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Ultimate Guide to Must-Visit Onsen near Tokyo

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The history of onsen dates back over 1,300 years, with early records indicating that emperors and nobles frequented these hot springs for their therapeutic properties. Today, onsen towns (onsen-gai) are popular tourist destinations across Japan, providing a unique cultural experience that combines bathing with local cuisine and hospitality, often in ryokan (traditional inns) that enhance the overall experience.

In this guide, we’ll break down the onsen basics before recommending some of our top must-visit onsen in & around Tokyo.

  1. What is an Onsen?
  2. General Tips for Visiting an Onsen
  3. Top Onsen Near Tokyo

1. What is an Onsen?

 

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Onsen refers to hot springs in Japan, as well as the bathing facilities and traditional inns associated with them. There are around 25,000 hot spring sources across the country, with approximately 3,000 establishments utilizing naturally hot water from these geothermally heated springs. Onsens can be categorized into outdoor baths (roten-buro) and indoor baths (uchiyu), and they often serve as popular destinations for relaxation and wellness.

2. General Tips for Visiting an Onsen

Etiquette & Rules

When visiting an onsen in Japan, it’s essential to follow certain etiquette and rules to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are the basic guidelines:

  • No Swimsuits: Much closer to a bath than a hot tub, you should not wear any clothing while entering an onsen. You can typically bring a small towel for modesty, but you should not get it wet.
  • Keep the Waters Clean: Avoid dirtying the natural waters by pre-washing your body before entering the springs and tying up your hair.
  • Respect Tattoo Policies: As tattoos in Japan are historically associated with the Yakuza, a powerful Japanese gang, many onsen do not allow visible tattoos. Instead, you can cover any small to medium tattoos with skin-colored bandages to maintain respect.
  • Avoid Photography & Disruptions: The onsen is a place for relaxation, and most onsen do not allow photography to respect the privacy of other guests. Keep your phone away from the bathing area.

What to Bring & Wear

The onsen experience is focused on self-care and relaxation. As such you’ll want to bring some items from home to help you get the most out of your visit. We recommend bringing makeup remover & skincare as well as some basic personal toiletries. It can also be helpful to wear long hair tied up & flip-flops or slippers to streamline the onsen transition. For an authentic traditional experience, consider wearing a yukata (a casual kimono) provided by many traditional inns after your bath.

Best Time to Visit

Although onsens are well-loved year round, the best time to visit depends on personal preferences and seasonal experiences. Many people find winter to be the most relaxing time to indulge as the temperature difference can be quite nice.

  • Winter (December-February): The contrasting cold air and warm hot springs, make a delightful experience. This is even better if you can visit an outdoor onsen with views of the snow!
  • Spring (March-May): One of the most popular seasons for tourists, spring is the ideal time to enjoy cherry blossoms from the blooming sakura trees.
  • Summer ( June-August): Although generally considered the off-season, many believe onsens in the summer can be a good way to regulate body temperature & find relief from the heat.
  • Fall (September-November): Another very popular season, fall provides a unique backdrop of colorful leaves and cooler temperatures for any onsen visit.

We recommend visiting on weekends or off-peak hours (early morning/late evening) to avoid crowds. Onsens are also particularly busy during Japanese public holidays and school vacation periods.

3. Top Onsen Near Tokyo

1) Tokyo Yurakujo Onsen

Address: 650-35 Nanae, Tomisato, Chiba 286-0221, Japan (Google Maps)

 

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Tokyo Yurakujo Onsen is a vibrant hot spring theme park in Chiba that offers a variety of baths, including open-air and indoor options, along with unique features like projection mapping and dynamic fountain shows.

2) Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Onsen

Address: 6 Chome-5-1 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0061, Japan (Google Maps)

The newly opened Tokyo Toyosu Manyo is a modern onsen facility located in Toyosu. This unique establishment features a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, offering guests a rejuvenating hot spring experience in the heart of the city.

Check out these other traditional experiences in Tokyo:

3) Tenzan Onsen

Address: 208 Yumotochaya, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0312, Japan (Google Maps)

 

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Tenzan Onsen, located in the Hakone area, is a popular hot spring facility known for its beautiful natural setting and tattoo-friendly policy. It offers both indoor and outdoor baths, allowing guests to enjoy the serene forest surroundings or opt for more privacy while soaking in mineral-rich waters.

Try these other unique experiences in Hakone:

4) Kinnotake Tonosawa

Address: 191 Tonosawa, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0315, Japan (Google Maps)

Kinnotake Tonosawa is an upscale ryokan located in the scenic Hakone area, designed exclusively for adults. This tranquil retreat offers a luxurious onsen experience including private hot spring baths in each room, that allows guests to enjoy the full onsen experience in the privacy of their own room.

We hope this guide has prepared you to experience Japan’s unique onsen culture for yourself. To discover more of the best things to do in Japan, visit Trazy.com, Your Travel Shop for Asia!

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