11 Family Onsen in Japan That Are Must Visits In 2023!
Looking for a family onsen in Japan? Are you wondering if you need to be separated from your kids and family? Or if your kids might get a cultural shock at a public onsen?
Well, worry not! There are plenty of family friendly onsen in Japan.
Onsen in Japan is usually child friendly except for those that explicitly decline children to cater for adults who prefer peace and solitude.
You and your kids can have the time of your lives while soaking in the benefits of the hot springs. As they say, a hot bath every day keeps the doctors away!
Since there are so many onsens in Japan to choose from, WWB guest poster Izreen has narrowed down some of the best family onsens throughout the region for your convenience!
11 Family Onsens in Japan
1. Nakaya Ryokan (Gunma) – baby friendly / no age limit
2. Ryotei Rangetsu (Kyoto) – no age limit
3. Toshimaen Niwa No Yu Onsen (Near Shinjuku & Ikebukuro) – age 12 above
4. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (2hr from Tokyo) – age 7 above
5. Enoshima Island Spa – age 6 or above
6. Yusakasou Onsen Ryokan – baby friendly / no age limit
7. Hotel Epinard Nasu – no age limit
8. Konparu-Yu (Near Shibuya) – no age limit
9. Myoban Yunosato (Beppu) – no age limit
10. Spadium Japon (Shinjuku) – no age limit
11. Yuya Ebisu (Beppu) – age 7 above
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1. Nakaya Ryokan (Gunma) – no age limit
Looking for a family onsen Tokyo but want to experience the rural side of Japan?
Nakaya Ryokan is conveniently sited in the popular Yubiso area where it offers nothing short but an exceptional, family-friendly experience, a quaint private family onsen tokyo.
This is a traditional Japanese style inn where you can fully immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese culture by slipping into the “yukata” (Japanese robe) provided upon arrival.
A Family-Friendly Ryokan
- You can reserve some family time at either the wooden or stone open-air onsen, where each has been declared to be the world’s first baby-only open-air onsen.
- Bath toys are provided to keep the kids entertained so you don’t have to worry about the kids being bored.
- With detailed features such as a section of the private onsen that has been cut off and designed to allow our babies to bathe beside us, no wonder this place is incredibly popular among families.
Staying in ryokans is a perfect place for those traveling with families as one can fully experience the authentic Japanese lifestyle and hospitality, not to mention the local delicacies too.
General Information
Official Website Nakaya Ryokan
Operation Hours Daily, 9 am – 9 pm
Access About 10 minutes by bus from Minakami Station
About 15 minutes by car from Minakami IC (Kan-Etsu
Price Per night – JPY14,820 (USD116)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
2. Ryotei Rangetsu – no age limit
Ryotei Rangetsu makes a picture-perfect family ryokan Kyoto as it is surrounded by the hilly rolling hills.
Only 11 minutes from the nearest train stop, this modern ryokan is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto which is renowned for its bamboo grove and famous heritage. Surrounded by some of the best family hotel in kyoto, you are sure to spend a good time here.
This traditional family onsen Kyoto offers both indoor and outdoor natural springs, where men can enjoy their time soaking in the rock bath and women can relieve their stress in the large communal cypress bath.
Should you require a private bath for you and your family, each room comes with a private soaking tub. Talk about the prefect family friendly onsen in Kyoto!
After you’ve soaked in the onsens, be sure to save your appetite for its thoughtfully prepared meals using only fresh, seasonal ingredients.
General Information
Official Website 旅亭嵐月 (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Indoor Public Bath, 6am-11am & 3pm-12.00am.
Outdoor Public Bath, 3pm-11pm
Access Ebisuya or Nonomiya Bus Station
Price Per Night – JPY60,000 (USD445)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
3. Toshimaen Niwa No Yu Onsen (Near Shinjuku & Ikebukuro) – age 12 above
For those of you who don’t want to travel outside of Tokyo or aren’t able to, this is a hot spring sanctuary in the heart of the city, one of the best onsen in Tokyo.
Located near one of Tokyo’s amusement parks, Toshimaen, it is only about 15 minutes away from Ikebukuro Station and 25 minutes away from Shinjuku Station. It is a great family friendly onsen tokyo.
Designed by a renowned Japanese landscape designer, Kenzo Ogata; the facility has different bathing areas, namely indoor baths, outdoor baths, sauna, bade zone, and bedrock bath, all with varying temperatures.
Family Onsen
Typically divided into male and female bathing areas, the only area where it is open to everyone and where your whole family can bathe together regardless of gender is the swimming pool, known as the bade pool.
