The reason I’ve chosen to focus on baths is because Arashiyama has long been a place where people escape the bustle of the city to heal both body and mind in nature. I believe that in Japan, bathing is not just about getting clean; it’s a time to reflect, reset, and find calm within.

Surrounded by the quiet beauty and rich nature of Arashiyama, the moment you slip into warm water and let go of daily life may not seem dramatic, but it’s a deeply special experience. It’s a form of healing unique to Japan, and I truly hope visitors will take the opportunity to experience it for themselves. That’s why I carefully selected these inns.

This time, I’m introducing seven inns in Arashiyama where you can enjoy a truly satisfying bath, chosen from the perspective of someone who loves both travel and hot springs. Whether it’s a private open-air bath, a natural hot spring, a peaceful view of a courtyard garden, or a spacious communal bath that reflects the changing seasons, each inn has its own special charm. I hope you’ll find one that feels just right and enjoy a soothing stay.

Soak in a private open-air hot spring while taking in the beauty of Arashiyama - this elegant hotel offers a luxurious way to experience Japanese culture

If you’re looking to indulge in a luxurious hot spring experience in Arashiyama, this hotel should be at the top of your list. It’s a true luxury retreat where you can fully take in the natural beauty of the area, with stunning views of the Hozu River and beautifully maintained traditional gardens.

Of the 39 guest rooms, 17 feature private open-air baths, allowing you to enjoy the natural hot springs of Arashiyama in complete privacy. The tubs are crafted from jade-colored Towada stone, reminiscent of the Hozu River, and aromatic hinoki cypress, creating a deeply calming experience through their texture, scent, and elegance.

Guests can also unwind in a private open-air bath overlooking the exclusive Japanese garden, “Takeoto no Niwa.” Beyond the baths, the hotel offers seasonal Kyoto cuisine, rickshaw pick-up services, hands-on cultural experiences like tea ceremony and wagashi making, and art displayed throughout the property. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture and hospitality.

One of the highlights here is the wide range of baths to enjoy without leaving the hotel—plus, complimentary yukata and popsicles make the experience even more fun

If you’re looking to enjoy natural hot springs in a more casual and relaxed way, this inn is a great choice. The large bathing area, “Heian no Yu,” features natural Arashiyama onsen in a variety of styles, including spacious open-air baths and indoor rock and stone baths.

There are also five types of private baths available free of charge—steam barrel, hinoki cypress, radium, carbonated, and silky baths—giving you a wide range of bathing experiences to enjoy. Some guest rooms also come with open-air or semi-open-air baths for added privacy and comfort.

The main bath is open from 3 PM to 11 AM the next day, making it easy to enjoy a soak whether you prefer late nights or early mornings.

During their stay, guests wear traditional Japanese yukata, featuring a range of Kyoto-style patterns and colors to choose from. After bathing, you can also enjoy a complimentary popsicle—just one more way to unwind and savor the experience.

This historic ryokan, founded in 1897 at the foot of Togetsukyo Bridge, features natural hot springs and private open-air baths in select rooms

Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama is said to have earned its name during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), inspired by a poem that likened it to “the full moon crossing without a shadow.” This historic inn sits right in front of that iconic view, offering a truly unforgettable setting. Established in 1897, the ryokan is composed of three distinct buildings—Hekisenkaku, Shuzankaku, and Shofukaku—all of which guests are free to explore.

Hekisenkaku features guest rooms with open-air and semi-open-air cypress baths that overlook the scenic Arashiyama landscape. Shuzankaku offers rooms with natural hot springs, large communal baths, and private reservable baths for a more intimate experience. At Shofukaku, guests can savor traditional Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, with a focus on tofu and yuba—two iconic local ingredients.

Blending natural hot springs, Kyoto’s deep cultural history, and refined local cuisine, this ryokan provides a well-rounded and deeply relaxing stay in the heart of Arashiyama.

A refined Kyoto retreat for discerning travelers, offering elegant architecture, in-room hot springs, and exclusive gourmet dining found nowhere else

If you're looking to escape the city's hustle and enjoy a peaceful, elegant Kyoto retreat for adults, this inn is an excellent choice. Set within a lush 3,300-square-meter estate, it offers just 10 guest rooms, ensuring a luxurious and intimate atmosphere. The building is a beautifully renovated early-Showa era residence. The main wing retains traditional Japanese styles such as Shoin-zukuri and Sukiya architecture, while the Western wing features elegant Art Deco touches.

The softly lit lounge, illuminated with artistic washi paper lighting, creates a serene space that blends Japanese and Western aesthetics in perfect harmony. All guest rooms come with private hot spring baths, offering views of a beautifully manicured Japanese garden from both the bath and the room itself.

In the dining room and lounge, guests can savor refined Japanese cuisine and creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients sourced from Kyoto, Awaji Island, and the Seto Inland Sea—regions renowned for their exceptional culinary traditions.

All rooms feature a hinoki cypress bath filled with “Rangetsu no Yu,” water from a rare deep underground spring, offering a soothing stay surrounded by the beauty of Arashiyama

With only 15 guest rooms, including three special suites, this serene ryokan is dedicated to the art of cuisine and relaxation. Every room features a hinoki cypress bathtub, prized in Japan for its calming aroma and the natural elegance of its pale wood grain. Some rooms also offer open-air baths made of Shigaraki ware, a traditional ceramic craft, allowing guests to soak while taking in the stunning Arashiyama landscape.

The ryokan’s large communal bath draws from “Rangetsu no Yu,” a deep spring sourced from beneath Arashiyama. Rich in minerals and known for its silky texture, the water is said to leave skin feeling smooth and moisturized.

As a culinary-focused ryokan, it serves beautifully presented Kyoto-style kaiseki meals made with seasonal ingredients and local specialties. A stay here offers not only the healing waters of Arashiyama, but also an unforgettable taste of Kyoto’s refined culinary tradition.

Surrounded by the nature of Arashiyama, enjoy a special bath time in a hotel as beautiful as an art museum

Located along the Hozu River, just steps from Togetsukyo Bridge, this luxury hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking views and serene atmosphere. The garden is designed to flow seamlessly into the surrounding Arashiyama landscape, while the interior combines natural materials with modern elegance—earning it a reputation as a refined, museum-like retreat.

With only 21 guest rooms, the hotel offers an intimate and sophisticated experience. Each room is stocked with Kyoto-inspired bath amenities, such as fragrant Mizuo yuzu and Kitayama cedar. Some rooms feature bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto private courtyard gardens, creating a tranquil and immersive bathing experience.

The hotel’s restaurant, frequently featured in the Michelin Guide, serves French cuisine prepared with seasonal Kyoto ingredients. At the spa, guests can enjoy exclusive treatments that incorporate traditional Kyoto materials for a truly local and rejuvenating experience.

From the stunning views and thoughtful bath design to exquisite dining and tranquil ambiance, every element of this hotel reflects a quiet, graceful beauty.

Enjoy a serene courtyard that showcases cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, along with a spacious public bath - an ideal setting to experience the timeless charm of Kyoto at a site tied to The Tale of Genji

This ryokan is tucked near Togetsukyo Bridge, in one of the oldest and most storied areas of Arashiyama. It’s believed to stand on the former site of an imperial villa from the Heian period, and is said to have inspired the setting of The Tale of Genji, the world’s oldest full-length romance novel.

The building itself showcases traditional Japanese design, creating a calm, timeless atmosphere. At the heart of the property is a lush central courtyard where guests can enjoy seasonal views: cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and serene greenery year-round.

The bath area features a large communal bath with wide windows that overlook a private garden, offering a relaxing view as you soak. Guest rooms are available in both Japanese and Western styles, and meals highlight Kyoto kaiseki cuisine, accompanied by a variety of local pickles.

In the lounge, visitors can explore displays on local history and try hands-on experiences with Ogura Hyakunin Isshu poetry cards. This ryokan is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Arashiyama’s cultural legacy while enjoying a peaceful and restorative stay.

Don't worry if the inns at Arashiyama Onsen are fully booked. Kyoto has many other wonderful places to stay, including ryokans with fantastic open-air baths (rotemburo) and inns with excellent guest reviews. Why not find the perfect hotel to match your travel style?

Once you've decided on a place to stay, why not look for unique Kyoto experiences? Create unforgettable memories with special activities that let you experience the history and distinct seasons of the ancient capital, courtesy of our activity partner, Klook.