Hot springs recommended, hot spring♨️ bathing guide in Tokyo, Japan

It's been too cold in Tokyo these days. It's drizzling from time to time. When you go out, your hands and feet are frozen and you can only rely on コタツ to keep alive. It's time to start a day trip to Tokyo's hot springs. It's so cool to take a bath in winter!

This article summarizes the hot springs worth checking in in Tokyo, giving you a reason to go out in winter. There is also a guide to hot springs in Japan, which will take you to understand what preparations to make before taking a bath and what precautions to take. Arrange the hot spring itinerary of your classmates clearly. There are many things to know in advance before taking a hot spring bath in Japan. Follow these rules and master the following tips, which will not only make the bath more comfortable, but also add a sense of ritual.

01 Preparation stage: Basic knowledge of hot spring bathing

① Time arrangement

Hot spring bathing is not just a simple bath, it is more like a ritual. It is usually recommended to reserve at least 2 to 3 hours or even half a day (depending on the size of the hot spring you go to and how rich the facilities are) to fully enjoy the fun of hot springs.



② Cost budget

The cost of a day trip to a hot spring is generally between 1,000 and 2,000 yen. The price varies depending on the hot spring and facilities.

③ Necessary items

You don't need to bring too many things. Hot springs generally provide basic bathing supplies, skin care products, hair dryers, etc. Remember to bring the underwear you want to change after bathing. If your skin is relatively sensitive, you can bring a small amount of skin care products. In addition, it is recommended that you bring a small towel to cover key parts when entering the bath (some southern little potatoes are not suitable for being naked in a large bath), or to hold it on your head to prevent heat loss. It doesn't matter if you forget to bring it. Most hot springs in Japan can rent towels and bath towels for a fee.



02 Before bathing: etiquette of bathing in hot springs

① Naked bathing culture

In Japan, people do not wear clothes when bathing in hot springs. This is a traditional custom. However, some hot springs also provide hot spring clothes for women to choose.

② Wearing Yukata

Most hot springs will provide Yukata. Remember: the left collar of Japanese Yukata should cover the right collar. Yukata is not only comfortable to wear, but also a good choice for taking pictures.



③ Cleanliness before bathing

Before entering the hot spring, you must take a shower first! Don't go into the pool without taking a shower! Don't go into the pool with unwashed foam! This is a respect for other guests and an important step to keep the hot spring clean. The shower room in Japanese hot springs often provides a small bench, and sitting in the shower is also to prevent the water and foam on your body from splashing on others. The main point is to be self-disciplined and polite, and not to cause trouble to others.

"Japanese Hot Spring Bathing Guide" 👇



03 Bathing process: The right way to enjoy hot springs

① Appropriate temperature

Different hot spring pools have different temperatures, and you can adjust the time of hot spring bathing according to your comfort level. Some hot spring pools have cold water pipes next to them, and the temperature can be adjusted as needed. Large hot spring halls generally have outdoor hot spring pools, and you can also soak indoors and then outdoors. Soaking in hot springs outdoors not only allows you to enjoy the scenery in front of you, but also allows you to breathe the cool air and prolong the time in the hot spring.



② Bathing etiquette

Keep quiet when taking a hot spring bath, and try not to talk loudly or do other behaviors that disturb others near the hot spring pool. Mobile phones should be locked in the lockers in the locker room before entering the hot spring pool. Mobile phones are not allowed in the bathing area, and eating and drinking are not allowed.

③ Cleaning after bathing

For some natural hot springs with special ingredients, you don’t need to bathe again after bathing, and the minerals of the hot spring can be retained on the skin. However, if the hot spring pool you are taking a bath in is not a natural hot spring, it is recommended to shower again and rinse it off.

04 Diet and rest

① Replenish water

After taking a hot spring bath, remember to replenish water. This is why many hot spring hotels provide ice milk and drinks at the exit (usually there are vending machines).



② Meals and Rest

Eating and drinking are allowed. Most hot spring hotels have restaurants that offer authentic Japanese cuisine. After soaking in the hot springs, you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Recommended hot springs in Tokyo

01 Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro

#Good value for money #Convenient transportation



Recommended reason: The water quality, the abundance of hot springs, the open-air courtyard, and the view of the surrounding landscape are all great! It is not inferior to Hakone Onsen at all! It is reported that it is even voted by Tokyo residents as the most popular affordable hot spring in Tokyo. The recommended order is indoor jacuzzi - outdoor natural bath - outdoor bathing reclining pool - outdoor sea salt steam room - indoor sauna - bedrock bath.




Their automatic massage chair is also great, 300 yen for 10 minutes, from shoulders to soles of feet, very comfortable. The mackerel set meal and curry udon in the cafeteria are both delicious, and the average meal is about 1,000 to 1,500 yen per person.