Unfortunately, this place only allows kids who are junior high school age and above to enter. If your kids meet the age requirement, why not give Niwa No Yu Onsen a go where you can take turns with your partner while you try out the other onsens separately?
General Information
Official Website バーデと天然温泉 豊島園 庭の湯 (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Daily, 10 am – 11 pm (last entry 10 pm)
Night Spa, 6 pm onwards (except during Golden Week, Obon,
and New Year’s holidays)
Access Toshimaen Station on the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line (3-minute walk)
Price Admission – JPY2,310 (USD18)
Night spa – JPY1,295 (USD10)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
4. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (2hr from Tokyo) – age 7 above
Situated in one of the most famous hot springs and nature resorts in Hakone, this kid friendly onsen japan is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
You can reach the site in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo if you take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
This family onsen Hakone is a remarkable place to visit as it is a hot spring theme park that all ages can take pleasure in.
Divided into two sections, Yunessun and Mori No Yu; clothed and unclothed areas, each offers a wide range of bathing pools such as red wine, sake, coffee, pottery bath, and many more to explore.
This place may not be a conventional hot spring but with the adventurous outdoor pools and the quirky indoor baths, this place will surely be a memorable vacation that you can never forget.
General Information
Official Website Spas & Baths | [Official]Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN | Welcome to hot spring paradise!
Operation Hours Yunessun (swimwear area), 10 am – 6 pm on weekdays
9 am – 7 pm on weekends and public holidays
Mori No Yu (no clothed area), 11 am – 7 pm on weekdays
11 am – 8 pm on weekends and public holidays
Access Access | [Official]Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN | Welcome to hot spring paradise!
Price Adults – JPY3,500 (USD27)
Children ages 7 to 12 – JPY1,800 (USD14)
Children under the age of 3 – Free
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
5. Enoshima Island Spa – age 6 or above
If you’re planning a day trip outside of Tokyo, why not visit Enoshima Island Spa, located near Kamakura? It is undoubtedly one of the best family onsen in Japan!
Famous for its beaches and the breathtaking views of the landscape, this wellness complex is situated right on the island’s coast where it offers you a completely different atmosphere from the capital.
Family Onsen Spa
Comprising 10 indoor and outdoor bathing areas, such as jacuzzis, whirlpools, saunas, small pools, massage rooms and many more, some of the pools even allow you to wear your bathing suits.
One of the main attractions for the kids at this place is the cave pool with waterfalls overlooking Mount Fuji.
Designed to be a place solely for relaxation, sadly children under the age of 6 years old are not permitted and only those over the age of twelve are allowed to enter on Sundays.
General Information
Official Website 江の島アイランドスパ (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Regular season, 10 am – 10 pm
Winter Season (December-February) 11 am – 9 pm
Access About 12 minutes walk from Katase-Enoshima Station (on the
Enoshima Line)
Price Adults and children above 12 – JPY3,175 (USD25)
Ladies Day (every Monday) – JPY1,964 (USD15)
Children ages 6 -12 – JPY1,540 (USD12)
Wi-Fi Available (Town Wi-Fi)
Payment Credit cards are accepted
6. Yusakasou Onsen Ryokan (Hakone) – no age limit
Nestled in the mountains of Hakone, Yusakasou Onsen is about 1.5 hours from Tokyo via the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen.
Baby-Friendly Onsen
This is a suitable ryokan for kids as it provides 4 types of baths which include a private onsen, a mixed outdoor bath, and gender-separated indoor baths. If you’re visiting with your family, best to opt for the private onsen or the mixed outdoor bath.
The water source for this Japanese family onsen comes from an alkaline spring which is very gentle on the babies’ skin.
Yusakasou also offers free 30-minute use of their private onsen if you opt for the mixed outdoor bath or you can directly opt for the private onsen, which is a semi-open-air cypress bath that is equipped with a diaper changing station and soap for babies.
If you decide to stay for the night, this place has a special baby plan where kids under 2 years old can stay for free and they will provide you with a bottle warmer and diapers.
General Information
Official Website お風呂のご案内 混浴庭園露天風呂｜箱根湯本 温泉旅館 湯さか荘 (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Daily
Access Take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and transfer to the
local Hakone Tozan Railway. Get off at Hakone-Yumoto
Station from where it is an 18-minute walk to the onsen Ryokan.
Price Adults and children above 12 – JPY11,000 (USD85)
Primary School Students – JPY7,7000 (USD60)
Younger children – JPY2,200 (USD17)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
7. Hotel Epinard Nasu – no age limit
If you’re looking for a ryokan in Tokyo for the family, Hotel Epinard Nasu may be an option for you to consider despite it being a 2-hour journey from Tokyo. It is undoubtedly one of the best onsen ryokan in Japan.
