Roberto G.
Yelp
If you are looking for an authentic Onsen where you (as a foreigner) will be welcome, look no further.
This Onsen is located a short 15-20min walk from the Golden Pavilion. After a long day of sightseeing this is the perfect place to relax, soak and immerse yourself in the local culture.
The Onsen is not particularly big, but has everything you are looking for. There are changing rooms with lockers that connect to the bathing area. In the bathing area there is a warm water bath, boiling hot bath, cold bath, hydrotherapy bath, and electric current bath.... Yes electric current! There are little electric currents that give little zaps to your muscles, for an overall relaxing experience.
This was my first Onsen, and definitely felt a little awkward if not even embarrassed. The locals are incredibly friendly and guide you so you do not have any "cultural blunders". This was certainly a great experience that I would recommend to anyone traveling through Kyoto. Make sure to remember your own soap and towel!