Kyoto Kyoto City
Gokouyu is a public bath located in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. It features two sauna rooms with high and low temperatures to promote gradual sweating, and a deep cold plunge bath with flowing well water for rapid cooling. The facility offers a variety of baths, including the Bad Gastein Radon 222 stone bath and Komyo stone hot spring, which thoroughly warm the body, as well as medicinal baths and electric baths for a diverse bathing experience. The facility also includes a bedrock bath using Hokutolite called "La Vicenne," a snack corner, and massage machines, providing a comprehensive bathing experience beyond a typical public bath.
An artificial hot spring using Komyo stones from Okayama. Known for its soft texture, it is referred to as "beauty water." It warms the body from the core and retains heat even after bathing. It is expected to be effective for neuralgia, rheumatism, sensitivity to cold, and fatigue recovery. Enjoying multiple medicinal stone baths, including the Bad Gastein Radon 222 stone bath, is one of the attractions of Gokouyu.
A medicinal stone bath with Bad Gastein stones from Austria submerged in the bath. The stones emit low-level radiation containing radium, providing thermal effects. Opening the window gives an open-air bath feel, allowing you to soak while feeling the outside air. The water has a gentle texture, making it less tiring even with long soaks. It is said to be effective for health promotion and boosting immunity.
The temperature is moderate, allowing the body to warm up gradually. Equipped with a TV, you can relax while sweating. As the front part of the two-room structure, you can first acclimate your body here before moving to the high-temperature sauna in the back. The space is ample, providing a comfortable seating area.
A high-temperature sauna located at the back of the sauna room. It provides intense heat for rapid sweating in a short time. The convection system with a built-in heater maintains moderate humidity, and the quality of the heat is mild yet deeply effective. Preheating in the far-infrared sauna enhances the efficiency of sweating. It is a fully-fledged sauna experience for a public bath.
A cold plunge bath with flowing well water located right next to the sauna room. The water temperature is refreshingly cold, and with a depth of about 80cm, you can fully submerge your body. The softness unique to well water is gentle on the skin, even with prolonged soaking. It also features a waterfall shower to cool down your head.
Closed: Every Monday, and the third Tuesday of each month
Visited by the Editor-in-Chief
The Editor-in-Chief visited in person in January 2026
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The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
61 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