The reason is that it is a family-friendly resort located in Nasu that provides an abundance of baby/kids services.
The hotel’s bathing facilities comprise a variety of indoor pools, spas, saunas, a large swimming pool with a dedicated kids area, and a beautiful open-air bath.
All the onsens are gender separated except for the pool and are fully equipped with soap for babies, baby beds, and bathing chairs.
The highlight of this place is the swim helper services catered for children.
Just be sure to bring along your bathing suit when you go to the pool!
General Information
Official Website 温泉大浴場＆露天風呂｜施設｜那須の宿泊・日帰り・観光には温泉・プールのあるホテルエピナール那須＜公式＞ (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Daily
Access 25 minutes from Tohoku Shinkansen Nasushiobara Station by
pickup bus
Price Adults and children above 12 – JPY1,109 (USD9)
Primary School Students – JPY809 (USD6)
Younger Children – JPY500 (USD4)
Wi-Fi Available (Hotel’s Wifi)
Payment Credit cards are accepted
8. Konparu-Yu (Near Shibuya) – no age limit
Konparu-Yu or Kom-pal is one of the most historical public bath places that opened back in Ginza in the year 1863, during the dying days of the Edo period.
This is a traditional Japanese family bath, not an onsen but don’t let the term detour you from going.
Situated in Ginza among the cutting-edge trends, this place is considered a rare gem which has been around for more than 150 years. Why not pay a visit to this retro vibe bathhouse.
Bath Types
There are three baths with varying temperatures that you can choose for your family, one pleasantly warm, one heated to a toasty 42°C, and one cold.
This gender-separated bath is deemed as one of the most kid and family-friendly Sento in Tokyo as they provide all kinds of toys for the kids to play with while taking a bath.
Did I mention that Konparu-Yu also offers kids’ shampoo and a bath mat for babies for free!
General Information
Official Website 金春湯 (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Daily, 2 pm – 10 pm (except Sunday and Public holidays)
(last entry 10pm)
Night Spa, 6pm onwards (except during Golden Week, Obon,
and New Year’s holidays)
Access About 11 minutes from JR Osaki Station (Yamanote Line)
Price Adults and children above 12 – JPY480 (USD4)
Primary School Students – JPY180 (USD1)
Younger Children – JPY80 (USD1)
Wi-Fi Available (Town Wi-Fi)
Payment Credit cards are accepted
9. Myoban Yunosato (Beppu) – no age limit
Engulfed in the sulfuric scents of the natural hot springs and surrounded by the vast nature reserve, Myoban Yunosato is a great tourist spot not far from the city center of Beppu.
This is one of the famous onsens of Myoban due to its traditional Japanese “straw roofing” style huts, designed to harvest the minerals. The huts are quite popular even among the locals too, so be sure to book them in advance so you can enjoy the hot springs both physically and spiritually!
Onsen Types
There are 2 types of hot springs; the first being small rooms that you can rent with your family in private and the second being the beautiful outdoor bath with a scenic view of Beppu’s hills. A fun fact about this natural hot spring is that the water contains unique cleansing properties.
If you and your family desire beautiful, purified skin, this is a place to go, where the sulfur within the water content removes sebum and dirt naturally.
General Information
Official Website Myoban Yunosato
Operation Hours Daily, 10 am – 9 pm (last entry 8pm)
Access Beppu Station (by Bus)
Beppu IC (by Car)
Price Adults – JPY600 (USD4)
Children – JPY300 (USD2)
Kids below 3 years old – Free
Wi-Fi Not Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
10. Spadium Japon (Shinjuku) – no age limit
Located in the Tokyo suburbs of Higashikurume, Spadium Japon is known to be one of the largest hot spring parks within a 3 storey high building. It was designed to offer an authentic hot spring experience to families, couples, and lone visitors alike. You can find multiple family resorts tokyo around too.
Another crucial fun fact to know about this place is that the natural water derived from the Musashino onsen is ranked among Japan’s 100 best water sources.
Onsen Facilities
The facility features 15 types of onsen, including saunas, seasonal aroma baths, an open-air bath, and many more for you to choose from. Despite the bathing facilities being gender-separated, you can still bring your onsen kids to bathe with you or your partner, then relax and dine together after your bath on the other floors.
This place offers nothing short but an enjoyable therapeutic session with a range of options be it indoor springs or outdoor springs.
