Onsen in Japan: Interesting Places to Check Out!

Natural hot spring baths, or onsen in Japan, offer unique and memorable experiences beyond the typical soak. There’s something for everyone, from luxurious spa resorts and themed baths to onsen steeped in cultural traditions. This article introduces unique onsen spots in Japan where you can relax and experience the country’s rich bathing culture.

Spa World

Spa World, situated in Osaka’s Shinsekai district, is the perfect destination to relax in style while having fun. This expansive public bath also doubles as an amusement park, featuring a range of facilities like playrooms, a swimming pool, dining options, and a gym. The hot spring area is divided into two themed sections: European and Asian.

The European and Asian sections alternate between male and female use each month, so it’s a good idea to check in advance if you’re interested in a specific bath. The European area offers six onsen baths and a Finnish sauna, while the Asian area has six distinct onsen baths. For added entertainment, the playrooms include darts, ping pong, karaoke, and billiards, making Spa World a fantastic spot for friends and family outings!

The general entrance fee is 1,500 yen, an additional cost for some facilities. The onsen is open from 10 a.m. to 8 a.m. the following day, and the play areas have the same hours. If you’re worried about catching the last train, there’s also an attached hotel for an overnight stay.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Coffee and wine are delightful to drink, but at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, you can go further and bathe in them! Located in Kanagawa Prefecture, this hot spring amusement park offers one-of-a-kind bathing experiences you won’t find anywhere else in Japan. Beyond the unique onsen, the park features waterslides, kid-friendly pools, a sauna, and a Dr. Fish foot bath.

The coffee and wine onsen uses real ingredients, with staff regularly pouring freshly brewed coffee and red wine into the coffee bath. These ingredients are believed to have skin-rejuvenating and beautifying effects. However, drinking water is not allowed since people are bathing in them. There are also green tea and sake baths for more unique options.

The admission fee for all areas is 3,500 yen ($24) for adults and 1,800 yen ($12) for children. The pool areas are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays, while the onsen areas are open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

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Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land

Aomori Prefecture is renowned for its apples, and at Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land, you can enjoy the unique experience of bathing with them! Nestled in Aomori’s central Tsugaru area, this hotel is an excellent choice for sightseeing and relaxation. It’s particularly famous for its Apple Bath, which is available year-round.

The hotel’s onsen uses weak, alkaline hot spring water, characteristic of the Tohoku region. Combined with apples, these baths are believed to help with various ailments, such as pain, fatigue, and injuries. They also beautify the skin and calm the mind.

The onsen baths are open to both hotel guests and day visitors. Those not staying at the hotel can purchase a one-day onsen pass at reception. Public bathing hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kusatsu Onsen

Kusatsu Onsen is one of Japan’s most renowned onsen towns, making it an ideal stop if you’re traveling between Tokyo and Nagano. A unique feature of Kusatsu Onsen is its traditional cooling technique, Yumomi, which dates back to the Edo Period (1603–1868). This distinctive method is performed by local women who use large wooden paddles to cool the hot spring water while performing folk dances and songs.

During Yumomi, the paddles are rhythmically dipped into the water and turned to create splashes that help cool it. This traditional practice occurs six times a day at the Netsu No Yu bathhouse, and admission to watch the performance costs 600 yen ($4).

Kuroyu Onsen

While many onsen baths feature clear water, some utilize dark water, referred to as Kuroyu. Kuroyu draws its color from minerals in leaves and grass dissolved in groundwater. These minerals are known for their positive skin benefits, beautification, and rejuvenation. In Tokyo, the top two places to try kuroyu onsen are Nagomi No Yu and Yumori No Sato.

Nagomi No Yu is located in Suginami ward, a convenient one-minute walk from Ogikubo Station’s West Exit. The entrance fee is 2,000 yen ($14), open from 10 am to 9 am (the next day). Yumori No Sato is located in Chofu City and is accessible via a shuttle bus from Chofu and Musashisakai Station. The entrance fee is 1,200 yen ($8), and it is open from 10 am to 10 pm. 

Why should I go to these unique onsen in Japan?

Beyond traditional relaxation, these unique onsen spots in Japan deliver immersive and culturally rich experiences. Spa World in Osaka combines onsen with amusement park attractions for a multifaceted adventure. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun stands out with its one-of-a-kind wine and coffee baths. Meanwhile, Minamida Onsen Hotel Apple Land offers a refreshing twist by blending onsen with Aomori’s renowned apples.

If you’re looking for something traditional, Kusatsu Onsen’s Yumomi cooling technique showcases folk practices with a cultural performance. Tokyo’s Kuroyu onsen, such as Nagomi No Yu and Yumori No Sato, highlight the benefits of mineral-rich dark water. Each location delivers a distinctive experience, enriching your understanding of Japanese onsen culture. Which onsen do you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below!