Spa Resort Spotlight: Let’s Check Out Yunessun!
Thuy Fang
Skipping the onsen (hot spring) experience during a trip to Japan would be a big miss. Soaking in an onsen is good for your health and skin and helps you relax and relieve stress. If you love Japanese onsen, Yunessun Spa Resort is a place you should not miss! Let’s explore the unique and exciting things this place has to offer!
Where is Yunessun Spa Resort?
Yunessun Spa Resort is a fun hot spring theme park in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s not too far from Tokyo! You can get there in about two hours by taking a train and then a bus. You’ll ride the JR Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara and hop on a bus to the Kowakien stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to Yunessun!
The famous Fujita Kanko group created this exciting spa resort in the Hakone Kowakien area. Yunessun was made to be a special place where families and friends can enjoy hot spring baths together, even in swimsuits!
What is worth experiencing here?
Yunessun Spa Resort is full of fun hot spring baths! There’s the Yunessun area where you wear your swimsuit and try all kinds of exciting baths. You can soak in a real coffee bath and enjoy the sweet smell, or step into a wine bath with deep red water. The baths are made with real drinks like wine, sake, and green tea; they’re all good for your skin, too!
If you want to play, there’s a big pool with flowing water and a cool slide called Rodeo Mountain. You can also stand under Dragon’s Waterfall or swim through cave baths like an adventurer. Kids will love the BOXAPPY’s Splish-Splash pool with spraying fountains and a cute cat character. Outside, there’s even a giant open-air bath with a fantastic view of the Hakone mountains.
Inside the building, there’s a vast pool called the Aegean Sea of Gods where you can swim even when it’s raining. Don’t forget to visit the Green Terrace with warm wooden decks and Jacuzzis, or the Dr. Fish bath, where tiny fish nibble on your feet to clean off old skin. It tickles and feels great!
Head to the Mori no Yu area for a calm and quiet time. You can relax in pottery baths, lie-down baths, and even a sweet-smelling cypress bath! A cozy sauna and special collagen and mist baths also help your skin feel smooth. Families who prefer a bit more privacy can use a private bath. There are a few room options, some indoors and some partly open to the outside, depending on what suits you best.
What is the admission procedure at Yunessun Spa Resort?
When you arrive, first go to the entrance and buy your ticket. After that, you walk through a gate and, very important, take off your shoes before going any further. This is a special rule in Japan that helps keep everything clean. If you forget your swimsuit or towel, no worries. Before heading to the locker rooms, you can rent one right after the entrance.
Each person gets a waterproof wristband. This bracelet is your locker key and works like a charge card. You can buy snacks or drinks and pay for everything when you leave. Some amenities, such as soap, shampoo, and blow dryers, help you get ready in the locker room.
Are you looking for awesome summer snacks after a spa resort visit? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, drinks, snacks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest Japanese drinks and snacks directly from Japan!
Onsen etiquette in Japan
Here’s a friendly guide to onsen etiquette in Japan, with many simple tips!
Wash your body before entering the bath.
Before entering the hot spring, always sit down and wash your body with soap and shampoo. Most onsen places provide a stool, a bucket, and soap. You should be squeaky clean before soaking in the warm water!
No clothes are allowed in a traditional onsen.
In most onsen baths, you don’t wear any clothes or swimsuits. Bring a small towel, but don’t put it in the water. Keep it on your head or next to the bath.
Be quiet and peaceful.
Onsen is for relaxing, not for playing. So no diving, no splashing, and no loud talking. You can whisper and chat with your family, but remember to be kind to others trying to enjoy the peaceful time.
Tattoos are a special case.
Many onsen do not allow tattoos, because in Japan, they used to be connected with bad groups. But some places are more open now. For example, at Yunessun Spa Resort, guests with tattoos can enjoy all the fun in the Yunessun area if they cover their tattoos with a swimsuit or rash guard. However, in the Mori no Yu area, people with tattoos can only use private rooms.
No phones or cameras
Taking photos or using phones in the bath is not allowed. Everyone wants to relax, so let’s keep our cameras and phones away while soaking.
Why should I visit this spa resort?
Going to a spa resort like Yunessun is not just about enjoying time in warm water. It’s also a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and learn about Japanese bathing culture gently and thoughtfully. You can try playful themed baths, relax in quiet spaces, or enjoy time with family in private rooms.
Yunessun stands out because it brings together different ways to enjoy hot springs. Some people like the silly and surprising baths, like coffee or wine. Others may prefer the peacefulness of a traditional Japanese bath while looking out at the mountains. The spa resort gives everyone a choice, regardless of age or mood. Which part of the spa resort sounds the most fun or relaxing? Let me know in the comments!
Cited Sources
- Hakone Tourist Organization. “Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.”
- Japan National Tourism Organization. “Hakone Kowakien Yunessun.”
- Japan Travel by NAVITIME. “Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa Onsen Theme Park E-Tickets“
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