General Information
Official Website スパジアムジャポン (Japanese language only)
Operation Hours Weekdays, 9 am – Midnight
Weekends, 8 am – Midnight
Access Higashi Kurume Station (on the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line), you can
use the spa’s free shuttle bus (10 min ride)
Price Adults – JPY750 (USD6) – Weekdays
Adults – JPY850 (USD7) – Weekends
Children – JPY350 (USD3)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
11. Yuya Ebisu (Beppu) – age 7 above
Founded 147 years ago, Yuya Ebisu onsen is part of the Ebisu Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn.
The best thing about Yuya Ebisu is the family bath. It is a perfect onsen for kids!
With 5 rooms dedicated to private usage, you can experience the calm space and utilize quality time to strengthen the bond with your family in peace.
Onsen Types
This place offers 2 different types of hot springs, the first being the “Sulfur Spring” and the second being the “Simple Spring”.
The characteristics of the “Sulfur Spring” are the cloudy colored water and its unique scent, which offers a peeling effect which in turn helps to smoothen the skin. Contrary to the “Simple Spring”, it is transparent and odorless, which offers moisturizing effects to the skin.
To get the best results, why not try both!
General Information
Official Website “Ebisu no Yu”.hot spa in Myoban Onsen, Beppu, Oita.
Operation Hours Daily, 10 am – 11 pm
Family Onsen, 10 am – 8 pm (closed on Wednesdays)
Access By train, car or express bus
Price Shared baths – JPY1,000 (USD6)
Private/Family baths – JPY2,000 (USD7)
Wi-Fi Available
Payment Credit cards are accepted
FAQs on Family Onsens
What Age Can Kids Go To An Onsen?
Typically, there is no onsen age limit so long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Although babies and toddlers that are still wearing diapers or haven’t been potty trained might not be allowed to enter onsen baths.
Just be sure that both you and the kids are properly bathed before stepping into the tubs!
Can Couples Go To Onsen Together?
The short answer is no, couples cannot go to onsen together. But there are special spaces that offer privacy where couples can go to onsen together without being disturbed.
These places would usually come with a guest room attached where you and your sweetheart can enjoy a relaxing time in the hot spring all day without any time limit.
I would have to say the experience is one of a kind as compared to a normal conventional date.
What Is A Private Onsen Called?
A private onsen is called ‘Kashikiri buro’ or ‘Kazoku buro’ in Japanese, allowing guests to occupy the baths all to themselves without sharing it with other patrons. In this case, a private onsen is recommended for those looking for a family onsen as you can enjoy quality time together in a private setting.
What Is Onsen In Japan?
Onsen, which literally translates to hot springs, are mineral-rich natural hot water pools. Onsen comes in a variety of forms, such as these two common ones:
- Indoor (Noten-Buro)
- Outdoor (Roten-Buro)
A true family onsen Japan must meet two requirements:
- The water must have a temperature of at least 25 degrees Celsius
- it must include a minimum of 1 of the 19 specified chemical compounds that typically exist in hot spring water
Another term you may come across is Sento.
These are public bathhouses that are indoors and run on regular hot water. While onsen is typically thought of as a treat, sento are the regular bathhouses used by Japanese people.
Now, I know what you may be thinking – public bathing doesn’t quite seem alluring, yet in Japan, it is a cherished aspect of traditional society.
Since the beginning of time, onsen water has been supposed to have a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
It is also rich in elements that are considered to be beneficial for your skin, circulation, and overall health.
Onsen family pools, which are frequently found in stunning natural settings or connected to charming old inns, can be exquisite items in and of themselves composed of materials like cypress wood, marble, and granite.
After a hard day, there is nothing better or therapeutic than laying back in a hot bath, just the sound of being submerged in hot water makes me want to pack my bag to a family onsen near me!
Is There Onsen In Kyoto?
Credit @Nizaemon No Yu
1. Kyoto Katsura Onsen Nizaemon No Yu
One of the best onsen in Japan, Nizaemon no yu’s crystal-clear carbonate hydrogen water is renowned for its remarkable health advantages and for leaving skin feeling smooth and silky.
There are two hot springs here that anyone can pick from, and when utilized in combination, they have powerful effects.
You may observe the moon while taking a bath in the open-air bath at these springs, which are situated in Katsura, a region famous for moon viewing. Doing so will make you feel like a Heian noble in Japan.
Credits @Tensho No Yu
2. Tensho No Yu
If you’re done with all the private onsen Kyoto and want a public one instead, head over to Tensho No Yu!
The mineral-rich water in this facility is considered to be beauty water and comes from a depth of about 1,000 meters. It is also water that is abundant in calcium and sodium ions.
Additionally, Tensho no Yu is the location of the Hydrogen Bath, a remarkable hydrogen-powered bath that gives your skin a wonderful appearance.
Credits @Tenzan No Yu
3. Sagano Onsen Tenzan No Yu
You need to explore this onsen with kids as it offers a variety of services.
Parents can have a relaxing evening after a full day on their feet exploring Kyoto while the kids can partake in activities like fish therapy and foot bath.
Without question, one of the best and most well-known Japanese family spa in Kyoto, Japan, is Tenzan no Yu.
You will find the first calcium chloride and sodium water in this kid friendly onsen in Japan. Additionally, the natural thermal spring water comes from a depth of more than 1,000 meters.
Your atrophied muscles and worn-out spirit will be revived by its water, which is also excellent for everyone’s skin.
Credits @ Fufu No Yu
4. Fufu No Yu
This top onsen in Japan is beautiful and calming, and it works wonders for the skin, neuralgia aches, and pain in the muscles.
Your options are endless in this family friendly onsen in Japan. You can explore their outdoor air bath, silky buro, and utase yu (streams of water that trickle down your back) in addition to their interior bath, uchi buro.
Additionally, this family friendly onsen in Kyoto has two different types of saunas.
The building has been pretty new and well-kept since it started operating back in 2014. In addition, Fufu no yu provides all-day access to the onsen, unlike similar onsens in Kyoto.
Credit @Hana No Yu
5. Hana No Yu
Hana no yu is a must on any list of the best onsen in Kyoto. You have 12 incredible hot spring options, including a rejuvenating bath, steam rooms, a Jacuzzi, and rotenburo.
Here, you must experience their revitalizing Jacuzzi. Their Jacuzzi’s bubbling healing water will help you unwind and escape the busy pace of modern life.
The amazing water source has wonderful health advantages for the body and is located 1300 meters below the surface in the Hira highlands.
These well-known spas are a favorite among Kyoto residents and unquestionably one of the top Japanese onsens in the city.
People Also Ask (PPA) Questions
Are There Shared Onsens?
Today, konyoku or a mixed-gender onsen is hard to find, with places like Tokyo having bans on such establishments.
For years, the Japanese have mastered the art of onsen. Men and women were bathing at a shared facility in the past, but today the baths are divided by gender.
However, should you wish to explore some shared onsens, here is a guide on 23 Mixed Onsens in Japan (For Couples and Families!) [2023].
What Do You Wear In An Onsen?
You can be completely naked. It is considered ‘dirty’ or sullied to wear any form of garment and one should never, ever bring any clothing into an onsen as it is strictly forbidden. Don’t fret! You’ll blend right in as no one will take much notice of you.
Alternatively, you could have a ‘wearable towel!’
Japan Family Hot Onsen Tips To Know
1. Kids below 7 can accompany parents of the opposite gender
2. Avoid using diapers for babies and toddlers
3. Kids with sensitive skin should take a rinse after the onsen
4. Avoid being near the incoming hot spring water or tap due to its hot temperature
Onsen Etiquettes
In the land of the rising sun, politeness is paramount. With these few extra-credit gestures, you’ll be sure to blend in with the locals easily!
1. Wash before entering an onsen
2. Must be completely naked
3. Never dip your towel in the water
4. Don’t go under or get your hair in the water
5. Cover up tattoos
6. No splashing or swimming inside an onsen
7. Be modest and mindful of others
8. Keep the conversation at a low volume
9. Don’t use your phone in the changing room
Handy Onsen Phrases in Japanese
Learning these few simple phrases to communicate may come in handy while experiencing this traditional culture of Japanese hot springs.
1. Konnichiwa – Hello or Good Day
2. Koko ii desuke – May I sit here?
3. Arigato gozaimasu – Thank you very much!
4. Sumimasen – Excuse me
5. Toire wa doko desu ka? – Where is the toilet?
6. Roten buro – Outdoor bath
7. Uchi buro – Indoor bath
8. Kazoku buro ni hairitai desu – I want to enter the private (family) bath
9. Onna yu – Ladies’ Bath
10. Otoko yu – Men’s bath
11. Ta o ru – Towel
12. Ii yu desu ne – it’s a good bath isn’t it
Your spirit are rejuvenated as the comfort of an onsen goes far beyond the refreshing feeling of the hot springs with these simple interactions.
But don’t worry too much if you can’t memorize all these words, with just a simple hello in Japanese, “Konnichiwa’’ and a smile, the rest will be at ease.
Are you ready to pack your bags and get prepared to immerse yourself with your families in those hot springs?
Even in the summer, these family onsesn are fully booked!
You and your family can get to fully experience the onsen culture at its best, as the onsens in Japan are well known for rejuvenating your body and mind,
Do comment below if there are more family onsen places that we could add to the list. We’d love to hear from you!
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