Funaoka Onsen Kyoto
Step back in time at Funaoka Onsen, Kyoto's historic, tattoo-friendly public bathhouse with stunning architecture and diverse pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Relax after a day of sightseeing
Funaoka Onsen Kyoto
Best Time
Relax after a day of sightseeing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Funaoka Onsen, Kyoto's historic, tattoo-friendly public bathhouse with stunning architecture and diverse pools.
"A must-see while in Kyoto! Very friendly and truly one of the best experiences."
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack towels, soap, and shampoo to save on rental fees. :handbag:
Tattoo-Friendly Policy
Ink is welcome here! Enjoy the onsen without worry. :heart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Architecture
Main Bathhouse
Marvel at the stunning, ornate wooden carvings and tiles of this Important Cultural Property, dating back to 1923.
Varied Bathing Pools
Indoor and Outdoor Areas
Experience a range of temperatures, from super hot baths to a bracing cold plunge and a unique electric pool.
Cozy Outdoor Bath
Outdoor Area
Relax in a small, charming outdoor bath, sometimes featuring a cute little fish pond.
Electric Pool Experience
Indoor Area
A quirky and memorable dip in a pool with a mild electric current – a true conversation starter!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tradition (and the Heat!)
Tattoo-Friendly Haven
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack towels, soap, and shampoo to save on rental fees. :handbag:
Tattoo-Friendly Policy
Ink is welcome here! Enjoy the onsen without worry. :heart:
Embrace the Electric Pool
It's a unique sensation! Give the electric pool a try. :zap:
Wash Before You Soak
Always rinse thoroughly at the washing stations before entering the baths. :shower:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Your Own Essentials
Pack towels, soap, and shampoo to save on rental fees. :handbag:
Tattoo-Friendly Policy
Ink is welcome here! Enjoy the onsen without worry. :heart:
Embrace the Electric Pool
It's a unique sensation! Give the electric pool a try. :zap:
Wash Before You Soak
Always rinse thoroughly at the washing stations before entering the baths. :shower:
Post-Soak Lounge
Relax in the small lounge with vending machines. :beverage_box:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Funaoka Onsen is highly praised for its affordability, historic architecture, and welcoming tattoo policy. Visitors enjoy the variety of pools, including a unique electric one, and the cozy outdoor bath. Some note the need to bring personal toiletries and the initial shock of the electric pool.
"Very nice Onsen! Cheap entry, towels and toiletries. The pools and sauna were nice and hot, the electric pool was a shocker (pun intended) and the outdoor pool area small but very cozy. After bathing and getting changed there’s a nice small lounge area/waiting room with vending machines to rehydrate (especially if you’re out earlier than your partner)."
Oskar Forssell
"Highly recommend. As a foreigner I was not sure what to expect (first time experiencing the traditional way) and it was truly one of the best experience I had. Very friendly Japanese lady at the door who could speak a bit of English. The different pools (cold, super hot) and the sauna were all great (plus another outdoor one with cute little fish pond). A must see while in Kyoto. Thank you!"
Laura SABLE
"Tattoo friendly onsen!
You need to bring your own soap, shampoo, conditioner, towel, and washcloth. Otherwise you’ll need to purchase them at the counter. It feels a little dated, but I’m so glad they have kept the gorgeous wood carved panels and tiles.
Undress in the locker room where you’ll use a basket to hold all your clothes. Then grab a bowl and proceed past the cold rinse sinks into the bathing area. Wash off at a bathing station before you head into any of the pools.
There are a few pools of varied temperatures, a funny feeling electric pool, some with jets, and a separate cold plunge around the corner from the main pools. One door leads to the sauna - grab a foam pad to sit on before you head in. The other door leads to the outdoor bath.
I went around 8pm and it was decently busy. It’s a great place for a soak after a day of adventure in Kyoto. There’s also a small lounge area with vending machines so you can wait for your more temperature resilient friends to finish up.
I am so thankful that they accept folks with tattoos. The older gentleman running the counter was immediately like “yeah, tattoos, no problem” and I’m coated. I’ll definitely head back there!"
Rita Groetz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Imadegawa Station, then transfer to a bus (e.g., routes 12, 50, 101, 102, 201, 202, 204, 205, 206) towards Kinkakuji-michi or Kitano Hakubaicho. Get off at the Murasakino Minamifunaokacho bus stop. Funaoka Onsen is a short walk from there.
Yes, it's accessible via subway and bus routes. The nearest subway station is Imadegawa, and several bus lines stop nearby.
