Kawayu Spa & Sauna

Located in Beitou, just outside of Taipei City, Kawayu (‘Chuan Tang Spa’ in Chinese) is probably the most popular ‘gay’ hot springs.  This all-male, all-naked spa features authentic Japanese-styled surroundings.  In addition to the open-air natural hot water pool, there is shower area, a steam room, a cold water tub and a room-temperature-water jacuzzi.  Everybody goes commando, so you can’t be shy here.

There are many spas in the area, so make sure you go to the right one.  All the entrance signs are in Chinese, so find the entrance that looks like the one in our photos or follow the one written 川湯溫泉.   Buy a ticket and walk through the alley past the restaurant.  To your left, you’ll see an entrance and a staff collecting tickets.  Walk through the door and you’re there!  This section of the spa is all male, so you’ll see that you’ve come to the right spot!  Coin-operated lockers (20NT) are available but can be full when the place gets busy.  Open 24 hours.  Both locals and foreigners are welcome.  Busiest on weekends.

To get there, take the MRT to either Beitou or Xinbeitou Station and then a taxi to the spa.  Alternatively, take the MRT to Shipai Station (three stations before Beitou) and take a bus (either 508, 535 or 536) from bus stop A located in front of the China Trust Bank.  It is 11 stops to “Shin Yi 3″ which is 50 meters from the spa’s entrance.

Hot (springs) tip:  Spend over 400 TWD in the restaurant you will get free tickets to the hot spring.  We tried the set menu and it was really delicious.  The restaurant has nice views over the stream and a very nice atmosphere.