WHERE CAN I FIND A
TOKYO PRIVATE ONSEN?
DON’T FALL IN THE TOURIST TRAP, DISCOVER TOKYO’S ACTUAL ONSEN STAYS
Lately with Japan being high on so many people’s travel wishlist whether for the first time or to return for the umpteenth time – there’s also been an increase in travellers wishing to experience a stay at a traditional onsen ryokan stay, taste the delicious flavours of a seasonal kaisekiand soak away in relaxing healing onsen waters.
For many first time travellers whose itinerary mainly consists of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto (the big three) - the inevitable question gets asked
“Can someone recommend a traditional ryokan with a private onsen in central Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto?”
Now these three bustling, popular cities may indeed have some wonderful traditional ryokan to experience a night’s stay.
Nishiyama Ryokan and Sumiya Ryokan (coming soon) in Kyoto come to mind from my personal experiences.
However …
to have a true onsen soaking experience in these three major cities is an extreme rarity as most onsen aka hot springs are found close to nature, near mountains, volcanic activity rather than a built up metropolis.
That’s why if you’re in Kyoto, splurge on a stay at Sora Niwa Terrace Kyoto luxe sister property: Shijo Bettei Kyoto or if you’re planning on visiting Arashiyama’s famed bamboo forest: book a stay at Togetsutei.
But… you think in your head - you’ve seen those lists constantly pop up about
“Top 10 Ryokan in Tokyo with Private Onsen”
so all those listed must have private onsen… surely they would have done their research and/or experienced it themselves…and the properties featured all seem to have beautiful open air baths…
Sorry to burst that bubble of trust…
A lot of those lists have been written by generic travel websites or blogs who have never experienced any of those properties/even researched them or been to Japan. Rather these websites wish to hit the Number 1 slot on Google’s search engines by datamining/using popular SEO in hopes you visit their website, click on their affiliate links and make them money. They’ve just taken the list from other websites with similar lists.
Remember just because a property has a beautiful open air bath or a bath made from hinoki (japanese cypress) or shigaraki (pottery) – does not mean it uses onsen water
(though a property with a pretty bath is still enjoyable - like a stay at a renovated Machiya or Kominka or other boutique stays)
Additionally, the cost of having/sourcing onsen into a property is extremely expensive to maintain yearly (upwards from 3.5M JPY depending on the property).
If an accommodation was indeed using onsen water - they would announce it and make it clear, because thats a lot of money they have to spend!
Always Look or Ask for Their
Onsen Bunsekisho (温泉分析書)
An onsen ryokan property must openly and legally display their “Hot Spring Analysis Certificate” (温泉分析書, Onsen Bunsekisho) which states the scientific verification of the onsen’s source (where it comes from) and quality (alkaline, acidic, pH levels etc).
Generally you will find it displayed in each of the changing rooms of their public onsen or before you enter the changing rooms. Some will also have it framed in their lobby/office. It must be easily visible in the property.
Most properties physically frame it or laminate it. Some fancier properties may have it printed or engraved on wood/marble etc.
Websites don’t always have the image displayed. Rather they may type it into a table or casually mention the type of onsen water they use in the onsen page description . If you’re unsure simply check the FAQ or email them directly.
The certificate is generally roughly the size of an A4/A3 paper, written in a table format in Japanese. An example →
Let’s go through all the overnight properties that are usually featured on Tokyo “private onsen” internet lists.
*personally confirmed with the properties directly/via their Japanese websites or have stayed there.
To be clear, a lot of the properties listed on such websites claiming “Tokyo Ryokans with Private Onsen” aren’t even aware they’re being featured on so many lists - for they would be properly horrified that potential guests are being misinformed.
TO SUM IT UP
Tokyo Accommodation with a Public Onsen
Dormy Inn Premium Ginza | Tokyo Toyosu Manyo | Yuen Bettei Daita | Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku
Centurion Hotel & Spa Ueno | Sorano Hotel & Spa
Tokyo Accomodation with Rooms that have Private Onsen
Tokyo Toyosu Manyo | FUFU Tokyo Ginza
Where I Like to Onsen in Tokyo
Personally for me, if I want an overnight onsen stay in Tokyo - my favourite staycation is Sorano Hotel & Spa which is located in Tachikawa, an easy 30mins train from Shinjuku station.
Sorano Hotel & Spa is still central Tokyo, however it has a much more relaxing local vibe rather than the tourist crowds. It feels like I’m actually “getting away” from Tokyo.
BONUS! Weather dependent you can see Mt Fuji from the onsen infinity pool!
Read more about my time here (coming soon)
Otherwise if I don’t have the time to travel and just want to have a personal day off - I love to spend a day at Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro, a rare Tokyo natural onsen, day sap facility where the onsen flows directly from the source. (article coming soon)
Here I spend hours soaking away in the numerous open air onsen baths or the indoor baths. I have lunch or dinner in their traditional restaurant overlooking a beautiful garden or perhaps treat myself to a little massage or reserve the private open air onsen for a time.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading through it all!
I hope this helps you plan properly for having an onsen experience in central Tokyo and beyond.
My hope is that this helps spread awareness and understanding of where one can actually experience onsen in Japan’s major cities