It depends on your starting point. It's a bit of a walk from central Kyoto attractions like Kinkaku-ji, but manageable if you enjoy walking or combine it with a bus ride.
From Gion, you can take a bus directly or a combination of subway and bus. Check local bus routes for the most direct option to the Murasakino Minamifunaokacho stop.
Information on dedicated parking is limited, and it's generally recommended to use public transport due to its accessibility and to avoid parking hassles in Kyoto.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry is very affordable, typically around ¥490 for adults. This makes it a budget-friendly option for experiencing a traditional onsen.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Funaoka Onsen as it's a public bathhouse. You can pay upon arrival.
Funaoka Onsen is typically open daily, with weekday hours from 15:00 to 23:30 and weekend/holiday hours from 08:00 to 23:30. It's always a good idea to double-check current hours before your visit.
Absolutely! Funaoka Onsen is very welcoming to foreign visitors and is known for its friendly atmosphere.
Yes, Funaoka Onsen is famously tattoo-friendly, which is a significant plus for many international travelers.
🎫 🧖♀️ Onsite Experience
While entry is cheap, you'll need to bring your own towels, soap, and shampoo, or purchase them. They do provide baskets for your clothes and hair dryers.
You'll find various pools, including hot baths, a cold plunge, a sauna, and the unique 'electric pool' with a mild current. There's also a small outdoor bath.
Yes, there is a small and cozy outdoor bath area, which is a lovely feature for a relaxing soak.
The electric pool is a unique feature where a mild electric current is passed through the water, creating a tingling sensation. It's a memorable experience!
Yes, Funaoka Onsen is accommodating for families with young children, with some reports of change tables and a small fee for babies.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Funaoka Onsen has a small lounge area with vending machines offering drinks for rehydration after your soak. Full meals are not served on-site.
While there are vending machines, it's generally best to consume your own food and drinks outside the bathing areas. Focus on the onsen experience itself.
The surrounding neighborhood offers various local eateries and restaurants. You can explore after your onsen visit for a full Kyoto culinary experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the bathing areas is strictly prohibited to respect the privacy of other bathers. You may be able to take photos of the exterior or the lounge area.
The historic architecture, particularly the ornate wooden carvings and tiled interiors, are visually stunning. However, remember to be discreet and respectful when taking any photos.
Since photography inside is restricted, focus on capturing the exterior or the general ambiance if permitted. Early mornings or late evenings might offer fewer crowds for any permitted exterior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great way to introduce children to a traditional Japanese cultural practice in a relaxed and non-judgmental environment. The outdoor bath can be a particularly pleasant spot for families to unwind together. Just be mindful of the general onsen etiquette and ensure everyone washes thoroughly before entering the baths.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, be sure to bring your own towel, soap, and shampoo. While you can purchase these items, packing them yourself will keep costs down significantly. This historic bathhouse offers a rich cultural immersion without breaking the bank. It's a fantastic opportunity to experience a traditional Japanese sento, enjoy the therapeutic hot springs, and marvel at the unique architecture, all while staying within a tight travel budget.
✨ Tattooed Travelers
This policy allows everyone to experience the relaxing and rejuvenating benefits of a traditional Japanese bathhouse. So, don't hesitate to visit Funaoka Onsen if you have tattoos – you'll be warmly welcomed.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of Funaoka Onsen
+1The aesthetic appeal extends beyond just the visual. The quality of the hot spring water is also frequently praised, offering a deeply relaxing and therapeutic soak. Unlike modern facilities, Funaoka Onsen offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where community and tradition were central to the bathing ritual. This historical significance is a major draw for travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience in Kyoto.
While the building itself is a highlight, the onsen also offers a range of bathing options. From the intensely hot baths to a refreshing cold plunge, and even a unique 'electric pool' that provides a mild tingling sensation, there's something for everyone. The small outdoor bath is also a tranquil spot to unwind. Remember to respect the traditional etiquette of washing thoroughly before entering the pools.
Navigating the Funaoka Onsen Experience
Before entering any of the pools, you must wash yourself thoroughly at the designated washing stations. This involves sitting on a small stool and using the provided shower and basin to rinse off all soap and dirt. This step is vital for maintaining the cleanliness of the communal baths.
Funaoka Onsen is also celebrated for its tattoo-friendly policy, which is a significant draw for international visitors who may encounter restrictions at other onsen. This welcoming approach, combined with the affordable entry fee, makes it a highly recommended spot for a relaxing and culturally rich experience in Kyoto.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit