Hinode-yu — Local services in Kyoto

Hinode-yu is a hidden gem among Kyoto's sento (public bathhouses), offering a unique and rejuvenating bathing experience.

Operating since 1949, with a dressing room building dating back to 1928, this bathhouse exudes a delightfully nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era.

The standout feature of Hinode-yu is its low pulsating bath, a favorite among regular patrons. This innovative bath feels like an intensified tension machine in water, providing a full-body massage experience that leaves bathers feeling refreshed and invigorated. The pulsating jets work wonders on tired muscles, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of sightseeing in Kyoto.

Hinode-yu is also tattoo-friendly, making it a welcoming haven for both locals and tourists with body art. The bathhouse offers various bathing options, including a main bathtub, shallow bath, deep bath, jet bath, electric bath, and cold bath.

Rental towels and bathing essentials are available for purchase on-site.

For foreigners visiting Hinode-yu or any Japanese bathhouse, it's crucial to follow proper etiquette:

▪︎Remove shoes at the entrance and use the provided lockers.

▪︎Pay for admission at the front desk or vending machine.

▪︎Enter the correct gender-separated bathing area (usually marked by curtains: red for women, blue for men).

▪︎Undress completely in the changing area and store belongings in a locker.

▪︎Before entering any baths, thoroughly wash your body at the shower stations. Use the provided stool and bucket, being mindful not to splash others.

▪︎Do not put soap, shampoo, or towels in the communal baths.

▪︎Tie up long hair to keep it out of the water.

▪︎Speak quietly and be respectful of other bathers.

▪︎After bathing, rinse off and dry yourself before returning to the changing area.

▪︎Wipe yourself thoroughly before entering the locker room to keep it dry.

▪︎Small towels can be taken into the bathing area but should not be immersed in the baths. They're often used for modesty or to wipe sweat.

By following these simple guidelines, overseas visitors can fully enjoy the authentic and relaxing Japanese bathing experience at Hinode-yu.

Its combination of traditional ambiance, unique pulsating bath, and inclusive policy makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's...

I had a great time! The staff were lovely and helpful. The other patrons were very sweet and welcoming as well. There are a few different baths; steaming hot plunge pool, shallower hot pool, 2 hot pools with spa jets, a hot electric bath (think tens machine) and an ice cold plunge pool. For anyone worried for their first time, here are some instructions to ease your anxiety:

Walk in under the curtain (it was the left hand door for women and right for men). Take your shoes off, pop them in a locker, take the key and pay ¥490 to the worker. (More if you have to rent a towel and soap etc).

Go up the step onto the tatami mats and grab a yellow basket. Take off all of your clothes, including underwear and pop them into the basket. Slide the whole basket into a locker and take a key.

Walk past the sinks into the shower room. At the back of the room, grab a little stool to sit on and a bowl and sit at a tap in front of a mirror. You may like to sit on your face washer on the stool. I saw the locals doing that.

Bath well - clean EVERYTHING and use plenty of soap.

Once you are clean, you can hop into any of the baths! Don't be shy to share with others.

NB. Make sure your hair doesn't touch the water and neither does your towel. Pop the face washer on your head and you can use it to wipe off sweat as well. Leave your key somewhere outside of the baths too. I left mine in the corner near the showers and most others did too.

My top tip is to alternate between the piping hot plunge pool and the ice cold plunge pool. It left me very relaxed!

Have...

I was on my way back to my hotel from photographing the To-Ji temple's nighttime illustration when I noticed also sign for Hinode-yu off a side street.

I decided to follow the sign and found myself in front of a beautiful old bathhouse nestled in a residential area. Entry fee was 550 yen for adults, and a small towel, soap, and shampoo can be obtained as well for 50 yen each.

There are enough shoe and normal lockers for about 30 people, though I came around 9:50pm, right before they closed, so there were only a couple other people there. The interior is expansive, with high ceilings and one big changing room with tatami mats. The decor and furnishings were dated, but in a traditional, comforting sort of way.

There were 4 baths in total, two normal hot baths (one with a couple of bubble jet alcoves, the other a standard bath), one electric bath, and a cold bath.

The electric bath was my personal favorite, since the current here was quite good at kneading your muscles, but the sensation can definitely be off putting to someone who has never used an electric bath or massager before.

A great find for a relaxing bathing experience in a very traditional...