Onsen Guide: Top 15 Best Onsen In Tokyo

Intro

Japan is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. As a result, natural hot springs or onsen have become an indispensable feature in their tradition and culture since the 18th century. People used to travel to spa towns like Hakone and Atami if they wanted to soak themselves in a hot spring. But, nowadays, thanks to modern technology, you can enjoy the best onsen right in Tokyo.

Onsen spots like these in the city often include both outdoor and indoor bathing facility, coming along with other additional services which help to entertain you and the whole family. Besides, the water from geothermally-heated springs is believed to do good for your health, such as alleviating muscle pains, fatigue or stress and healing skin problems. With all these benefits, visiting an onsen while staying in Japan needs to be on your bucket list. Now let’s see what we get here in top 15 best onsen in Tokyo.

Best Onsen In Tokyo – 15 Recommend For Hot Springs

1. Oedo Onsen Monogatari

best onsen in tokyo

The entrance gate of Oedo Onsen Monogatari looks like a structure from the Edo period. (Source: Internet)

Speaking of onsen in Tokyo, Oedo Onsen Monogatari definitely ranks the first place of many foreign tourists. What makes this onsen spot outstanding from the other is the wide variety of entertainment facilities. There are up to 14 types of onsen here (even an onsen for dogs) with hot water that bubble up from 1400 meters underground.

If you don’t have much time but still want to make the most out of this onsen experience, this is your place to go. Another thing you can’t miss out is to wear a yukata (a traditional costume of Japanese people besides kimono), while walking inside the facility which is built to resemble the old downtown of the Edo Era. This is a favorite place of many families in Tokyo because of plentiful festival games like shooting games, fortune-telling, and even photo booths.

onsen in tokyo

It seems like there is a festival at Oedo Onsen every night. (Source: Internet)

Address: Oedo Onsen Monogatari Hot Springs Oumi 2-6-3, Koto, Tokyo

Phone: (03) 5500-1126

Website: http://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/en/ rel=”nofollow”

Price:

  1. Adult: 2,480 yen ∼ 18,05 USD
  2. Children: 1,000 yen ∼ 7,28 USD
  3. Weekends and holidays 2680 yen ∼ 19,51 USD

2. Maenohara Onsen Sayano

Reaching the entrance, you feel like you are in a ryokan in the middle of the city. Here you can find a private semi-open-air bath located in the garden named “Hanare no yu”.

hot springs near tokyo

The outdoor bath of Maenohara Onsen Sayano. (Source: Internet)

Reading a book or just simply enjoy the beauty of nature in a hot tub is such an unforgettable experience. You should also try a bedrock sauna here with four temperature rooms of spring, summer, fall and winter depending on your own health condition and interest.

hot springs near tokyo

Enjoy bedrock sauna with four seasonal zones: spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Address: 3-41-1 Maenocho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0063

Phone: +81359163826

Website: https://www.sayanoyudokoro.co.jp/english/

Price:

1. Adult Prices

  • Weekdays: 870 yen ∼ 6,33 USD
  • Weekends & Holidays: 1,100 yen ∼ 8,01 USD

2. Child Prices (Primary School ages and under)

  • Weekdays: 550 yen ∼ 4 USD
  • Weekends & Holidays: 750 yen ∼ 5,46 USD

3. Tokyo Dome City Spa LaQua

This amazing complex inside Tokyo Dome City offers a number of choices that can make your head spin. There are four separated zones including spa zone, healing Baden, relaxation space, treatment and beauty. If you are looking for an onsen experience, coming to the spa zone. They have a large open-air bath using mineral-rich hot water that springs out from 1700 meters below the Tokyo Dome.

tokyo hot springs

The luxurious open-air bath using mineral-rich hot water from 1400 meters underground. (Source: Internet)

The Healing Baden is well-known for different types of saunas such as natural stone and rock salt. In the relaxation space, like its name, you can totally relax here: reading magazines, watching TV, or lying down and taking a nap. Finally, treatment and beauty zone is where you can bring out your beauty and health according to your concerns and goals.

