12 Best Natural Onsen in Tokyo | Spend a Day at a Super Sento

Photo courtesy of Spa LaQua

Are you looking to visit an onsen in Tokyo?

In this article, we will be introducing to you 12 of the best natural onsen (hot springs) in Tokyo.

Even though Tokyo has the image of being a big and bustling city, there are actually many places where you can enjoy a natural hot spring.

Most of the establishments included in this article are open to those who are just going on day trips, making it easy to stop by without having to commit to spending the night anywhere.

Table of contents

• Are there onsen in Tokyo?
• Are tattoos allowed in onsen?
• 12 best natural onsen in Tokyo
  1. Thermae Yu
  2. Spa LaQua
  3. Toshimaen Niwa-No-Yu in Nerima
  4. Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu
  5. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura
  6. Times SPA RESTA
  7. Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro
  8. Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring
  9. Nagomiyu
  10. THE SPA Seijo
  11. Onsen Yumorinosato
  12. Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa
• Notice of the closure of Odaiba Oedo-Onsen Monogatari
  • Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo
• Conclusion

Are there onsen in Tokyo?

Skyscrapers, neon lights, and heavily populated city streets are probably what come to mind when you imagine Tokyo. So you might be thinking, “Wait, Tokyo has hot springs…?”

The image of a tranquil, traditional hot spring does not necessarily fit with the modern image of the metropolitan hub of Japan.

Although it may be tough to find a traditional ryokan (an old-fashioned Japanese inn) in the city, you might be surprised to find that there are more places to experience an onsen than you would have originally thought.

These establishments are usually called “super sento,” and they include many different types of public baths. Visiting one will usually cost you between 2,000 and 3,000 JPY. Depending on the super sento, they may also have resting areas and restaurants, so you can spend lots of time enjoying everything that it has to offer.

Some super sento will have everything from stone baths to wooden baths, baths that are outdoors, and even private baths that you can rent.

In Tokyo, most super sento also take water that flows a couple thousand meters underground or pull it from nearby onsen towns such as Hakone.

The water is all-natural and filled with minerals, so it is said to be very good for your health to soak in an onsen.

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Are tattoos allowed in onsen?

Unfortunately, many super sento in Tokyo do not allow individuals with tattoos to enter the baths.

Out of the super sento that we will introduce in this article, Thermae Yu and Musashi Koyama Onsen Shimizuyu are the only two that allow tattoos.

If you want to visit somewhere different, you should look for an establishment that offers a private onsen.

Although you are going to need to spend the night (some private onsen are attached to guest suites in ryokan and hotels), individuals with tattoos can use the bath without having to worry.

If private onsen interest you, we suggest you check out the article below.

• 15 Best Ryokan with Private Onsen in and Around Tokyo

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12 best natural onsen in Tokyo

Now we will introduce some of our favorite spots for onsen in Tokyo. We have included locations that are in the middle of the city and others that are on the quieter outskirts of town, so you will have many options to choose from.

1. Thermae Yu (テルマー湯)

A 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station and a 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Thermae Yu is an onsen establishment that sits right in the middle of the inner city. Fitting for a city that never sleeps such as Tokyo, it is open 24 hours so you can visit even in the dead of night or in the early morning.

Its convenient location makes it popular not only among locals but also tourists. Aside from its accessibility, however, Thermae Yu is also well-known for having many different types of baths.

The baths at Thermae Yu take hot spring water from a place called Nakaizu in the southern part of Kanagawa Prefecture which neighbors Tokyo. While already having a ton of health benefits for people who bathe in it, Thermae Yu goes an extra step and prepares a “toner bath,” which has the effect a moisturizer would have on your skin.

Additionally, there are a total of four saunas, two for men and two for women to use, and electric baths which have a low-frequency electric current running through the water.

After your bath, there is a lounge where you can spend time relaxing. You can feel free to make use of the massage chairs or simply lay down because many people will likely be doing the same. With restaurants on the premises as well, we think that you could very likely spend a whole day relaxing at Thermae Yu.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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2. Spa LaQua (スパラクーア)

Spa LaQua is located inside Tokyo Dome, which is also a multipurpose stadium. Depending on the time of the year, you can expect to see baseball games or concerts taking place here. However, there are many other things to do at Tokyo Dome, including restaurants, shops, and even an amusement park.

With an easy-to-access location, Spa LaQua is a very well-known and popular location among locals. This can make it crowded on certain days of the week, so we recommend going on a weekday afternoon to avoid crowds; this way, you can get the most relaxing experience possible.

Because Spa LaQue sits among other busy city-like attractions, you can imagine it will feel very artificial. However, the interior has more green than you might expect, and you can rest assured that it uses natural hot spring water.

