Rurikei

Rurikei is a natural park in Kyoto Prefecture stretching along the Sonobe River with varied landscapes and hiking trails through the central region. The valley contains two natural hot spring sources available at public bathing facilities within the park.

The valley gained official recognition from the Ministry of Environment in 2000 as a designated recreation spa for public use. This status established it as a formal destination for visitors seeking the area's natural hot springs.

The hot springs here are central to how people experience this valley, with visitors bathing in warm waters that have been part of local traditions. The natural sources shape daily rhythms and draw people seeking relaxation in the surrounding landscape.

The area is accessible by bus from nearby train stations with various hiking trails suited to different ability levels. Visitors should bring appropriate footwear and water as the paths wind through natural terrain and valley slopes.

One of the hot spring sources here naturally contains radon, a radioactive element found in few hot springs across Japan. The other source is cold and mineral-rich, making this pairing quite unusual for visitors to experience side by side.

Location: Sonobe-chō Ōkawachi

GPS coordinates: 35.03582,135.40461

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45