Here Are the 5 Most Relaxing Private Onsens to Visit in Japan

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When it comes to self-care, what could be more relaxing than a trip to an onsen? The traditional Japanese hot spring spas are filled with steamy, natural mineral waters that is not only great for de-stressing but are also said to have healing powers and beauty benefits. The culture of hadaka no tsukiai or “naked communication” in Japan is extremely valuable, but for some travelers, it could be something new and potentially uncomfortable. While we’re all about body positivity here, we know that it doesn’t equate to being 100-percent confident in your birthday suit, so luckily enough, South China Morning Post has rounded up the best private onsens to visit while you’re in Japan.

Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro

An oasis in the middle of Tokyo, Sayano Yudokoro gives the feeling of a neighborhood bathhouse but with private room booking. The hot spring water is pumped from 4900 feet underground, and the onsen is complete with a zen garden. To add to the experience, you can book a room that comes with adorable rubber ducks for those nostalgic bath times.

 

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#貸切風呂 #燈 #温泉 #東京 #privatebath #tokyo #onsen #さやの湯処 #さやの湯 #さやの湯いいね

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Address: 3 Chome-41-１ Maenocho, Itabashi City, Tokyo 174-0063, Japan

Hakone Yuryo

Just a stone’s throw away from Tokyo, Hakone Yuryo is impressive with 19 private onsen spaces. The onsen is designed like a traditional ryokan, which makes you feel at home even if you’re just dropping by. Make sure to make a reservation before visiting.

Address: 4 Tonosawa, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0315, Japan

Yajikitanoyu

This onsen features six open air-style baths that can be used privately, as well as private bathrooms that you can rent. If you couldn’t bear to part ways with your dog while travelling and brought your pup along for the journey, Yajikitanoyu also offers a dog spa for your furry friend.

Address: ６９４ Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

In case you’re wondering if hot spring amusement parks are a thing, they are. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun has every type of bath you can imagine – indoor, outdoor, private and public – not to mention, wine, coffee, sake and green tea baths and tubs shaped like instant noodle ramen bowls. There are also water slides in case that isn’t enough excitement for you.

 

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Do you love ramen this much? ? Yunessan Spa House (Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, 箱根小涌園ユネッサン) offers ramen lovers a special noodle bath, in which you can bathe in tubs of pork broth! ? Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spa leisure facility in the center of Hakone, a representative hot spring resort in Japan. The center is described as a "Hot Spring Theme Park," with a number of unique baths, including Wine Spa?, Green Tea Spa?, Coffee Spa☕️, Japanese Sake Spa?, and of course, the Ramen Spa. ? If you want something more traditional, the cypress bath and open-air baths in the no-clothes zone are high quality and what you can expect from a hot spring in Hakone. Admission to the center is 3600 JPY for adults.

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Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan

Onsen Toomi-no-Yu

If you haven’t seen it on Instagram yet, Shibu Onsen is a photo-worthy historical town known for its snow monkeys. At the Snow Monkey Park, the monkeys can be spotted bathing in hot springs and enjoying themselves as much as you are. Onsen Toomi-no-Yu is part of Hotel Selan that is free for guests and also open to the public. The open air bath has a mountain view and also private bath reservations.

 

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?snow monkey park ?

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Address: 7005-1 Yomase, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0405, Japan

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