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Onsen in Tokyo: Top Relaxing Hot Springs for a Perfect Getaway

Onsen, or Japanese hot spring baths, hold a significant cultural and historical value in Japan. Taking a dip in these geothermal-heated waters has been a cherished tradition for centuries, offering both relaxation and a plethora of health benefits. 

Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is home to several onsen despite its urban landscape; these establishments provide the perfect retreat for weary travelers and locals alike.

In Tokyo, visitors can enjoy a wide range of onsen experiences, from traditional bathhouses to luxurious spa-like facilities. Some of the most popular onsens in the city are known for their pristine water quality, beautiful settings, and modern amenities. 

No trip to Tokyo would be complete without indulging in this quintessential Japanese activity, which serves as a welcome respite from the city’s ever-present energy.

By visiting an onsen in Tokyo, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the genuine tranquility and rejuvenation associated with Japanese hot spring bathing. Allow yourself to be immersed in the tradition, natural beauty, and warmth that these heavenly retreats have to offer.

Exploring Onsen in Tokyo

Exploring Onsen in Tokyo

History and Culture

Onsen, or Japanese hot springs, have been a significant part of Japan’s culture for centuries, and Tokyo is no exception. With natural hot spring water from deep underground, these onsens have provided a space for relaxation, health, and socialization for the people in Tokyo.

In the modern era, these historic onsens have become a cornerstone of wellness retreats in Japan, attracting visitors both domestically and internationally. The onsens also played a vital role in Edo-period Japan, and many still retain their traditional architecture and atmosphere today, making them a unique component of these wellness retreats.

When visiting an onsen, it is essential to follow the proper etiquette, like washing oneself before entering the baths and respecting the privacy of others. Additionally, keep in mind that many onsens may not allow guests with tattoos. If you have a tattoo, research and check which onsens in Tokyo allow people with tattoos.

Types of Onsen

Tokyo offers a diverse range of onsens, catering to different preferences and experiences. Here are some popular types of onsen you may encounter while exploring Tokyo:

  • Traditional onsen: These hot springs emphasize simplicity and minimalism, focusing on providing a pure, authentic experience. Some examples include Hirugami Onsen in Shinjuku and Toshimaen Garden Spa.
  • Super sento: These large, public bathhouses offer multiple baths, saunas, and sometimes additional facilities like massage services or restaurants. Super sento, such as Spa LaQua, often feature various types of hot spring water to provide a unique and customizable experience.
  • Onsen resorts: Onsen resorts provide a more luxurious and comprehensive experience, with accommodations, dining options, and spas integrated into the facility. Some popular onsen resorts in Tokyo like Niwa no Yu.

In summary, onsens in Tokyo offer a rich experience, deeply rooted in Japan’s history and culture. With various types of onsens available, there is a hot spring experience to suit every traveler’s preferences. Remember to adhere to onsen etiquette and enjoy an immersive, authentic experience while visiting Tokyo’s onsens.

Onsen in Tokyo – Our Top Picks

Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura (東京染井温泉 SAKURA)

Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura (東京染井温泉 SAKURA)
 Photo courtesy of Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura

Located at the birthplace of the Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura offers a unique and refreshing hot spring experience in the heart of Tokyo. This natural hot spring’s water gushes up from 1,800 meters underground and is clear and colorless, a rarity in Tokyo where most hot springs are black. The water at Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura is of a sodium iodide composition, slightly alkaline, imbued with natural minerals that render the skin smooth and glowing.

The onsen is conveniently positioned, less than a 10-minute walk from both Sugamo and Komagome Stations on the popular Yamanote Line. Visitors are required to register as members upon entry and receive a wristband to account for all purchases during their stay, which are paid for upon departure.

Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura features three outdoor baths and two spacious indoor baths, filled with beneficial, clear, colorless mineral water. Although it does not offer overnight accommodation, the onsen provides culinary delights similar to those found in a ryokan. Visitors can reserve a traditional Japanese course-style meal, or “kaiseki”, that changes with the seasons, or choose from an array of other options, including steak and pasta, at the on-site restaurant. After bathing, guests can relax in the bar-restaurant or the relaxation room with light meals and drinks, adding to the rejuvenating experience offered by Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura.