Spa LaQua uses hot spring water that flows 1,700 meters underground and uses it to fill its bathtubs both indoors and outdoors. While exploring the public bath area you may be surprised to find that some of the water even looks murky, but this is because of the different types of chemicals included. These are said to help moisturize and keep your skin healthy and soft.

There are three women-only saunas and four men-only saunas. An interesting point is that they are all kept at different temperatures, so even those sensitive to the heat (or those that feel like some saunas aren’t hot enough) can enjoy the sauna. There is even a cool sauna where you can cool down which is said to be good for your blood flow.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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3. Toshimaen Niwa-No-Yu in Nerima (豊島園 庭の湯)

Toshimaen Niwa-No-Yu was designed by a famous Japanese landscape gardener, Kenzo Ogata. Especially in the city where it is hard to find many trees or expansive areas of green, Toshimaen Niwa-No-Yu will give you the nature getaway that you need if you’ve been stuck in the city for a little too long. There are three zones, two of which are separated by gender. These two each have a bathing area, a sauna area, and a beauty area.

The third zone is an area where both men and women can enter the bath together. You will need to wear a swimsuit, making it feel more like a water park. This area includes larger pools and jacuzzis.

The hot spring water at Toshimaen Niwa-No-Yu is drawn from a spring located 1,445 meters underground. Like any natural onsen, the water will have a good effect on your skin and will rejuvenate your body. In the all-gender area, this water is even used in the outdoor jacuzzi. Additionally, outdoors you can find small outdoor baths meant for one person surrounded by artfully placed plants and flowers.

As you might expect coming from a Japanese landscape artist, there is an area specially dedicated to a Japanese garden. Different flowers bloom depending on the month of the year, so you can always expect to discover something new. You can also find a koi pond, waterfalls, and of course lots of green. It would make a very relaxing day to have fun trying out all the different baths and then take a stroll through the Japanese garden before heading home.

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4. Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu (武蔵小山温泉 清水湯)

Starting as far back as 1924, Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu has a rich history and feel of a traditional Japanese public bath. However, it has gone through many renovations, so you will see that it is more modern-looking and cleaner than you might expect.

Aside from the normal stone baths that you would find at other onsen, Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu’s indoor baths include a jet bath, an electric bath, and a jacuzzi. Outdoors, you can find an open-air bath as well.

Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu prides itself in the different types of hot spring water used in its baths. One is called “black water” and the other “golden water.” As the names suggest, black water is a deep black color due to the various minerals inside. Similarly, the golden water is a murky golden color and flows even deeper in the ground than the black water. They both have positive effects on your health such as taking away muscle, nerve, and joint pains.

These unique types of water are difficult to find elsewhere in Tokyo, so we suggest that you take advantage of Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu if you are interested in the health benefits that onsen have to offer.

We recommend Musashi-Koyama Onsen Shimizu-yu for its cost-effectiveness. For only 480 JPY (and even less for younger visitors), you can enjoy the natural onsen through the multiple baths. Because Musashi Koyama Station is located just a quick train ride from the center of Tokyo, it will be very easy to visit during the day and return to your hotel by the evening.

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5. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura (東京染井温泉 SAKURA)

Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura is located less than a 10-minute walk from both Sugamo and Komagome Station, both of which are on the most well-used train line of Tokyo, the Yamanote Line. Note that upon entering, you will need to register as a member.

After registering, you will receive a wristband that you must keep on your person during your stay. Everything that you buy from drinks from the vending machine to food at the restaurant will be charged to your wristband; you then pay for everything at the end when you leave the establishment.

There are a total of three outdoor baths (one in the men’s area and two in the women’s area) and two large indoor baths, one for each area. Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura pulls natural hot spring water from 1,800 meters underground. You will find that although filled with beneficial minerals, the water has no color and is very clear which is said to be unusual when it comes to onsen in Tokyo.

Although Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura is not a lodge where you can spend the night, you can enjoy food similar to that of a ryokan. There is an option to reserve a traditional Japanese course-style meal called “kaiseki” with your visit, which will cost you around 3,500 JPY without add-ons.

Kaiseki includes dishes that use fresh ingredients to match the seasons. If you are not keen on eating traditional Japanese food, the restaurant at Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura has all sorts of other options such as steak or pasta.

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6. Times SPA RESTA

Just a 6-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, Times SPA RESTA has one of the most convenient locations on our list if you are staying in the city. It does not give off the traditional Japanese public bathhouse atmosphere but instead feels like a modern spa with aspects of a super sento.

Aside from the bathing areas, there are a great number of relaxation opportunities available including saunas, five different types of massage parlors, four lounges, and even a sun tanning machine.

There are a total of 6 baths in the men’s area and 5 in the women’s area, making this one of the larger establishments that we are recommending. Like most other onsen, there are separate areas for men and women, both with many types of baths including massage baths, outdoor baths, and baths where you can lie down, called “neyu” in Japanese. On the women’s side, Times SPA RESTA has the option to even watch movies while entering the outdoor bath.

