The chill of winter is finally here, bringing with it a longing for warmth and relaxation. And what better way to indulge in this than with a luxurious soak in a steaming bath? Luckily, Tokyo is a haven for spa lovers, offering a range of unique and affordable experiences to melt away the winter blues. From natural onsen (hot springs) to modern spa complexes, prepare to be pampered with these five remarkable spas that will both warm and heal you.
Thermae Yu: A Slice of Shizuoka in the Heart of Shinjuku
Imagine escaping the bustling streets of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho and stepping into a six-story oasis of relaxation. Thermae Yu, a modern bathhouse complex, delivers just that. While not a true onsen, it transports fresh, mineral-rich water daily from Shizuoka Prefecture, renowned for its therapeutic springs. Unwind in a variety of saunas, baths, and spas, including a unique hot stone bath and an aroma sauna (exclusively for women). Indulge in luxurious body treatments at the relaxation salon, or simply relax in the lounge area with a drink and a bite to eat from one of the two restaurants serving both Japanese and international cuisine. Thermae Yu is also famous for its “Cry Detox” nights, a recent trend that encourages emotional release through a good cry – perfect for a night of catharsis and rejuvenation. As the poet Sylvia Plath eloquently said, “There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”
Admission: ¥2,364 (includes towel and indoor robe; additional ¥1,836 after 1 a.m.)
Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura: A Tranquil Escape in the Heart of Sugamo
Escape the hustle and bustle of Sugamo’s shopping district and step into Tokyo Somei Onsen Sakura, a haven of serenity. This natural hot spring resort boasts a splendid Japanese-style garden reminiscent of ancient Kyoto, featuring a gentle waterfall and a large indoor mural adorned with beautiful sakura blossoms. Experience the soothing embrace of six baths for women and five for men, as well as a bedrock bath and saunas. Indulge in a Korean-style scrub at the parlor or pamper yourself with a new hairstyle at the on-site hair boutique. Venture outside to enjoy the open-air baths, including the “silky” rotenburo, which uses ultrasonic waves for an extra touch of warmth, and a Japanese-style bath exclusively for women. Once you’ve finished bathing, cozy up in the lounge area, reminiscent of a traditional living room, with a good book or a refreshing beer. Or perhaps enjoy a kohi gyunyu (milk coffee) in a traditional Japanese style for a truly authentic experience.
Admission: ¥1,296. Rental towels and robes available from ¥108.
Saya no Yudokoro: A Zen Oasis in the Heart of Tokyo
Escape the urban jungle and step into the peaceful tranquility of Saya no Yudokoro, a vast natural onsen facility built on the site of a traditional Showa-era wooden building. Beautifully designed inside and out, this onsen’s greatest treasure is its Zen garden, a masterpiece created by the renowned Japanese garden designer Motomi Oguchi. Enjoy the serenity of the garden while dining at the spa’s restaurant. The main open-air Saya no Yu hot spring, with its greenish-brown hue due to high sodium chloride content, is a true gem, complemented by 14 additional baths of various sizes and types, including a ganbanyoku (hot stone bath) for an additional fee. Renowned for its therapeutic properties, Saya no Yudokoro’s baths are said to relieve neuralgia, chronic rheumatism, and poor circulation, making it a true haven for both body and mind. Located just eight minutes from Shimura-sakaue station on the Mita line, this onsen offers a perfect urban escape at a reasonable price.
Admission: ¥830 on weekdays; ¥1,030 on weekends. Rental towels and robes available from ¥310.
ViVi: Experience the Power of Bedrock Baths in Ishino
While ViVi may not boast natural hot springs, its array of bedrock baths is equally impressive and just as relaxing. This modern spa embraces the recent trend of “dry baths” where you lie down on heated bedrocks that utilize infrared rays to penetrate the body, resulting in a number of therapeutic benefits such as improved blood circulation, enhanced skin, faster metabolism, and detoxification. Beyond the ganbanyoku, ViVi offers a range of amenities, including large baths for both women and men, saunas, Korean body scrubs, a gym, facial and body massages, and even a capsule hotel for an additional fee. Conveniently located and open 24 hours, ViVi is perfect for those who prefer a more private experience.
Admission: ¥2,571 (¥3,600 for entry between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.)
Nagomi no Yu: A Natural Onsen Oasis Near Ogikubo Station
Enjoy a tranquil escape at Nagomi no Yu, a natural onsen just a short walk from JR Ogikubo station. This onsen boasts a variety of baths and saunas, including the popular and mineral-rich hot spring water sourced directly from Musashino. Relax in the healing spa with Finnish-style bedrock and hot-air saunas, or indulge in the popular carbonated bath, mist and minus ion sauna, or the carbonated water shower exclusive for women. A perfect way to unwind and revitalize after a long day.
Admission: ¥2,000 (additional ¥1,350 if visiting after 1 a.m.)
These five spas offer a perfect blend of traditional Japanese onsen experiences and modern amenities, providing a luxurious and rejuvenating escape for any budget. So escape the winter chill, embrace the warmth, and treat yourself to the ultimate spa experience. You deserve it!
