The Various Types of Onsen in Tokyo and the surroundings
There are four styles of onsen, or a natural hot springs bathing experience in Tokyo and the surrounding areas. The services these onsen provide range from the most basic form of bathing to the luxurious. Pricing for onsen matches the service from the inexpensive to the level, if you have to ask the price, you basically cannot afford the service.
Staying at a Ryokan to enjoy Traditional Onsen
Most traditional onsen are part of Ryokans - a traditional Japanese inn resort.
These establishments are the epitome of the Japanese culture of relaxation and bathing. They are found in remote areas, near a mountain side and might include breathtaking views of the Japanese countryside.
Especially the upscale onsen ryokans in the Hakone, Yamanakako and Kawaguchiko areas where some establishments have clear sight lines and vistas of the reverent Mount Fuji. Expect a dining experience that is fit for an emperor, and prices to match. The onsen stress the freshest local cuisine, with emphasis on presentation and on the subtle details of balance and harmony designed into each dish. A once in a lifetime experience, if you can afford the luxury, indulge to your heart's content.
Higaeri Onsen Nyuyoku 日帰り温泉入浴 (Tachiyori Yu 立ち寄り湯)
If the traditional Onsen price range does not fit your traveling budget, there are the Higarei Onsens, the day-trip Onsen experience. Most traditional Onsen facilities are part of Ryokans and are provided for their overnight guests, however, there are some Ryokans that allow day-trip visitors to use their facilities with a fee, which is much inexpensive than the fee for staying overnight at Ryokan.
Famous Onsen Spots in Tokyo surroundings
Kanagawa 神奈川県
- Hakone 箱根
https://www.hakonenavi.jp/
Shizuoka 静岡県
- Izu 伊豆
http://www.city.izu.shizuoka.jp/
- Atam 熱海
https://www.ataminews.gr.jp/
Yamanashi 山梨県
- Yamanakako 山中湖, Kawaguchiko 河口湖
https://fujisan.ne.jp/
Gunma 群馬県
- Kusatsu 草津
https://www.kusatsu-onsen.ne.jp/
- Ikaho Onsen 伊香保
https://www.ikaho-kankou.com/
- Manza Onsen 万座温泉
http://www.manzaonsen.gr.jp/introduction/introduction-english.php
Tochigi 栃木県
- Kinugawa 鬼怒川
http://www.nikko-kankou.org/spot/51/
Nagano 長野県
- Shirahone Onsen 白骨温泉
http://www.shirahone.org/
Super Sento
The Super Sento began in Nagoya in 1989 and have their roots in the local sento (neighborhood baths). Combining function with low cost and within a large-scale operation. Generally, a super sento has 5 to 10 different types of baths, such as hot tubs and steam and dry saunas. The water used in bathing is usually regular water, however, a number of Super Sento in Tokyo use natural hot springs. Surprisingly, Tokyo is known for abundant hot springs water.
* The admission fee is paid by buying a ticket from the ticket machine at the entrance, which is usually available only in Japanese language.
Super Sentos in Tokyo
https://www.supersento.com/kanto/tokyo.html(Japanese)
Oyada Onsen Myoujin-no-yu in Adachiku-tokyo
Kenko Land - Bathing amusement resorts
These 'waterland fun places' include attractions for the whole family. Typically the facilities include banquet and catering services, karaoke, game centers, and massage chairs. Kenko land centers cost about the same price of Super Sentos. As is the case with the Super Sento, a Kenko Land has 5 to 10 different types of baths, including hot tubs and steam/dry saunas, as well as herb bathes. The water used in bathing is usually regular water, but there are some facilities provide Onsen water brought from famous Onsen resort areas like Kusatsu.Kenko Land usually opens 24 hours.
* The admission fee is paid by buying a ticket from the ticket machine at entrance, which are usually available only in Japanese language.
