6 of the best private hot spring onsens in Japan to soak your troubles away
Enjoy the benefits of bathing in wine, coffee, sake or green tea – or even in plain old mineral-rich healing waters – at these spots in Tokyo and beyond
The Japanese have a long steamy history of getting up to their necks in hot water. And travellers have long followed suit. Surely there is nothing more relaxing than leaving all the stress of life, along with your clothes, in a locker by the door and slipping into mineral-rich healing waters.
Surely there is nothing more relaxing than leaving all the stress of life, along with your clothes, in a locker by the door and slipping into mineral-rich healing waters?
In Japan, the onsen culture of hadaka no tsukiai or “naked communication” is highly valued. But for visitors not used to shooting the breeze in their birthday suits, this roughly translates as one of those butt-naked nightmares where you look down and you’re not wearing your trousers to work.
For those that would love to take the plunge, without the awkwardness and without staying in a ryokan, there is good news: the private onsen – a private, relaxing room with no awkward interaction. What could be better than that?
Check out a few recommendations:
In Tokyo
Saya No Yu Onsen
A real onsen in Tokyo is hard to find. A real onsen with private rooms is almost impossible – until now. Saya No Yu has the local feeling of a traditional neighbourhood sento (bath house) but the difference is that hot spring water is pumped from 1,500 metres (4,900 feet) underground.
Another major difference is that you can book a private room complete with rubber duckies. The quirky ducks grow with the seasons. So if you visit in summer expect big fat yellow ducks.