  • Address: 5-4-24 Komagome, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0003 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
  • Price: 1,320 JPY (Adult),  770 JPY (Children age 3 to 12)
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura

Thermae Yu (テルマー湯)

Thermae Yu (テルマー湯)
Photo courtesy of Thermae Yu

Situated in the heart of Shinjuku Kabukicho, Thermae-Yu is one of Tokyo’s largest day-use hot spring facilities, offering an array of unique bathing experiences. Visitors need not bring anything, as bath towels and dressing gowns are readily available.

The facility is famed for its skin-softening hot water in the open-air bath, sourced from a natural hot spring in Nakaizu and transported daily by a tanker truck. Thermae-Yu boasts unique baths, including one of Kanto area’s largest highly-concentrated carbonate baths, a neutral electrolyzed water bath, and a Nordic coral light skin lotion bath. Furthermore, it offers a bedrock bath, a spa, and massage facilities for complete relaxation.

The aesthetically impressive spa complex was inspired by the popular Thermae Romae series of manga and movies. Located just a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, it operates 24 hours a day, making it a favourite among both locals and tourists.

Thermae-Yu also features a “toner bath” that moisturizes your skin, four saunas, and electric baths with a low-frequency electric current. After bathing, guests can unwind in the lounge, avail of massage chairs, or dine at on-site Japanese and Asian restaurants. Given its variety of offerings and its convenient location, Thermae-Yu is indeed the perfect place to shed stress and rejuvenate in Tokyo.

Tattoos are not permitted, but Thermae-Yu provides foreign tourists with a tattoo cover-up sticker at a cost of 300 JPY per sticker. Sizes available are 8cm x 10cm or 10cm x 14.5cm. If your tattoo is too large to cover with these stickers, unfortunately you are not allowed to enter the facility. Remember to bring your passport as this exception applies only to foreign tourists.

  • Address: 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours
  • Price: from 2700 JPY
  • Tattoo Friendly: For foreign tourists only, cover-up stickers are provided (300 JPY for one). 
  • Website: Thermae-Yu

Spa LaQua (スパラクーア)

Spa LaQua (スパラクーア)
Photo courtesy of Spa LaQua

Located within the Tokyo Dome City, a large entertainment complex that hosts everything from sports games to concerts, Spa LaQua is more like a ‘super sento’ than a traditional onsen. Its easily accessible location makes it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Spa LaQua’s sprawling complex offers a plethora of facilities. You can indulge in a soak in the open-air rotenburo or the effervescent massage baths, sample from an array of beauty treatments, or unwind in the high-tech saunas of the separate Healing Baden zone.

Despite its urban setting and the bustling attractions nearby, Spa LaQua offers a surprisingly serene ambiance, with a green interior that invites relaxation. It uses natural hot spring water drawn from 1,700 meters underground to fill both its indoor and outdoor baths. Some of the water might appear murky due to the variety of beneficial chemicals included, all aimed at moisturizing and rejuvenating your skin.

There are seven saunas in total, three for women and four for men. Each sauna is maintained at different temperatures, catering to those who are sensitive to heat or prefer higher temperatures. There is even a cool sauna for those looking to cool down and improve their blood flow.

With its multitude of facilities and the diverse entertainment options available in Tokyo Dome City, Spa LaQua makes for an excellent place to relax and rejuvenate during your travels.

  • Address: LaQua Building 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 9:00 am
  • Price: 3,230 JPY (Adult), 2,420 JPY (Children age 6 to 17)
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Spa LaQua

Maenohara Onsen Saya No Yudokoro (前野原温泉 さやの湯処)

Maenohara Onsen Saya No Yudokoro (前野原温泉 さやの湯処)
Photo courtesy of Maenohara Onsen Saya No Yudokoro

Nestled amidst the urban landscape of Tokyo, Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro offers a unique tranquil retreat. This day-use hot spring facility, originally the home of a post-war businessman, radiates a traditional Japanese aesthetic influenced by the large garden that surrounds it, a seasonal spectacle that changes its allure with each passing season. 

The bathing area, a delightful fusion of indoor and outdoor facilities, includes one all-natural hot spring bath, four outdoor baths, and three indoor baths, ensuring a relaxing experience amidst nature. For those seeking more privacy, it offers a private half-outdoor bath at an additional cost, perfect for individuals unfamiliar with Japanese public bathing customs. 

Beyond bathing, guests can savour a traditional soba meal at the on-site restaurant overlooking the garden, or lounge in private rooms available for rent. The olive-green-coloured hot spring, a natural sodium chloride-based strong salt spring, remains untouched by chemicals and offers excellent heat retention properties for an invigorating experience. 

With its rich history and soothing ambiance, Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro invites everyone to experience the serenity and healing powers of a traditional Japanese Onsen.

  • Address: 3-41-1 Maenocho, Itabashi City, Tokyo 174-0063 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 9:00 am – 12:00 am
  • Price: Starting from 900 JPY (Adult), 550 JPY (Children)
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Maenohara Ohsen Saya no Yudokoro 

Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu (武蔵小山温泉 清水湯)

Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu (武蔵小山温泉 清水湯)
Photo courtesy of Musashi Koyama Onsen Shimizu-Yu

Dating back to 1924, Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu stands as a beacon of tradition amidst the vibrant city life of Tokyo. This onsen perfectly melds the charm of a classic Japanese public bath with modern aesthetics, thanks to several renovations over the years.

Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu stands out for its unique assortment of baths. Indoors, guests can experience not only typical stone baths but also a jet bath, an electric bath, and a jacuzzi. The facility also houses an open-air bath for those who wish to bathe under the sky.

Pride of the onsen is its distinctive hot spring water. The “black water” and “golden water” stand as the main attractions, with the black water’s color owing to its mineral-rich nature, and the golden water sourced even deeper underground. Both these baths are renowned for their therapeutic properties, aiding in alleviating muscle, nerve, and joint pains.

The rarity of such baths in Tokyo makes Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu a highly recommended choice for those seeking the unique health benefits offered by onsens. Adding to its appeal is the cost-effectiveness. For a mere 480 JPY, guests can enjoy a range of natural onsens, making it an easy and affordable wellness retreat easily accessible from the city center. So, immerse yourself in the experience of Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu, a place where tradition meets modernity, and wellness meets affordability.

  • Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0062 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
  • Price: 500 JPY (Adult), 400 JPY (age 12-15), 200 JPY (younger than 15)
  • Tattoo Friendly: Yes 
  • Website: Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu

Oyata Onsen Myojin No Yu (大谷田温泉 明神の湯)

Oyata Onsen Myojin No Yu (大谷田温泉 明神の湯)
Photo courtesy of  Oyata Onsen Myojin No Yu

Situated near Kita-Ayase Station, a bit off the bustling city center, lies the Oyata Onsen Myojin No Yu. Known for its high sodium and iron concentration, the onsen water at this hot spring has earned a reputation for being some of the most therapeutic in the city, effectively aiding ailments such as poor circulation and skin wounds.

One of the onsen’s distinctive features is a bath made entirely of natural Japanese cypress. Secluded amidst nature, this outdoor bath offers a serene, relaxing atmosphere, drawing guests to its tranquility.

At Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring, visitors can experience a unique blend of temperatures. They can alternate between a hotter bath and a cooler one, and even an ice-water bath, a practice reputed to be beneficial for blood circulation. The onsen also offers lukewarm options for those sensitive to extreme temperatures.

A visit to Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring is not complete without indulging in the delectable options offered at their restaurant. With a menu boasting noodles, Japanese curry, seafood, desserts, and much more, guests are sure to find something that tantalizes their taste buds. The restaurant also offers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, with their lemon sour—packed with real lemons—being a must-try for those of legal drinking age.

In addition to its therapeutic baths and enticing culinary offerings, Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring features massage facilities, perfect for a deeply relaxing experience. For a price ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 JPY for adults, and reduced rates for children, this onsen provides a restorative getaway where guests can recharge and rejuvenate. However, note that Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring does not permit tattoos, like many other Onsen facilities in Japan.

  • Address: 1-18-1 Oyata, Adachi City, Tokyo 120-0001 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (closed on the third Tuesday of every month)
  • Price: 1,100 JPY / 1,300 JPY (Sat, Sun, Holidays), 600 JPY (Children age 3 to 12) 
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Oyata Onsen Myojin No Yu

Times Spa Resta (タイムズ・スパ・レスタ)

Times Spa Resta (タイムズ・スパ・レスタ)
Photo courtesy of Times Spa Resta

One of the classiest spa complexes in town, Times Spa Resta occupies an unlikely location: floors ten to 12 of the Times Station parking garage and car rental facility in Ikebukuro. Don’t let that get in your way though, as this spot is perfect for a long, lazy day of soaking, eating and relaxing.

The men’s side has a wide range of baths, a Finnish-style sauna, rotenburo (outside bath) and even a terrace area with deck chairs, while women can look forward to an open-air jacuzzi, a ‘clear mist’ sauna complete with refreshing aroma, and other beauty-enhancing facilities.

Just a 6-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, Times SPA RESTA has one of the most convenient locations on our list if you are staying in the city. It does not give off the traditional Japanese public bathhouse atmosphere but instead feels like a modern spa with aspects of a super sento.

Aside from the bathing areas, there are a great number of relaxation opportunities available including saunas, five different types of massage parlors, four lounges, and even a sun tanning machine.

There are a total of 6 baths in the men’s area and 5 in the women’s area, making this one of the larger establishments that we are recommending. Like most other onsen, there are separate areas for men and women, both with many types of baths including massage baths, outdoor baths, and baths where you can lie down, called “neyu” in Japanese. On the women’s side, Times SPA RESTA has the option to even watch movies while entering the outdoor bath.

A unique point of Times SPA RESTA is that there are different events and packages available depending on the season. Packages include massages, and there are events that happen on specific days of the week or on a few days over the span of a few months. Because of the sheer amount of things that you can do at this facility, we believe that this may be one of the prime places to go if you are in search of a spa day in Tokyo.

  • Address: Times Station Ikebukuro 4-25-9 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 11:00 am – 8:00 am
  • Price: Weekdays – 3,150 JPY / 2,500 JPY (up to 100 minutes), Weekends/holidays – extra 700 JPY added to the regular price 
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Times Spa Resta

Onsen Yumorinosato (深大寺天然温泉 湯守の里)

Onsen Yumorinosato (深大寺天然温泉 湯守の里)
Photo courtesy of Yumorinosato

Nestled in a quieter part of Tokyo, Onsen Yumorinosato is a haven for those seeking respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. This onsen combines natural elements and traditional aesthetics to create a serene and authentic bathing experience, making it a great option for those who yearn for a nature-filled retreat.

Onsen Yumorinosato’s main draw lies in its baths constructed from natural materials, including wood, bamboo, and boulders. This approach to construction gives the baths a traditional feel and enables them to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of trees and rocks. Immersing yourself in the hot spring water, drawn from a depth of 1,500 meters below ground, becomes an effortless journey into relaxation.

Situated a bit farther from Tokyo’s city center, Onsen Yumorinosato is also in proximity to unique local sights. One such attraction is the Jindaiji temple, which houses one of the largest statues of a Japanese monk. Exploring these cultural landmarks adds to the traditional Japanese experience and makes for an enriching day out.

  • Address: 2-12-2 Jindaiji Motomachi, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0017 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Price: 1,000 JPY (Adult), 600 JPY (Children), weekends/holidays costs extra 100 JPY
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Onsen Yumorinosato

Nagomi no Yu (武蔵野温泉 なごみの湯)

Nagomi no Yu (武蔵野温泉 なごみの湯)
Photo courtesy of Nagomi no Yu

Just a one-minute walk from Ogikubo Station in the west side of Tokyo, Nagomi no Yu offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese onsen and modern spa treatments across its five floors. This convenient location makes it an excellent choice for visitors who value easy accessibility.

The women’s bath is situated on the second floor and the men’s bath on the fourth, with both floors featuring spacious saunas. Two large, stone outdoor baths house the natural hot springs. An indoor carbonated bath, while not a 100% natural hot spring, is claimed to be particularly beneficial for skin health, imparting softness and youthfulness to the skin.

Beyond the bath areas, Nagomi No Yu offers a variety of unique and traditional spa treatments. Besides the commonplace facials and hot stone massages, you can experience lesser-known treatments such as color therapy and a traditional Japanese “bedrock bath,” where you lie on warm stones for relaxation.

The relaxation room known as the “scarlet womb” might raise eyebrows at first glance. Yet, this room is designed to provide a tranquil space for relaxation and meditation, soothing all your senses.

If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, an extra fee of 300 JPY grants you access to the various stone saunas and ‘healing’ zones, located on the third and fifth floors.

  • Address: 1-10-10 Kamiogi, Suginami City, Tokyo 167-0043 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 10:30 am – 9:30 am
  • Price: Weekdays – 1,980 JPY (Adults),  1070 JPY (Children age 4 to 11), Weekends/Holidays – 2280 JPY (Adults), 1270 JPY (Children age 4 to 11) 
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Nagomi no Yu

Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa (秋川渓谷 瀬音の湯)

Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa (秋川渓谷 瀬音の湯)

Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa is an idyllic onsen getaway nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Akiruno City, a rural part of the Tokyo prefecture. The location might not be familiar to many, including Tokyo locals, but the spa’s embrace of its natural environment makes it a delightful retreat from the urban hustle.

The spa facility has both indoor and outdoor areas, and both feature baths filled with natural hot spring water that’s sourced from 1,500 meters underground. There’s also an option to rent a private onsen for 1,000 JPY per hour, perfect for those seeking a more secluded and serene experience.

The on-site sauna at Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa, though smaller in size compared to some other spas, offers a uniquely soothing experience. Thanks to a large window, guests can relax while taking in views of the surrounding outdoors.

A distinctive feature of Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa is its lodging offering. Unlike many onsen locations, this spa boasts a cottage located about 50 meters away from the onsen area. Given the spa’s distance from the city center, we recommend considering an overnight stay, especially if your residence is far away. This way, you can fully immerse yourself in the onsen experience without feeling rushed.

Please note that the information on pricing and tattoo policies was not provided. It’s advisable to check the spa’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

  • Address: 565 Otsu, Akiruno, Tokyo 190-0174 (Google MAP)
  • Hours of Operation: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
  • Price: 1,000 JPY (Adult), 500 JPY (up to 12)
  • Tattoo Friendly: No
  • Website: Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu

Experience the Onsen Tradition

Experience the Onsen Tradition

Etiquette and Bathing Rules

The onsen tradition in Tokyo is a cherished aspect of Japanese culture, deeply rooted in the practice of using natural hot springs for relaxation and health benefits. When visiting public baths, such as onsen and sento, it is important to adhere to proper etiquette and bathing rules. 

Firstly, guests must remove their shoes upon entering the facility, and keep personal belongings in designated lockers. Prior to entering the bathing area, one must thoroughly clean themselves using soap and water in the washing stations, rinsing off any soap residue before entering the baths.

Respect for privacy and modesty is paramount; thus, wearing swimsuits is not allowed, and guests must bathe nude – with small modesty towels used for covering themselves when walking between baths. Do not submerge the towel in the water – instead, fold it and place it on your head while soaking. 

Keep noise levels to a minimum, avoid swimming or splashing, and exercise general consideration for fellow bathers.

Please be aware that many onsen, sento, and spa facilities in Japan have policies prohibiting entry to individuals with tattoos, due to traditional cultural norms and associations. It’s always a good idea to check the facility’s rules or contact them directly before your visit if you have tattoos.

Onsen and Ryokan Accommodations

Many Ryokan accommodations offer onsen facilities, where guests can indulge in an authentic Japanese experience incorporating traditional lodging, seasonal cuisine, and soothing hot springs. 

Ryokans allow travelers to unwind in serene surroundings, enjoy beautifully presented multi-course meals, and experience the Japanese way of living. Some renowned examples of onsen and ryokan accommodations in Tokyo include Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA and Sayano Yudokoro, known for their exceptional service and tranquil environments.

Sento – Japanese Public Bathhouses

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, sento or public bathhouses provide an alternative means of experiencing Japan’s bathing culture. While not fed by natural hot springs, sento still offer various types of baths and therapeutic services for visitors to indulge in, such as Heiwajima Onsen and Tokyo Somei Spa Sakura.

Whether opting for a luxurious ryokan stay or a simple sento experience, Tokyo’s onsen tradition promises its guests a unique and revitalizing experience that transcends ordinary relaxation and reconnects them with nature, health, and cultural tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best onsens near Tokyo for a day trip

What are the best onsens near Tokyo for a day trip?

There are several excellent onsen locations near Tokyo that are perfect for a day trip. 

Hakone Onsen: Just a couple hours away by train, Hakone Onsen is known for its hot springs and beautiful views of Mount Fuji. It boasts several ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) with private and public baths. Hakone is also home to an open-air museum and Lake Ashinoko, making it an excellent cultural trip as well.

Nikko (Kinugawa Onsen): Nikko is famous for its historic sites like Toshogu Shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu. It’s also home to Kinugawa Onsen, a hot spring resort alongside the Kinugawa River. Its waters are known for their healing properties and the resort offers stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Atami Onsen: A classic seaside hot spring resort, Atami Onsen is just a short Shinkansen ride away from Tokyo. Its seaside location makes it a popular choice for those who love to mix their hot spring bathing with a bit of beach fun. Atami also has several ryokans with private baths and excellent seafood.

Yugawara Onsen: Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Yugawara is a lesser-known onsen town but nonetheless a charming place to visit. It’s known for its ryokans with beautiful gardens, high-quality hot spring waters, and its proximity to the Hakone mountains. If you’re looking for a more tranquil and traditional onsen experience, Yugawara might be your best bet.

Remember, when planning your day trip, to take into account travel times, as well as the hours of operation of each onsen facility to make the most out of your visit.

How much does it typically cost to visit an onsen in Tokyo?

The cost of visiting an onsen in Tokyo can vary depending on the specific location and the facilities offered. On average, expect to pay between ¥1,000 and ¥2,500 for a single entry. Sauna, massage and using other facilities usually come at extra costs. Some luxury onsens may charge more for additional services and amenities.

Which onsens in Tokyo are foreigner-friendly?

Many onsens in Tokyo are welcoming to foreign tourists. Musashi Koyama Onsen Shimizuyu is a particularly popular choice among foreigners due to its wide variety of entertainment facilities and accessible atmosphere. 

However, many Japanese onsens, sentos, and spas do not allow entry to people with tattoos due to cultural norms.

Are there any onsens located within Tokyo’s Shinjuku district?

While Shinjuku district does not have many traditional onsens, there are several bathhouses and sentos that serve as relaxing alternatives. For those looking to experience an onsen outside of Shinjuku, the nearby districts of Ikebukuro and Meguro have some options to explore.

What is the etiquette when visiting an onsen in Japan?

When visiting a Japanese onsen, it is essential to follow proper etiquette. Before entering, remove your shoes and store them in a locker. In the changing room, undress completely and place your clothes in a basket or locker. Wash and rinse yourself thoroughly using the showers provided before entering the hot springs. Be respectful and quiet while soaking, and avoid staring at other bathers.

Do I need to wear anything while inside an onsen?

In most Japanese onsens, you will not wear anything while inside the hot springs. Nudity is the norm, and swimsuits are generally not permitted. However, you may use a small towel to cover your body while moving between the bath and changing area. Remember to keep the towel out of the water, as it should remain clean and dry.


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