Tokyo’s Secret Onsen Escape: A Royal Lunch, Perfect Hot Springs, and Raw Tokyo Nightlife for Under ¥7,000

While most Tokyo day-trippers jostle through crowded temples and overpriced tourist spots, there’s a secret route that even many locals haven’t discovered. Imagine dining at a noodle shop once graced by Japan’s Emperor Emeritus, soaking in one of Japan’s dozen perfectly-rated hot springs, and ending your night in a district where Tokyo’s true after-hours culture thrives – where ¥1,000 buys you not just drinks but a glimpse into real Japanese society that most tourists never see. Just 50 minutes from Shinjuku, this carefully crafted journey through Saitama prefecture offers experiences that no typical tourist itinerary can match, at a fraction of the price.

Morning: The Emperor’s Noodles and Social Media Stars

The Story Your journey begins with a 50-minute ride on the JR Utsunomiya Line to Kuki Station. From here, you’ll discover three local institutions that challenge everything you thought you knew about Japanese dining. They require a small detour, but as locals will tell you, the best experiences in Japan often hide just a few stops from the major stations.

At Kogame, a 15-minute walk from Kazo Station, you’ll find yourself sitting where Japan’s Emperor Emeritus once dined. This unassuming restaurant serves udon noodles that stretch an astonishing 30-50 centimeters in length – each strand a testament to generations of noodle-making expertise. While tourists queue for hours at trendy Tokyo ramen shops, here you can savor imperial-approved cuisine for just ¥1,100. While Kogame is renowned for its refreshing cold udon served in citrus broth, it was their innovative meat miso udon that captured the Grand Prix at the 2019 Saitama B-Grade Gourmet Contest – a testament to their culinary excellence that extends beyond traditional offerings.

Meanwhile, just a 5-minute walk from Kazo Station stands Kashikame, a legendary establishment that consistently tops Saitama’s rankings for the best chashu (braised pork) ramen. Their claim to fame? What locals affectionately call “Mount Everest of Chashu” – a towering portion of perfectly braised pork atop generous bowls of ramen or fried rice, priced incredibly at just ¥1,100-1,200. Regularly voted #1 in Saitama’s chashu ramen rankings, Kashikame isn’t just about quantity – their masterfully prepared chashu has earned them a devoted following among ramen enthusiasts.

Alternatively, three minutes from Hanasaki Station lies Nobuhito, where local office workers guard their lunch-break secret. Their signature seafood bowl – a mountain of premium sashimi that would cost ¥3,000 in central Tokyo – is served here for a mere ¥1,650. Each bowl is a photographer’s dream, with fresh cuts of tuna, salmon, and seasonal fish arranged like petals of a blooming flower.

A Tale of Two Hot Springs: Where Perfection Meets Practicality

The Story As afternoon approaches, you face a choice between two remarkable onsen, each telling a different story of Japanese bathing culture. Hyakukannon Onsen might seem unassuming at first glance, but it holds a distinction that even many Japanese don’t know about: perfect scores in all six categories of the Japan Onsen Association’s rigorous evaluation system. Only a dozen hot springs nationwide share this honor – yet here it is, charging just ¥850 for entrance to what might be Japan’s most perfectly balanced mineral waters. For visitors with tattoos, Hyakukannon offers another rare find in Japan: private bath rooms where you can enjoy the same exceptional waters in complete privacy.

Alternatively, there’s Uta no Yu, a modern interpretation of the onsen tradition. While it lacks the historical perfect score of Hyakukannon, it’s earned something equally impressive: five consecutive years as Japan’s highest-rated onsen for customer satisfaction. Its spacious, contemporary design and pristine facilities represent the evolution of Japanese bathing culture, proving that innovation can coexist with tradition. At ¥1,200 including rental towels and bath clothes, it offers a premium experience at a fraction of what you’d pay in Tokyo’s famous onsen districts.

Check out our detailed article: “Hidden Onsen Near Tokyo: Authentic Experiences in Saitama with Private Baths and Tattoo-Friendly Policy”

Evening: Raw Tokyo After Dark

Evening: Raw Tokyo After Dark

As twilight descends, head to Akabane – the holy land of “senbero” (the art of getting pleasantly tipsy for ¥1,000). Here, among the district’s two dozen budget-friendly standing bars, Kitaya and Ikoi stand out not just for their incredibly low prices, but for their exceptional food quality that defies their modest pricing.