Address: Tokyo Dome City LaQua 5 to 9 Floors (Front Desk at 6F)

Phone: 03-3817-4173

Website: https://www.tokyo-dome.co.jp/en/tourists/spalaqua/

Price:

  • Adult: 2,634 yen ∼ 19,17 USD
    Child: 1,836 yen ∼ 13,36 USD
    Additional surcharge on late-night and holiday usage

4. Bade and natural onsen – Toshimaen Niwanoyu

tokyo hot springs

The massive bade pool surrounds a large crystal stone at the center. (Source: Internet)

If you have children, you shouldn’t come to this place because children under 13 are denied entry. As you can infer, this is where adults come to have fun and relax. Offering 6 types of bath in total, varying from natural onsen to stone sauna, this onsen spot also has a green Japanese garden around. Many people come here to get closer to nature and avoid the hustle and bustle of the city.

onsen in tokyo

The spa zone with the view over the Japanese garden. (Source: Internet)

Address: 豊島園 庭の湯, 3 Chome-25-1 Koyama Nerima, Tokyo

Phone: (03 ) 3990-4126

Website: http://www.niwanoyu.jp/niwa/

Price:

  • Adult: 2,310 yen ∼ 16,81 USD
    Elementary school kids and younger children and children under 12 yrs old are not allowed in the facility. We ask you to show your ID card.

5. Myojin no Yu

Myojin no Yu is an attractive, traditionally-styled bathhouse. The hot water coming out from their spring is rich in iron and salt. No matter how exhausted you are when coming here, we’re sure you will come back home with the most energetic, positive version of you. The water is believed to improve circulation, relieve muscle pain and treat insomnia. Of all the benefits mentioned above, this is where you should come if you want to treat yourself better.

onsen in tokyo

The impressive outdoor and indoor baths of Myojin no Yu. (Source: Internet)

Address: 1 18, 1-chōme, Ōyata Adachi-ku, Tōkyō-to, 120-0001, Japan

Phone: +81356132683

Website: http://www.myoujin-no-yu.com/

6. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura

onsen in tokyo

The luxurious design of the main hall.

The onsen bathhouse takes after the name of a cherry tree: somei. As a result, it is best visited during cherry blossom season (spring) but if you pay a visit any time of the year, it is not less beautiful. You can find many services here: onsen with sodium-rich water (the main reason you come here), a yoga class and massage. You can spend the whole day relaxing and healing yourself, contemplating the beauty of the cherry blossom.

tokyo hot springs

The onsen here is rich in sodium which is beneficial for your health. (Source: Internet)

Address: 24 4, 5-chōme, Komagome Toshima-ku, Tōkyō-to, 170-0003, Japan

Phone: +81359075566

Website: http://www.sakura-2005.com/

7. Yama no Yu Onsen

In case you want to find out how Japanese bathhouse used to look like during the postwar period, you should head to this place. Yama no Yu Onsen has been in business since it was first opened in 1960. That’s the reason why it has a retro style. The first thing welcomes you when arriving here is a picture of Mount Fuji, painted by the oldest of Japan’s three remaining sento painters.

The huge, public bath in the center of the room is also a unique feature of this onsen spot. It is divided into tưo sections: one is a jet massage bath, one is an aroma bath changing its smell every day.

tokyo hot springs

The massive art of Edo is the first thing catch your sight when you come here. (Source: Internet)

Address: 1-47-12 Kanamecho, Toshima-ku Tokyo

Phone: 03 3957 2679

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8. Saya no Yudokoro

Being one of the richest onsens in sodium chloride giving its water a greenish-brown color instead of light blue. Moreover, that’s not the only thing worth your visit. The bathhouse is surrounded by many green trees and lush, which makes you feel like being in a forest. For a person who’s in love with an old-fashioned place, you need to come here.

tokyo hot springs

The zen garden where you get closer to the nature. (Source: Internet)

With traditional-styled buildings and a zen garden, Sana no Yudokoro is attractive with foreign tourists. The facilities here are not very different from other spots varying from onsen to sauna, spa and restaurant. But believe me, taking a bath in a “look-like” forest place is something you should try in Japan.

Address: 3-41-1 Maenocho, Itabashi-ku Tokyo

Phone: 0359163826

Website: https://www.sayanoyudokoro.co.jp/

Price:

1. Mon-Fri

  • Adutls: 870 yen ∼ 6,33 USD
  • Children 550 yen ∼ 4 USD

2. Sat, Sun & hols

  • Adults: 1,100 yen ∼ 8,01 USD
  • Children: 750 yen ∼ 5,46 USD

9. Thermae Yu

Good news for manga fans, the next stop of our list is inspired by the popular Thermae Romae series. Originated from a spa complex, Thermae Yu has expended its business including hot spring baths, stone saunas, a beauty salon, scrub treatment, a lounge complete with a café, a restaurant and even a bar. You will be impressed by the half modern, half traditional decoration here. Opening 22 hours a day, you can rest here after taking a long night-walk in Shinjuku to recharge yourself.

best onsen in tokyo,

You can find an indoor bath…(Source: Internet)

best onsen in tokyo

…and other related facilities like bedrock sauna, a drink bar, restaurant and relaxation lounge. (Source: Internet)

Address: 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo

Phone: 03 5285 1726

Website: http://thermae-yu.jp/

Price:

  • Weekdays 2,364 yen ∼ 17,21 USD
  • 1,620 yen ∼ 11,79 USD for 18-year-olds and younger between 11 am and 6 pm, last entry 4.30pm

10. Nagomi no Yu

Located just outside the west exit of Ogibuko Station, this is one of the most convenient onsens in Tokyo. Like many other onsen spots, Nagomi no Yu comprises separated zones serving different purposes such as an open-air bath (the main feature), sauna zone, healing zone, and other additional services.

best onsen in tokyo

The open-air bath, the main feature of this onsen. (Source: Internet)

Nagomi no Yu opens overnight until 9 am in the morning so that you can have the fullest experience here. In case you are tired and want to sleep, there are plenty of rooms for you to rest, of course, you have to pay an extra fee if you stay past 1 am.

Address: 1-10-10 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku Tokyo

Phone: 03 3398 4126

Website: https://www.nagomino-yu.com/

Price:

  • Adults 1,800 yen ∼ 13,1 USD
  • Children 1,050 yen ∼ 7,64 USD
  • Infants (ages 3 and under) 530 yen ∼ 3,86 USD
  • Late-night surcharge (after 1am) 1,350 yen ∼ 9,83 USD

11. Yunohama open-air bath

You think that spending thousands of yens soaking in hot spring water is not worthy, you would rather spend money on shopping and enjoying local cuisines? Well in that case, we are pleased to inform you that a free bathhouse upper the hill is available for you. Located on Niijima, part of Izu island chain, the osen is themed on the ruin of ancient Rome, with the view over the crystal-blued sea.

best onsen in tokyo

Yunohama Open Onsen is themed on the ruin of the ancient Rome and especially it’s free. (Source: Internet)

The stunning scenery here will blow your mind, especially when the sun goes down. Imagine emerging yourself in the hot water mixed from six different hot springs (you are reading it right, six springs not one), looking at the starry night and the sparkling sea all at one. It’s definitely such a once in a lifetime experience.

Address: Setoyama, Niijima-mura Tokyo

Website: https://www.niijima.com/facility/spa/onsen_yunohama.html

Price: Free

12. Roten Garden

This onsen complex is on the outskirt of Tokyo but it doesn’t prevent tourists from coming here. Drawing its spring water from a depth of nearly 1400 meters underground, which is good for muscle pain and achy joints. Roten Garden’s facility includes outdoor and indoor baths, saunas,…at a reasonable price. If you feel bored, there is a karaoke room and a cosmic room with private space to entertain you. “Make yourself at home” is definitely the slogan of this onsen. That’s the reason why many tourists can’t help coming back here whenever they have a day off.

Address: 358 Aiharamachi, Machida-shi Tokyo

Phone: 042 774 2681

Website: http://roten-garden.com/

Price:

  • Adults 740 yen ∼ 5,39 USD(Mon-Fri) / 890 yen ∼ 6,48 USD(Sat, Sun & hols)
  • Children 300 yen ∼ 2,18 USD(Mon-Fri) / 350 yen ∼ 2,55 USD(Sat, Sun & hols)

13. Heiwajima Natural Hot Spring

The next place is worth considering if you get an early flight but you would like to wait in a hot tub rather than the departure lobby. Haiwajima Natural Hot Spring is just 15-minute car ride from Haneda Airport. In case you don’t have a car, don’t worry, the onsen provides a shuttle bus service to the airport every morning.

Heiwajima Natural Hot Spring. (Source: Internet)

There are up to 150 tons of hot spring bubbled up from 2000 meters underground. Haiwajima Natural Hot Spring is one of the largest natural hot spring facilities in Tokyo. Along with onsen, you have many other options like stone spa, healing program and a relaxation space filled with row upon row of reclining chairs.

Address: 1 1, 1-chōme, Heiwajima Ōta-ku, Tōkyō-to

Phone: +81337689121

Website: https://www.heiwajima-onsen.jp/en/

Price:

  • Adults 1,800 yen ∼ 13,1 USD(Mon-Fri) / 2,100 yen ∼ 15,29 USD(Sat, Sun & hols)
  • Children 900 yen ∼ 6,55 USD

14. Shimizuyu (Musashi Koyama Onsen)

If you only relate hot spring water with the light-blue colored water then you haven’t had a full onsen experience. In this onsen, you can have the opportunity to emerge yourself in “black water” and “golden water”. The inky black water is called kuroyu water, it is typical in this part of the city.

onsen in tokyo

“Black water” and “Golden water” which can cure any ailments you can think of. (Source: Internet)

It is said to cure all manner of ailments while the golden water is suggested for chronic skin diseases and auto-immune ailments. Despite the high quality of hot spring water, the onsen charges customers at sento bath prices, who’s said: “The cheapest is the dearest”.

Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku Tokyo

Phone: +81337810575

Website: http://www.shimizuyu.com/

Price:

  • Adults 460 yen ∼ 3,35 USD
  • Children 180 yen ∼ 1,31 USD

15. Times Spa Resta

We have reached the last spot in our list. Do you curious what is the last onsen in Tokyo you should check out? From 10th to 12th floor of the Time Station parking garage and car central facility in the central of Tokyo lies one of the classiest spa complexes in the city. The men and women’s sides are separated apparently.

best onsen in tokyo

The view from outside hottub of Times Spa Resta. (Source: Internet)

While the man’s side has a wide variety of bath, Finnish-styled sauna; the ladies can enjoy an open-air hot tub, saunas and other beauty-enhancing facilities. Moreover, you can find other health treatments like massage, body scrubs and more, offering for both sexes. But note that anyone with tattoos and under the age of 18 will not be accepted.

best onsen in tokyo

If you think it’s enough of emerging in the water, you can go to sauna room. (Source: Internet)

Address: Times Station Ikebukuro 10-12F, 4-25-9 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo

Phone: 03 5979 8924

Website: http://www.timesspa-resta.jp/

Price:

  • Mon-Fri 2,750 yen ∼ 20,02 USD(1,800 yen ∼ 13,1 USD if you stay less than 90min),
  • Sat, Sun & hols 3,100 yen ∼ 22,57 USD(2,150 yen ∼ 15,65 USD). 500 yen∼3,64 USDhourly surcharge between 12 midnight and 5 am

How to enjoy a Japanese onsen

You must abide by the norms and traditions that most onsen uphold in order to enjoy the finest onsen experience:

Formalities and expectations in onsen

Remember to take a shower before bathing when using an onsen so that you are clean. If an onsen doesn’t provide them, you’ll need to buy some. It’s ideal to avoid eating before taking a bath, but you must drink a lot of water both before and after to avoid dehydration.

Due to the cultural association between tattoos and the yakuza (the Japanese mafia), many onsen continue to forbid tattoos. Although some onsen have already loosened their tattoo policies, it’s still best to inquire before visiting. They may demand that you cover it up or deny you access.

To be mindful of other guests, if you are traveling with others, keep your volume down. In most onsen, it’s not permitted to dive, splash, or swim, and most don’t allow photography either.

Do onsens permit tattoos?

Unfortunately, a lot of the mega sento in Tokyo forbid tattooed people from using the baths.

Only Thermae Yu and MusashiKoyama Onsen Shimizuyu accept tattoos among the super sento we’ll introduce in this post.

Seek out a place that has a private onsen if you wish to travel somewhere new.

Tattooed people are welcome to utilize the onsen without any concerns, even if you will need to stay the night (some private onsen are connected to guest suites in ryokan and hotels).

Notice of Odaiba Oedo-Onsen Monogatari’s closing

Odaiba Oedo-Onsen Monogatari was an onsen establishment that featured not only an onsen but also a food court, various kinds of pools, additional amusement park-like attractions, and housing for visitors to spend the night. Despite being a very well-liked tourist attraction, it sadly closed in September 2021.

Although it is somewhat distant from Odaiba, the same Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Group operates a comparable theme park in Chiba Prefecture, which is close to Tokyo to the east.

The specifics are listed below.

Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo (大江戸温泉物語 浦安万華鏡)

Chiba Prefecture, which lies to the east of Tokyo, is home to Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo. There are four outdoor tubs, seven indoor baths, two saunas, and a lot of space on the site. Seasonal festivities vary, such as light displays for Christmas or snack distribution for Valentine’s Day. Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo is the ideal choice for families with young children because of this.

The spa seen above is the most well-liked among guests, yet it does not use hot spring water naturally. It is known as the “collagen spring” and has a wine-like color and smell. People who have used it laud its positive effects on their skin. Even if you are not as concerned about the health advantages of the numerous onsen tubs, it will be fascinating just to go inside a bath this unusual.

We’ve discussed a number of onsen where you can receive spa services, but the theme park component of Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo is its most exciting feature. Families, couples, and groups of friends can enjoy an exciting journey at the largest bath, which is outdoors and has tunnels and caves. Being an all-gender bath, the requirement to wear a swimsuit allows even those who are not accustomed to onsen customs to enter without any issues.

FAQs

1. Where in Japan are the best onsen located?

The famed and iconic Onsen region in Japan is Beppu, which is a part of Oita Prefecture. Beppu City is known as Beppu Hatto (meaning 8 springs in Japanese) because there are hundreds of hot springs there, all with various atmospheres, but they are mostly concentrated in eight places.

2. Can foreigners visit Japan’s onsens?

The best onsen village in Japan to visit for the first time is Kinosaki Onsen. It is simple to get to (2.5 hours by rail from Kyoto or Osaka), welcoming to visitors (signs are in English, and tattoos are permitted).

3. Which individuals ought to stay away from onsen?

If you have a sickness that is active, do not take an onsen bath (particularly if you have a fever); Because taking an onsen bath puts a lot of strain on your body, you should avoid doing so if you are already feeling weak and exhausted because the symptoms could worsen.

4. Can you dress up in a private onsen?

The onsen bathing places are prohibited from wearing clothing or bathing suits. Onsen is kept as clean as possible by the community. They have a certain sacredness to them. Clothing and bathing suits are deemed unclean because they can introduce dirt and soap from the outside into the hot spring waters.

5. Are onsens pricey in Japan?

Almost every onsen charges an admission fee, which can be anywhere between 400 and 800 yen (often 200 to 2,000 yen). Sento are often less expensive, however super-sento are typically more expensive due to the increased quantity of amenities.

6. Do you need to wash off after onsen?

Showering should not be done right after bathing. The effects of any medicinal elements in the water will be diminished because they will be washed away in the shower. Rinse yourself off with fresh water if your skin is delicate and easily irritated.

7. Are onsens divided based on gender?

Onsen, or hot spring baths, are a form of art that the Japanese have long since mastered. In the past, men and women would take baths in the same facility together, but today the baths are divided by gender.

8. Why aren’t tattoos permitted in onsen?

Due to a long-standing link with organized crime, visitors with tattoos are typically not permitted at Japan’s onsen (natural hot springs). But as times change, more and more onsen are relaxing their rules—in some cases to allow tattooed international visitors.

9. How long should you stay in an onsen?

At most, 1-2 times a day are allowed for bathing, and after becoming used to onsen, 2-3 times a day is permitted. The length of a bath depends on the temperature of the water, but it should normally last 3 to 10 minutes at a time. If you become used to it, you can increase the period to 15-20 minutes.

10. Can you snap pictures in an onsen?

Unless you are visiting a private onsen, it is typically not allowed to take photos inside an onsen. For a list of the top 10 in each location, be sure to check out our guides to the onsens in Niseko and Hakuba!

Conclusion

So that’s our list of Top 15 best onsen in Tokyo, is there any place you want to go? When visiting an onsen, not only can you relax and retreat yourself after all hard-working days, but it’s also the time you can spend with your family and friends. So now it’s time for you to enjoy the weekend with the whole family in one of these onsens above.

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About Hayami Mori

Hayami Mori is an awesome travel blogger & photographer. She was born and raised in Tokyo and have been here for nearly 25 years. She loves traveling and always wants to introduce her beautiful Japan to travelers from all over the world. Therefore, her blog is a great source of information for people looking for what to do in Japan as well as provides some tips to make their trips unforgettable.

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