7 Best Tattoo Friendly Onsen Hot Springs near Tokyo

One of most interesting and popular attractions in Japan is hot spring bath (Onsen). Onsen is an unique culture of Japan and also brings a lot of healthy benefits to our bodies such as healing muscles, relaxation and more.

Many foreign tourists who visit Japan plan to visit one of Onsen spots in at least once. However, there is a huge problem about Onsen culture when you have TATTOOs. The image of tattoos in Japan is still dark and unwelcome, and in this modern days, still many Onsen spots have a “NO TATTOOS” policy.

Nowadays, since tattoos are becoming more common in Japan especially among young generation, as well as the number of foreign visitors increasing, more and more Onsen spots start changing their policy to Tattoo-Friendly. So if you have one, don’t worry, you can still enjoy great Japanese Onsen bath just like others 😉

Here are our picks of 7 tattoo friendly Onsen spots near Tokyo. These spots are perfect for a short trip since they can be accessed within 2–3 hours from Tokyo. Let’s check them out!

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

1. Yamato no Yu

Yamato no Yu (大和の湯) is an day-spa Onsen located in the rural area of Narita City, Chiba Prefecture, approx 15 km away from Narita International Airport. The large Onsen complex offers various relaxation facilities such as indoor and outdoor baths , small private baths, sauna rooms, guest rooms, restaurants, lounge, fitness and more.

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: No

Map: https://goo.gl/VwkdU9

Access: 10 mins by taxi from Ajiki Station or 20 mins walk from Shimousa Manzari Station

Hours: 10:00~22:00

Fee: 800 yen (Weekdays), 1,000 yen (Weekends&Holidays)

Website: http://www.yamatonoyu.com/eng/

2. Ishidan no Yu

Ishidan no Yu (石段の湯) is located at the famous hot spring town, Ikaho Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. The nostalgic Onsen bathhouse is open for day use with the affordable rate and popular among locals.

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: No

Map: https://goo.gl/iWrrNW

Access: 30 mins by bus from Shibukawa Station towards Ikaho Onsen

Hours: 9:00~21:00

Closed: every 2nd and 4th Tuesday

Fee: 400 yen

Website: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ue3t-cb/spa/isidannoyu/isidannoyu.htm (Japanese only)

3. Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan

Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan (かご岩温泉旅館) is a traditional Japanese style inn (Ryokan) located within the site of Nikko National Park in Tochigi Prefecture. The Ryokan offers an open-air natural hot spring bath with the scenic view. It’s also available for day use. (500 yen, 11:00〜19:00)

<< Stay at Kagoiwa Onsen Ryokan with the best rate!! >>

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: Yes

Map: https://goo.gl/kXrhB3

Access: 5 mins by car from Shin Tokutaka Station (transportation for guests available)

Fee: 500 yen

Website: https://www.kagoiwaonsen.jp/english/

4. Hoshi Onsen Chojukan

Hoshi Onsen Chojukan (法師温泉 ) is a 140 year-old national registered tangible cultural property, offering historic and authentic Onsen baths in Minakami area, Gunma Prefecture. There are three different baths including a mixed bath “Hoshi no Yu” where male and female visitors bathe together. The accommodation facility and the restaurants is also available.

<<Book a room at Chojukan with the best price! >>

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: Yes

Map: https://goo.gl/rzQpnD

Access: Take a bus from Jomo Kogen Station to Sarugakyo Stop (30 mins) then change bus to Hoshi Onsen (20 mins)

Hours: 10:30~13:30 (closed on Wednesdays)

Fee: 1,000 yen

Website: http://hoshi-onsen.com/english/

5. Tenzan

Tenzan (天山) is a day-use Onsen spa located in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. The traditional Onsen bathhouse is surrounded by beautiful nature and offers amazing scenic outdoor baths. The large Onsen facility offers a relaxation space, a restaurant as well as an accommodation.

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: Yes

Map: https://goo.gl/hzw7sD

Access: shuttle bus available from Hakone Yumoto Station (100 yen per ride)

Hours: 9:00~22:00

Fee: 1,300 yen

Website: http://tenzan.jp/ (Japanese only)

6. The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara

The Ryokan Tokyo Yugawara is an unique yet traditional Ryokan inn with Onsen bath located in Yugawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. It’s easy to access from Tokyo, and within a short distance from Hakone. Their Onsen bath is also available for day use.

<< Book The Ryokan Tokyo YUGAWARA with the best rate! >>

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: Yes

MAP: https://goo.gl/S5Ny6w

Access: 10 mins by Taxi from Yugawara Station

Fee: 2,000 yen

7. Akazawa Higaeri Onsen Kan

Akazawa Higaeri Onsen Kan (赤沢日帰り温泉館) is a resort hotel/day spa located a popular getaway resort town, Atami on Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka. The specious open-air bath can be enjoyed with the panoramic view of ocean. The facility houses small private baths, guest rooms, restaurants, shop, fitness, swimming pool, etc, exclusively available for guests.

<< Booking available HERE with the best rate!! >>

Day-use: Yes / Accommodation: Yes

Map: https://goo.gl/VT3s2Q

Access: Free shuttle bus available from Izu Kogen Station

Hours: 10:00〜22:00 (9:00~ during high season: new years holiday, golden week, summer holiday, etc)

Fee: 1,550 yen (low season), 1,900 yen (high season)

Website: https://top.dhc.co.jp/akazawa/index.html

Did you enjoy the list?? If you have tattoos and wish to experience traditional Onsen bath in Japan, these spots should definitely be added on your bucket list! It’s also recommended to make a reservation or a call in advance just to make sure that their “Tattoo-Friendly” policy haven’t changed!

For more great spots to explore near Tokyo, please check out my other article listed below!

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