart of Kyoto. The hotel boasts on-site dining with upscale French cuisine, and a great array of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to cater to all diets, as well as other great on-site amenities such as a bar, yoga and fitness classes, and a coffee shop.

There’s a stunning hot spring bath at the property, as well as a wide range of other spa facilities, a fitness center, a sauna, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout, a terrace, and a beautifully maintained garden.

Each of the rooms at this hotel is beautifully modern in style, but pays homage to this culturally-rich and historical city through small decor touches and a natural palette.

Dormy Inn, Shimogyo Ward

Standing in a prime location, just a 3-minute walk from both Kyoto Station and Kyoto Tower is the Dormy Inn Premium hotel. It is conveniently surrounded by a great range of bustling shops and restaurants, making it the perfect place to stay in Kyoto for those who want to be right in the heart of the city. There’s a selection of famous landmarks nearby, including the Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, and the Shosei-en Garden, both of which are within 5 minutes' walking distance of the property.

This hotel boasts a selection of great on-site amenities, including large, natural hot spring baths on the top floor (both indoors and outdoors!),  a sauna, and massage services. Guests can also enjoy free laundry facilities and an on-site convenience store.

Each of the rooms boasts a contemporary decor style and comes fitted with a flat-screen TV and a refrigerator. Each room also has its own private bathroom, and guests can enjoy the use of free Wi-Fi during their stay.

KRR Kyoto Kuniso, Kamigyo Ward

Situated just a 7-minute walk from Keihan Jingu Marutamachi Station, KKR Kyoto Kuniso is surrounded by some of the city’s most beautiful star attractions, including Kyoto Imperial Palace, Heian Shrine, and Shinmogamo Shrine. Due to its location in the northern area of Kyoto, it is just a short distance from other great destinations in Japan, such as Ginkakuji 

This gorgeous hotel boasts on-site hot spring baths, a stunning restaurant overlooking the Kamogawa River, and a Japanese tea lounge overlooking the traditional gardens. Guests can enjoy the use of free internet in the lobby, as well as private access to the Kamogawa River. Parking is available on-site, and there is even a souvenir shop on the ground floor.

Guests can enjoy on-site dining at the Sagano restaurant for both breakfast (served buffet style) and dinner - a selection of traditional Japanese dishes that feature seasonal ingredients.

Unlike many hotels on this list, the rooms at KKR Kyoto Kuniso do not have tatami flooring and are instead carpeted, which adds an upscale and luxurious yet homely feel to the rooms, and the beds are western-style, ensuring a comfortable sleep. If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, though, you can book one of the Japanese-style rooms, housed on-site, which boasts a traditional futon bed and tatami flooring. No matter which room type you choose, though, there are plenty of modern amenities, including a television, a mini-fridge, a seating area, and yukata robes.

Biwako Hotel, Otsu, Shiga

Situated just outside of Kyoto (and a 15-minute train ride from Kyoto Station) is the stunning, modern Biwako Hotel. Sitting just a 5-minute walk from the nearby Keihan Hamaotsu Train Station and a 3-minute walk from Otsu Port, this hotel is both conveniently located and in a picture-perfect spot.

There are plenty of facilities on-site to enjoy at this upscale modern hotel, including an outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot springs, luggage storage, a concierge service, a 24-hour front desk, and even a gift shop. Guests can enjoy on-site parking, a great bar to relax at, and even free Wi-Fi access throughout the property.

There are six different on-site restaurants, serving up a great range of cuisines from traditional Japanese fare to modern Italian plates. If you plan on visiting during the summer months though, there’s a gorgeous rooftop barbecue restaurant that boasts stunning views over Lake Biwa.

Each of the modern rooms is stylishly designed and features air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a spacious en-suite bathroom with a bath, a desk, and Yukata robes.

Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel, Shiga

Sitting directly beside Lake Biwa, the Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel is a stunning, modern stay for those looking for a refreshing escape from the city centre of Kyoto, without foregoing the modern luxuries.

This stunning stay boasts an indoor swimming pool, a large gymnasium, and on-site tennis courts at an additional cost. There are large public baths and saunas on-site for guests to relax in at the end of a long day, and a complimentary shuttle from JR Katata Train Station for ease of access to those hoping to explore the area.

Guests are able to rent various equipment from the property if they’re hoping to enjoy outdoor activities, such as bicycles and fishing equipment. Though you don’t need to stray too far to enjoy something spectacular, thanks to the on-site planetarium and gift shop, as well as fun activities such as billiards and table tennis. There is also an on-site restaurant located on the top floor, which serves up Japanese cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients and offers stunning views of Lake Biwa.

Each of the air-conditioned rooms boasts a modern, yet relaxing style that shows off hints of Japanese inspiration through the decor, which is inspired by the tranquility of Lake Biwa. They feature flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, an electric kettle, and complimentary green tea. Each room also boasts a stunning view of either the hotel’s garden or the nearby Lake Biwa.