A unique point of Times SPA RESTA is that there are different events and packages available depending on the season. Packages include massages, and there are events that happen on specific days of the week or on a few days over the span of a few months. Because of the sheer amount of things that you can do at this facility, we believe that this may be one of the prime places to go if you are in search of a spa day in Tokyo.

Click below to play YouTube video↓↓

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7. Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro (前野原温泉 さやの湯処)

Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro was originally home to a businessman who lived during post-war Japan. He designed the large Japanese garden that surrounds the building, giving it a very traditional feel. The garden will look completely different depending on the season during which you visit.

We recommend Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro if you are interested in experiencing Japan through the atmosphere of an onsen. Depending on the day, you can also get special discounts or experience a different kind of medicinal herb in the steam sauna.

The bathing area of Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro consists of one outdoor all-natural hot spring bath, four outdoor baths, and three indoor baths. With a large number of outdoor baths, you can expect to have a relaxing time bathing while looking out at the surrounding nature.

Unlike some of the others on our list, Maenohara Onsen Saya-No-Yudokoro offers a private half-outdoor bath available for rent for 2,100 JPY. According to the laws, however, even families are not allowed to partake in mixed-gender bathing if the parties involved are over 7 years of age. We recommend this bath for those who are not as accustomed to Japanese public bathing customs and would like to keep their bathtime private.

After you finish bathing, you can enjoy a meal (we recommend the traditional soba in particular) at the restaurant that looks out to the Japanese garden or rent a private room to lounge around with your friends and/or family. These rooms can range anywhere from 2,100 JPY to 5,100 JPY depending on which one you choose. For those who want to know the specific prices of each room, please check the website.

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8. Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring (大谷田温泉 明神の湯)

Located close to Kita-Ayase Station (which is a bit further out from the main parts of the city), Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring is known for the high sodium and iron concentration onsen water that you can actually feel while soaking in the bath. It has a reputation for being some of the most effective hot spring water in the city, helping with ailments such as bad blood circulation and skin wounds.

A bath made of all-natural Japanese cypress is well-known at this onsen. Located outside and tucked further away than the other outdoor baths, it is definitely a selling point of Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring because of the nature-filled surroundings and quiet atmosphere.

Additionally, there is both a bath filled with water hotter than usual and one that is on the cooler side; switching between these and the ice water bath as well is said to be good for your blood circulation. If you are not used to extremely hot bath water, it is also good to have more lukewarm options.

After soaking in all the different baths, we recommend visiting Oyata Onsen Myojin Hot Spring’s restaurant. With a large menu that includes noodles, Japanese curry, seafood, desserts, and much much more, you are sure to find something that you enjoy. There is also a large selection of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The lemon sour, in particular, is packed with real lemons, a sight you might not see anywhere else. We recommend giving it a try if you are of legal age.

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9. Nagomiyu (武蔵野温泉 なごみの湯)

Nagomiyu is a spa facility that is only a one-minute walk from Ogikubo Station on the west side of Tokyo. It is a bit out of the way of the inner city but its proximity to the station makes it a very good choice for those who are prioritizing location convenience. There are five floors that include not just onsen but spas and other types of spa treatments.

The women’s bath is on the second floor and the men’s bath is on the fourth. Both floors also have very spacious saunas. The natural hot springs are located outside, in two spacious baths made of stone. Although not a 100% natural hot spring, the carbonated bath indoors is said to be especially effective for soft and youthful skin; it is recommended that you should spend a long time in the water to get the maximum effect.

On the other floors of Nagominoyu, you can find a multitude of spa treatments. Although things like facials and hot stone massages are common, Nagominoyu also has many treatments that you might not have heard of before.

A relaxation room called the “scarlet womb,” (pictured above) might make you wary at first, it is known to be a place that relaxes all your senses and can be treated much like a meditation room. Other treatments include color therapy and a traditional Japanese “bedrock bath” where you lay down on warm stones and relax.

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10. THE SPA Seijo (THE SPA 成城)

THE SPA Seijo is a spacious establishment in the western, more suburban part of the city. Every day of the week offers different discounts for different customers; for example, if you visit THE SPA Seijo on Saturday or Sunday, you can get a family discount. A restaurant also serves more ordinary foods in a cafeteria-like space so you can get the typical Japanese super sento experience.

The baths at THE SPA Seijo have rejuvenating effects on the skin. The indoor bath is the most spacious, but there are also some small single-person outdoor baths to use as well. Compared to other onsen, however, there are fewer types of baths and onsen which makes THE SPA Seijo perfect for a short day trip.

Many patrons enjoy the spa along with the bathing area because of the various saunas. All are set at a variety of temperatures, making it possible for those of all heat tolerances to enjoy them.

