Mandara-yu
Historic Kinosaki Onsen bathhouse with a serene indoor pool and unique, small outdoor soaking tubs offering mountain views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Mandara-yu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Kinosaki Onsen bathhouse with a serene indoor pool and unique, small outdoor soaking tubs offering mountain views.
"Experience the unique, small outdoor tubs for a private, relaxing soak with mountain views. "
🎯 Soto-Yu Meguri Pass
Get a day pass to hop between Kinosaki's 7 public baths. It's the best way to experience them all!
💧 Outdoor Tub Timing
The outdoor tubs are small (1-person). Try to visit when they're less busy to snag one.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Soaking Pots
Outdoor area
Experience the unique, small outdoor tubs for a private, relaxing soak with mountain views.
Historic Indoor Bath
Indoor area
Immerse yourself in the tradition of this 1300-year-old hot spring's main indoor bath.
Mandara Legend
Entrance/Information
Learn about the legend of the enlightened mind and the priest who prayed for these sacred waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Soto-Yu Meguri
Tattoo Policy & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Soto-Yu Meguri Pass
Get a day pass to hop between Kinosaki's 7 public baths. It's the best way to experience them all!
💧 Outdoor Tub Timing
The outdoor tubs are small (1-person). Try to visit when they're less busy to snag one.
♨️ Tattoo Friendly
Great news! Mandara-yu welcomes guests with tattoos.
🌡️ Water Temperature
Some visitors find the indoor bath very hot; be prepared!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Soto-Yu Meguri Pass
Get a day pass to hop between Kinosaki's 7 public baths. It's the best way to experience them all!
💧 Outdoor Tub Timing
The outdoor tubs are small (1-person). Try to visit when they're less busy to snag one.
♨️ Tattoo Friendly
Great news! Mandara-yu welcomes guests with tattoos.
🌡️ Water Temperature
Some visitors find the indoor bath very hot; be prepared!
🚶♀️ No Resting Area
Note that Mandara-yu doesn't have a dedicated resting area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mandara-yu is praised for its unique individual outdoor soaking pots and its historic indoor bath, offering a relaxing experience. However, some visitors find the outdoor tubs too small and the indoor bath excessively hot, with a lack of a dedicated resting area.
"Very good onsen!
This one has the little individual onsen "pots" as well! Unfortunately only has 2 so might have to wait your turn. But once inside them, they're so relaxing! Especially because they are places outside!!"
Desmond Hui
"It’s a lovely little Onsen, it can get busy, but I’m not sure what the other reviews are on about.
Perfect for a short soak - just aim not to go when everyone has checked into their ryokan and is out to do the rounds"
Ian E
"Hot..it is way too hot. It actually hurts to enter the bath. And the outside bath is way too small and view is not good"
Froghead Flan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mandara-yu is easily accessible within Kinosaki Onsen town. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk from Kinosaki Onsen Station. Many visitors use it as part of their 'Soto-Yu Meguri' (public bath hopping) circuit.
Yes, Mandara-yu is centrally located in Kinosaki Onsen, making it convenient to reach from most traditional inns (ryokans) and hotels in the area.
Absolutely! Kinosaki Onsen is a charming, walkable town. Mandara-yu is a short and scenic stroll from Kinosaki Onsen Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can pay for entry individually, but purchasing a 'Soto-Yu Meguri' day pass is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple public baths in Kinosaki Onsen. This pass offers great value.
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official Kinosaki Onsen tourism website or inquire at your accommodation for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Mandara-yu is known to be tattoo-friendly, which is a significant advantage for many international travelers.
Individual entry fees are reasonable. However, the 'Soto-Yu Meguri' pass often provides a more cost-effective option if you intend to visit several baths.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Mandara-yu features indoor public baths and a few small, individual outdoor soaking tubs. It does not have a dedicated resting area.
The outdoor baths are individual soaking pots, offering a sense of privacy for one person at a time.
Some visitors report that the indoor bath can be quite hot, so be prepared for a potentially intense soak.
Mandara-yu can get busy, especially during peak hours or when many guests check into their ryokans. Visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times can lead to a more relaxed experience.
The outdoor baths offer views of the surrounding mountains, providing a serene natural backdrop for your soak.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted inside onsen bathhouses to respect the privacy of other bathers. Please adhere to the rules.
The charming streets of Kinosaki Onsen, especially with people in yukata, offer excellent photo opportunities. The exterior of Mandara-yu itself can also be photographed.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone. The charm of Kinosaki Onsen itself, with its willow-lined streets, is also a big draw for families.
✨ Tattooed Travelers
+1This inclusivity allows more people to experience the traditional Japanese onsen culture, making Mandara-yu a welcoming spot for a diverse range of visitors seeking a therapeutic soak.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Packing your own towel and amenities can also save a little money, though they are usually available for rent or purchase. Focus on enjoying the town's atmosphere and the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Mandara-yu
This historical context adds another layer to the experience, inviting visitors to reflect on the centuries of tradition and healing associated with Kinosaki Onsen. It's more than just a bath; it's a connection to a rich cultural past.
Experiencing Soto-Yu Meguri
When planning your bath hopping, consider the atmosphere of each location. Mandara-yu offers a blend of traditional indoor bathing and intimate outdoor soaking pots. Other baths might feature larger outdoor pools or different historical themes, providing a diverse range of onsen experiences within walking distance.
Onsen Etiquette and Practicalities
When using Mandara-yu, be aware that the individual outdoor tubs are quite small, designed for one person. While relaxing, they can be a point of contention if multiple people are waiting. Also, note that there isn't a dedicated relaxation area, so plan your visit accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit