Think there are no Onsen in Tokyo?
One of the experiences you would like to have in Japan is to visit an onsen (hot spring). However, many people may only be able to stay in Japan for a few days and may not be able to travel far. Tokyo is one of the largest cities in the world. Is it possible to enjoy onsen in such a place? The answer is, of course, yes!
How to Enjoy Onsen Easily in Tokyo
In fact, there are numerous onsen facilities in Tokyo. They range from modern facilities that are easily accessible to tourists to traditional facilities frequented by local residents. Here are some of them.
Urban Hot Spring Facilities
At the facilities introduced here, the admission fee includes towels, indoor clothes, and amenities that can be used inside the facility.
Times Spa Resta
It is conveniently located a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. Located in a building, it is hard to imagine from the exterior, but the large baths are spacious and open. The facilities are modern and may not have the feel of a Japanese spa.
Therae Yu
It is a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, so it can be easily used after shopping, etc. You can enjoy a variety of baths while in the center of Tokyo. Even those with tattoos can enter if they purchase a sticker to cover their tattoos when they enter.
Niwa no yu
Just a short walk from Toshimaen Station (15 minutes from Ikebukuro Station on the Seibu Toshimaen Line). (Approx. 15 minutes from Ikebukuro Station on the Seibu Toshimaen Line) It has a vast Japanese garden, so the atmosphere of the hot spring is perfect! You can enjoy natural hot spring water in a spacious and quiet space.
More local public bathhouse
Although somewhat out of the city center, these facilities offer casual enjoyment of hot springs for less than 1,000 yen. The low admission fee does not include towels. Bring your own or rent one for an additional fee.
Saya no Yu dokoro
Although located in Tokyo, you can enjoy hot spring baths with free-flowing hot spring water. It is an 8-minute walk from Shimura Sanchome Station on the Toei Mita Line, a bit far from the city center, but you can enjoy a full-fledged hot spring bath at a reasonable price.
Ofuro no Ousama (Oimachi)
Located just outside Oimachi Station on the Keihin Tohoku Line. One of a chain of about 10 facilities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. You can enjoy a wide variety of baths at reasonable prices. It is also a good place to check out the atmosphere before going to a full-fledged hot spring bath.
Take the plunge and go to Hakone
If you have time during your stay, one option is to visit Hakone, a real hot spring resort. If you take the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station, you will arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station in about 90 minutes. There, you will find a hot spring resort area lined with souvenir stores and onsen inns.
Hakone Yuryo
This one-day bathing facility is only 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it has a different atmosphere from the city center. There is also a private open-air bath available, which is not included in the admission fee.
Sento may be a bit more advanced
We recommend experiencing a sento, a traditional Japanese public bathhouse. Even in Tokyo, there are sentou that retain their retro atmosphere. For the very reasonable price of 500 yen, towels and shampoo are extra. You can bring your own.
Oshiage Onsen Daikokuyu
Oshiage Onsen Daikokuyu is a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree. This area is known as the downtown area of Tokyo, and visitors can enjoy the Showa-era retro atmosphere. It is a convenient place to stop by while sightseeing.