Cost: 900 yen on weekdays, 1,200 yen on weekends
Address: 3 Chome-41-1 Maenocho, Itabashi City, Tokyo 174-0063
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 09:00–00:00
Contact number: 0359163826
Official website: sayanoyudokoro.co.jp
36 minutes by train from Chirijuku

02 Oyata onsen Myojin Hot Spring

Otanida Onsen Myojin no Yu
# Value for money #There is a self-study room #Rich types of hot springs



Recommended reason: The store may not look big, but there are 6 types of hot springs, and the spring water has different effects, which is comparable to many large hot spring hotels. The main hot springs are also divided into high and low temperature areas, so you can choose to bathe according to your needs.



Their facilities are very complete. In addition to the sauna room, there is also a hairdressing room and a massage room. The price is relatively affordable, with a haircut costing 1,350 yen and a 40-minute massage costing 4,500 yen. If you are tired of soaking and want to read a book to keep studying, the study room welcomes you. The environment is clean and bright, better than many libraries.



It is recommended to go home after taking a hot spring bath. The fried chicken, ginger roasted pork and other set meals here are only about 1,000 yen. If you buy a set meal of hot spring + self-selected set meal in advance, there is a 300 yen discount. The price is very affordable, about the same as the university cafeteria.



Cost: 1,100 yen on weekdays, 1,300 yen on weekends
Address: 1 Chome-18-1 Oyata, Adachi City, Tokyo 120-0001
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00–23:00
Contact number: 0356132683
Official website: myojin-no-yu.com
51 minutes by train from Chirijuku

03 Toshimaen Niwa-no-yu

Toshimaen garden bath
#Convenient transportation #Beautiful environment #Rich hot spring facilities



Although the cost of Toshimaen is a bit expensive, after experiencing it, I feel that it is justified. Here, you will be given free towels, bath towels, and yukatas as soon as you enter the door. Even washing paint, moisturizing water, and face cream are all prepared for you. You don't need to bring anything, just come.



Toshimaen has a rich functional area, with two floors, catering, various massage and rest areas, outdoor and indoor hot spring pools, and bedrock baths. It also has a 1,200-square-meter Japanese-style garden. When you are in it, you will forget that you are in the center of Tokyo. The environment is not inferior to tourist attractions. Hot spring shops of this scale are very rare in Tokyo and are worth experiencing once.



In addition, everyone should remember to bring a swimsuit, as Toshimaen has a large hot spring massage pool, which requires a swimsuit to enter. The recommended experience sequence: hot spring massage pool - outdoor soup pool - steam sauna - sofa leisure area.



It should be noted that their bedrock bath is charged separately, 510 yen on weekdays and 710 yen on weekends. However, the bedrock bath requires lying flat on the stone slab, and the waist hurts a little after lying for a long time. 🤣



As for food, there are everything from more than 1,000 set meals to more than 2,000 Japanese dishes. Just choose according to your preferences. Kochi-senpai recommends "Ryuta Yoshi Teishoku" and "Miso Ramen", which cost about 1,100 yen and taste good.

Price: 2,370 yen on weekdays, 2,670 yen on weekends; 1,600 yen on weekdays, 1,800 yen on weekends (admission after 18:00)
Address: 3 Chome-25-1 Koyama, Nerima City, Tokyo 176-8531
Business hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00–23:00
Contact number: 0359844126
Official website: seibu-leisure.co.jp
32 minutes from Chirinijuku Tram

04 Times Spa Resta

Times Spa Resta
#convenient transportation #luxury #beautiful environment



Recommended reason: Convenient transportation, great location, right next to Ikebukuro Sunshine City. If you are tired from class and want to soak in a hot spring, it takes 16 minutes to get there by train from Chirijuku.



Their facilities and decoration are also very beautiful. When you enter the lobby, you will feel a sense of luxury. The hair dryer in the dressing room is a Dyson, and the lotion and emulsion are Sekkisei. Anyway, I have never seen it in other hot spring clubs.



The hot spring facilities are small but complete, with indoor massage baths, open-air hot springs, saunas, etc. The only difference is that the pool is not big, so it is recommended to go there on weekdays. I recommend buying their 100-minute hot spring pass, which is more cost-effective. You can soak in the hot springs and rest for a while, which is enough time.



Don't rush to leave after taking a hot spring bath. Go to the lounge to experience it. The sofas here are very soft. It is comfortable and relaxing to sit there after taking a hot spring bath. In addition, there is a separate female lounge with good privacy.



Price: 3150 yen on weekdays, 3850 yen on weekends; 2500 yen (100-minute time pass, not available on weekends)
Address: 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 4 Chome−25−9 12F Time Spa Ikebukuro 10F
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11:00–08:30
Contact number: 0359798924
Official website: timesspa-resta.jp
16 minutes by train from Chirijuku