Unlike some of the other onsen on our list, this one may be out of the way for some. If you are thinking of visiting, we suggest that you use it as an opportunity to explore the more residential areas of Tokyo. You may be able to find some hole-in-the-wall places to eat or shop.

Because THE SPA Seijo is located a ways away from the station, we recommend that you use the free bus that runs from Chitose-Funabashi Station. In the same building on the first floor, you can find a Uniqlo so you can go clothes shopping on your way home.

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11. Onsen Yumorinosato (深大寺天然温泉 湯守の里)

Because the more populated areas of Tokyo are crowded with buildings, trees and patches of green are few and far between. Onsen Yumorinosato, located in a quieter part of Tokyo, attempts to bring nature and people together. We recommend this onsen to those who are looking to escape from the bustling city.

One of the most attractive points of Onsen Yumorinosato is the baths that are made of all-natural materials. Wood, bamboo, and boulders are all used in the construction of the different baths, giving the area a very traditional feel. You will find that it is very easy to relax in the hot spring water pulled from 1,500 meters underground when the baths feel blended into the surrounding trees and rocks.

Additionally, you can buy hot spring water for 2,800 JPY per 20 liters. If you buy the water and bring it back home to use in your own bathtub, you can enjoy all the benefits of an onsen from the comfort of your own home.

Onsen Yumorinosato is further away from the center of Tokyo, so we recommend visiting some of the sightseeing spots that you can only experience in this area. Close by to Onsen Yumorinosato is a temple called Jindaiji that has one of the biggest statues of a Japanese monk. If you are interested in these more traditional parts of Japan, we recommend that you talk a walk around and perhaps purchase some souvenirs.

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12. Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa (秋川渓谷 瀬音の湯)

Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa is located in Akiruno City, somewhere you might not have ever heard of even if you are a Tokyo native because it is so far out into the rural area of the prefecture. This onsen embraces the surrounding nature; the restaurant on the premises is made out of glass giving you a great view of the outside, and at night, you can gaze upon a starry sky, which is very rare to see in the inner parts of Tokyo.

Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa has an indoor and an outdoor area, both with baths filled with natural hot spring water flowing 1,500 meters underground. Additionally, you can rent a private onsen for 1,000 JPY per hour.

Like other spa facilities, you can find a sauna (pictured above) at Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa. Although it is comparatively smaller than others on our list, there is a large window that looks outside, which makes up for the size by giving you a relaxing experience.

Whereas the majority of the onsen on our list do not allow visitors to stay the night, Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa has a cottage about 50 meters away from the onsen area. Because Akigawa Keikoku Seoto-no-Yu Spa is further away from the center of the city, we recommend staying the night if your lodge is quite far away. This way, you can take your time enjoying the onsen.

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Notice of the closure of Odaiba Oedo-Onsen Monogatari

Odaiba Oedo-Onsen Monogatari was an onsen facility that included not only an onsen but also had a food court, different types of pools, other amusement park-like attractions, and lodging for guests to stay the night. Although it was a very popular establishment among tourists, it unfortunately closed down in September 2021.

It is a bit of a way from Odaiba, but the same Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Group has a similar theme park in Chiba Prefecture (neighboring Tokyo to the east).

Below are the details.

Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo (大江戸温泉物語 浦安万華鏡)

Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo is located in Chiba Prefecture, which neighbors Tokyo to the east. The premises is very large, and it includes four outdoor baths, seven indoor baths, and two saunas. Depending on the season there are different events such as light shows for Christmas or snack hand-outs for Valentine’s Day. This makes Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo perfect for families with young children.

It is not natural hot spring water, but the bath pictured above is the most popular among visitors. It is called the “collagen spring” and has the color and scent of wine. Those who have entered it praise the effects on their skin. Even if you are not as concerned about the health benefits of the various baths at the onsen, it will be a fun experience just to enter a bath as unique as this one.

We have introduced many onsen where you can get spa treatments, but Oedo-Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo’s most exciting part is the theme park aspect. The biggest bath is located outdoors and has tunnels and caves, making it a fun adventure for families, couples, and groups of friends. The bath requires you to wear a swimsuit because it is an all-gender bath, so even those who are not used to onsen customs can enter without having to worry about anything.

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Conclusion

What did you think?

Today we introduced many different onsen that you can visit without having to go very far out of Tokyo, some even with theme park elements.

At many of the onsen that we introduced today, it might be hard to communicate with staff or understand the Japanese public bathing customs if you are not familiar with the language. If you are thinking of going, it might be wise to find a friend who is used to the culture or can speak Japanese well.

Even though I have a grasp of the language, I found it difficult when visiting, but having someone there to teach me about the ins and outs of onsen allowed me to have a more enjoyable and relaxing time.

Although there are many rules surrounding public bathing in Japan, taking the time to get used to and understand them can make for a very rewarding experience.

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