Kyoto > Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu (竹取温泉 灯りの湯), the best bamboo views

At No Tourist Japan, we usually share the most traditional and off-the-beaten-track corners of Japan. However, on this occasion, we have decided to show you a place that, although not traditional, offers an experience that combines relaxation with tradition: Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu (竹取温泉 灯りの湯), located in the city of Yawata (八幡市) in the Kyoto prefecture (京都府).

This onsen (温泉) is the first natural hot spring in the Kyoto region and is surrounded by a magnificent bamboo forest. Its large open-air baths not only offer panoramic views of Kyoto and Osaka, but the scenery changes depending on the time of day. In the morning, the light creates a cool glow on the bamboo; at dusk, the reddish hues of the sky envelop the surroundings; and at night, the illuminations transform the forest into a fantastical setting.

Facilities and types of baths

The onsen has a variety of baths designed to meet different needs:

• Natural hot spring bath (竹観の湯, Takemi no Yu): Relax while enjoying the view of the bamboo forest, especially impressive at night with the lighting. The waters have properties that improve circulation and help maintain body heat.
• Carbonation Bath (浸透炭酸の湯, Shintō Tansan no Yu): Ideal for the skin, it promotes circulation and reduces stress.
• Nano Bubble Bath (絹の湯, Kinu no Yu): A delicate bath that deeply cleanses the skin, leaving it soft and rejuvenated.
• Infrared Sauna (熱汗房, Nekkanbō): Designed to relieve tension, improve circulation and provide relaxing benefits for the body and mind.

The complex also includes rest rooms, beauty treatment spaces and relaxation areas, where you can spend the whole day in tranquility.

Food and relaxation

At the onsen restaurant, you can sample dishes made from local ingredients. From light dishes to more elaborate menus, it’s the ideal place to replenish your energy after a relaxing soak. Plus, the cozy atmosphere of the dining room blends perfectly with the overall onsen experience.

Therapeutic benefits

The hot springs here are known for their properties to improve circulation, relieve muscle and joint pain, reduce fatigue, and promote healthy skin. It’s a perfect place to escape daily stress and enjoy a moment of true well-being.

Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu is a destination that combines modern luxury with the natural essence of Japan. A visit here is not only a way to relax, but also to experience the tranquility offered by the Japanese landscape at its finest.