Yanagi-yu
Experience the intense heat of Yanagi-yu, Kinosaki's smallest onsen, with fragrant cypress wood and a legendary touch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, locals dining
Yanagi-yu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, locals dining
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the intense heat of Yanagi-yu, Kinosaki's smallest onsen, with fragrant cypress wood and a legendary touch.
"The water here is extremely hot... one of the best places to visit in winter."
🎯 Brace for Extreme Heat!
The water is VERY hot. You might not last long, but it's an unforgettable experience! :fire:
⏰ Visit During Dinner Hours
To enjoy the smallest onsen with fewer people, aim for 7-8 PM when locals are eating. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Intensely Hot Waters
Main bath
Experience one of the hottest onsen waters, perfect for a quick, invigorating soak, especially in winter.
Cypress Wood Enclosures
Bath interior
Relax in the traditional ambiance of fragrant cypress wood, adding a natural, soothing element to your bath.
Tattoo-Friendly Access
All baths
Enjoy Japan's onsen culture without worry, as Yanagi-yu welcomes visitors with tattoos.
Complimentary Foot Baths
Exterior
Take advantage of the two free foot baths located outside the main bathhouse for a quick warm-up.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Heat!
Timing is Key for This Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Brace for Extreme Heat!
The water is VERY hot. You might not last long, but it's an unforgettable experience! :fire:
⏰ Visit During Dinner Hours
To enjoy the smallest onsen with fewer people, aim for 7-8 PM when locals are eating. :iphone:
🌿 Enjoy the Cypress Ambiance
The fragrant cypress wood enclosures create a truly traditional and soothing atmosphere. :leafy_green:
👣 Don't Miss the Foot Baths
Two free foot baths are available outside, perfect for a quick warm-up before or after your main soak. :foot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Brace for Extreme Heat!
The water is VERY hot. You might not last long, but it's an unforgettable experience! :fire:
⏰ Visit During Dinner Hours
To enjoy the smallest onsen with fewer people, aim for 7-8 PM when locals are eating. :iphone:
🌿 Enjoy the Cypress Ambiance
The fragrant cypress wood enclosures create a truly traditional and soothing atmosphere. :leafy_green:
👣 Don't Miss the Foot Baths
Two free foot baths are available outside, perfect for a quick warm-up before or after your main soak. :foot:
✅ Tattoo-Friendly Onsen
Like all Kinosaki Onsen, Yanagi-yu welcomes guests with tattoos. :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yanagi-yu is celebrated for its intensely hot, traditional cypress wood baths, offering a quick but invigorating onsen experience. While its small size and extreme heat are noted drawbacks for some, many find it a unique and essential part of the Kinosaki Onsen journey, especially during colder months. The tattoo-friendly policy is a significant plus.
"♨️ I've visited Yanagiyu twice, and it stands out as the smallest onsen in Kinosaki, tucked inside a beautifully traditional-looking building.
Be warned — the water here is extremely hot. Even some locals tend to avoid it, but personally, I think it's one of the best places to visit in winter, when the outside temperature drops and soaking in the hottest bath feels like the ultimate retreat.
Since the space is small, timing your visit is important. Yanagiyu opens from 3:00 PM, and in my experience, the best time to go is between 7:00–8:00 PM, when both locals and tourists are usually busy with dinner 🍱.
A quick, intense onsen experience — and a perfect reset after a cold day in Kinosaki."
Bean JP
"This onsen was small but super hot. I loved it. My friends couldnt last a minute but I enjoyed it. Not much here, straight up small hot tub."
Rayan A
"I like my Onsen to be hot, and this is it. Ultra, super-duper, hot. Like, holy hell.
It feels really great though, you just won't be able to stay very long since it's really hot.
The only downside is that it's pretty small."
Ardo Kusuma
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yanagi-yu is located in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen town. If you're staying in the area, it's easily accessible on foot. The town is a 2.5-hour train ride from Kyoto, making it a popular day trip or overnight destination.
Yes, Yanagi-yu is one of the seven public bathhouses in Kinosaki Onsen and is centrally located. Look for its traditional architecture; it's known as the smallest onsen in town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you have the Kinosaki Onsen 'Yumepa' pass, entry to Yanagi-yu is usually included. Otherwise, you can purchase individual tickets at the bathhouse. Check with your accommodation for pass details.
Yanagi-yu typically opens around 3:00 PM. It's best to confirm exact hours as they can vary seasonally or for maintenance.
Absolutely! Yanagi-yu, like all public onsen in Kinosaki Onsen, is tattoo-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience.
🎫 ♨️ Onsite Experience
Be prepared for extremely hot water! Yanagi-yu is renowned for having the hottest water among Kinosaki's onsen, making it a quick but intense soak.
Yanagi-yu is famously the smallest onsen in Kinosaki. Its intimate size means you might have it to yourself for a few minutes, but it can also fill up quickly.
Beyond the main hot bath, Yanagi-yu features two sets of jets in the pool. There are also two complimentary foot baths located outside the bathhouse.
Legend has it that bathing in Yanagi-yu can aid in fertility and blessings for having babies.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted inside the bathing areas of onsen to respect privacy. However, the exterior and the foot bath areas are usually fine for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Recommendation: Focus on the foot baths for younger kids and consider a very brief, supervised dip in the main bath for older children who can tolerate the heat. Always prioritize safety and comfort.
🧘 Solo Travelers
Tip: Visiting during the suggested off-peak hours (7-8 PM) maximizes your chances of enjoying this solitude. The intense heat can also serve as a powerful reset after a day of exploring.
💖 Couples
Suggestion: Consider visiting during the evening when the town lights up, creating a more atmospheric setting. The nearby foot baths also provide a nice spot to relax and chat together after your soak.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Yanagi-yu
While the legend adds charm, the primary draw for many is the unique bathing experience itself. The hot water is a significant feature, offering a stark contrast to the often chilly Kinosaki air, especially during winter months.
Navigating the Intense Heat
Pro-tip: If you find the main bath too hot, consider using the jets strategically or taking short dips. The presence of two foot baths outside the main bathhouse also offers a gentler way to warm up and enjoy the onsen atmosphere without the intense heat.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit