Kitashirakawa Natural Radium Onsen

The owners were lovely and even helped us with a lift back to town. Inside was beautiful, and the onsen left my skin feeling really soft. The food was plentiful and among the best I’ve eaten anywhere. Highly recommended.

The bath area was clean but tiny, and the old building gave me more of a Sento (public bath) impression than an Onsen (natural hot spot). Still, the experience wasn’t bad overall. I had to leave on the bus schedule, so I didn’t get to try the meal, which is usually delicious at an onsen.

If you want to visit cultural assets and a hot spring on the same outing, Fudo Onsen is on the left as you head east toward Mt, Hiei. It’s the Japanese public bathhouse, or sento, called Fudo Onsen of Kitashirakawa. For access, start at the Kita-Shirakawa Betto intersection, where Route 30 heads toward Mt, Hiei, then follow Route 30 east. You’ll reach Jogan-in first, though you can begin at Nittenji instead. Look for Mikage-dori Mikage Street, which leads to Route 30 (Yamagoe Drive). Coming from the west, go straight along the street beside Kawai Shrine of Shimogamo Shrine, then cross the bridge over Takano River. That’s Mikage Street. Continue east to the Kitashirakawa & Mikage Street intersection, which is Kita-Shirakawa Betto. (Trans-word+ TGM Kyoto Guide)

It costs 1200¥, which feels expensive. The pool is in bad shape, and most of the showers didn’t work. The entrance to the expedition is fancy, though.