Stay in Ohara, One of Kyoto’s Most Powerful Spiritual Spots! 5 Recommended Hotels
Located in the northeastern part of Kyoto City, Ohara is an area known for its rich history and scenic beauty. In ancient times, it prospered as a key relay point on the road connecting Heian-kyo (Kyoto) and Wakasa Bay. Today, it remains a popular sightseeing destination, attracting visitors with its numerous cultural and natural landmarks. Among the most famous spots in Ohara are Hosen-in Temple (home to a 700-year-old five-needle pine tree) and Sanzen-in Temple, renowned for its stunning moss-covered gardens. Ohara is widely considered a spiritual power spot, making it a perfect place for those seeking peace and rejuvenation. However, since Ohara is a bit far from Kyoto Station and the city center, why not fully embrace the experience and stay overnight in the area? We have selected some of the best hotels in Ohara for you to consider—use this as a guide for your next trip!
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Stay in Ohara, One of Kyoto’s Most Powerful Spiritual Spots! 5 Recommended Hotels
Ohara Onsen Yumoto no Yado – Minshuku Ohara Sanso
If you are looking for accommodation in a nature-rich environment, Ohara Onsen Yumoto no Yado – Minshuku Ohara Sanso is highly recommended. Located next to Jakko-in Temple, a place with historical ties to The Tale of the Heike, this inn is surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes.
The bathrooms, sinks, and toilets are shared, and meals are served self-service style in a common dining area. The menu varies depending on the season, ensuring that guests experience something new and fresh with every visit.
The inn features two types of baths where guests can enjoy the famous Ohara Onsen waters: a cypress bath and a stone bath. These baths switch between men and women in the morning and evening, allowing guests to enjoy different atmospheres. There is also a footbath café, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.
Kyoto Minshuku Ohara no Sato
With a goal of providing a traditional and unpretentious lodging experience, Kyoto Minshuku Ohara no Sato offers a calm and peaceful stay with warm hospitality. Unlike modern hotels, there are no high-rise buildings or convenient facilities nearby, but its natural surroundings make it an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
The guest rooms feature a simple tatami-style layout, offering a comfortable and breezy atmosphere where guests can truly unwind. One of the highlights is the open-air Goemon bath, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot spring waters of Ohara, surrounded by the forest. The meals here focus on dishes prepared with homemade miso, which is a specialty of Ohara no Sato. The miso hot pot is particularly renowned, and a must-try for guests.
Ryoso Chatani – A Stylish and Affordable Minshuku
Known as a stylish and budget-friendly guesthouse, Ryoso Chatani is a great choice for travelers looking to save on accommodation costs. Located in a nature-rich area, the surroundings are filled with seasonal flowers, creating a picturesque setting throughout the year. The guest rooms are traditional Japanese-style, providing a peaceful and relaxing retreat after a long day of sightseeing.
The women’s dressing room features a chic, Oriental-style powder room, and is fully stocked with toiletries and amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay. One of the highlights of Ryoso Chatani is its carefully cultivated Koshihikari rice, grown on a farm managed by the owner. Guests can savor this premium rice, along with fresh homegrown vegetables, making for a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
Minshuku Kochidaira – A Tranquil Inn with a Traditional Atmosphere
With only eight rooms, Minshuku Kochidaira offers a serene and intimate lodging experience, making it the perfect place to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Ohara. The inn is conveniently located near Sanzen-in Temple, one of Ohara’s top sightseeing spots and a renowned power spot. It is also easily accessible by car to Kifune Shrine and Mount Hiei, with the added benefit of free parking on-site.
Guests can enjoy peaceful garden views and take a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area, experiencing a sense of ultimate relaxation. The inn also provides free Wi-Fi, making it a great choice for guests who need to stay connected online. If you are looking for a quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Minshuku Kochidaira is a highly recommended choice.
Kyoto Ohara Ryokan Seriu – A Traditional Japanese Inn with Exquisite Cuisine
Located right across from Sanzen-in Temple, Kyoto Ohara Ryokan Seriu is a highly regarded inn, often said to provide guests with spiritual energy just by staying there. The ryokan has nine guest rooms, all of which offer stunning garden views, allowing guests to fully embrace the beauty of nature.
The inn also features Ohara Onsen, which is known for its skin-enhancing properties. Guests can choose between a tranquil open-air bath and an indoor bath, ensuring a soothing and refreshing bathing experience after a long day of travel. The meals at Seriu are a highlight, featuring locally sourced ingredients, including fresh vegetables from the inn’s private garden, wild mountain vegetables, and Kyoto’s famous Kyo-yasai (Kyoto vegetables). Guests can savor traditional Kaiseki cuisine, known as "Sosai-mi Kaiseki," which celebrates the flavors of seasonal produce. For breakfast, guests are treated to a Kyoto specialty—Yudofu (hot tofu dish), which is highly praised for its delicate and rich flavor.
Ohara Sanzen-in Temple – One of Kyoto’s Most Powerful Spiritual Spots!
Surrounded by abundant nature, Ohara is the perfect place for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. It is also home to Sanzen-in Temple, one of Kyoto’s most famous power spots, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for spiritual healing and tranquility. In addition to Sanzen-in, Ohara is dotted with other historic temples and spiritual sites, including Shorin-in, Jikko-in, Joren-in, and Jakko-in. If you are interested in exploring Kyoto’s most sacred power spots, why not consider a spiritual journey through Ohara?