How to Order (No English Available)

These authentic establishments don’t offer English menus or English-speaking staff, but don’t let that deter you. Here’s your guide to ordering like a local:

Drinks (200-300¥)

• Shochu (Sho-Chooo): The cheapest option, a sweet distilled spirit mixed with soda
• Lemon Sour (Remon-sawaa): Shochu with lemon
• Ume Sour (Oome-sawaa): Shochu with plum
• Grapefruit Sour (Grape-fruits-sawaa): Shochu with grapefruit
• Oolong Hi (Oolong-high): Shochu with oolong tea
• Beer (Biiru): Slightly pricier at 300-500¥

Must-Try Dishes at Ikoi

Dish	Pronunciation	Description	Price Range
Satsuma-Imo Tempura	Satsuma-Imo Tempura	Japanese sweet potato tempura	¥100-200
Tsukune	Tsu-ku-nae	Minced chicken skewers	¥100-200
Buri Sashimi	Boo-ree Sashimi	Yellowtail sashimi (highly recommended)	¥200-300
Char-Shu	Char-Shoo	Braised pork (like in ramen)	¥100-200
Korokke	Ko-rok-kae	Japanese-style croquette	¥100-200
Maguro	Ma-gu-ro	Classic tuna sashimi	¥200-300

Popular Dishes at Kitaya

Dish	Pronunciation	Description	Price Range
Tsukune	Tsu-ku-nae	Minced chicken skewers	¥100-200
Aji Fry	Ah-ji Fu-rai	Deep-fried horse mackerel	¥100-200
Wiener Tamago	Win-nar Ta-ma-go	Sausage with egg	¥100-200
Harumaki	Ha-ru-ma-ki	Spring rolls	¥100-200
Napolitan	Na-po-ri-tan	Japanese-style spaghetti	¥200-300

Important Standing Bar Etiquette

• These are standing-only establishments (no seats)
• Pay for each item as it’s served
• Keep your visit to under an hour per establishment
• Order drinks and food one or two items at a time

<details> <summary>Kitaya – Basic Information</summary>

• Address: 1-8-1 Akabane-Minami, Kita-ku, Tokyo
• Access: 1-minute walk from Akabane Station
• Business Hours:
  • Mon-Sat: 15:00-21:00 (Last food order 20:45)
  • Sun: 15:00-20:00 (Last food order 19:45)
• Closed: New Year’s (Dec 31, Jan 1-3)
• Average Budget: ¥1,000-1,500

</details> <summary>Ikoi – Basic Information</summary>

• Category: Standing Bar, Izakaya
• Phone: 03-3901-5246
• Address: 1-3-8 Akabane, Kita-ku, Tokyo
• Business Hours:
  • Mon-Sat: 11:00-22:00
  • Sun/Holidays: 11:00-21:00
• Budget: ¥1,000-¥1,999

Sample Schedule and Budget Breakdown

• 10:30 AM: Depart Shinjuku via JR Utsunomiya Line to Kuki (54 min)
• 11:30 AM: Take Tobu Isesaki Line to lunch spot( Kazo or Hanasaki) (3～5 min)
• 1:00 PM: Head to onsen
• 1:30 PM: Begin onsen experience
• 4:00 PM: Depart for Akabane (40-60 min)
• 5:30 PM: Start evening at Ikoi/Kitaya (1 hour each)

Cost Breakdown (Sample Route)

• Shinjuku to Kuki: ¥860
• Kuki-Kazo round trip: ¥522
• Kogame lunch: ¥1,050
• Kuki to Washinomiya: ¥147
• Hyakukannon Onsen: ¥850
• Washinomiya to Akabane: ¥682
• Ikoi food/drinks: ¥1,000
• Kitaya food/drinks: ¥1,000
• Total: ¥6,111

Alternative Option: Omiya for Larger Groups

For groups of four or more seeking a more relaxed dining experience with English support, Omiya offers an excellent alternative to Akabane’s standing bars. Two outstanding establishments – Omiya no Mai and Omiya An – provide unique advantages that make them especially appealing for international visitors:

• Full English menus and English-speaking staff available
• Three-hour unlimited food and drinks (most places limit to two hours)
• Premium course options including shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and oden
• Conveniently located just 3 minutes from Omiya Station
• Excellent value at ¥3,500-4,500 per person
• Private rooms available for groups

Basic information of Omiya no Mai –

• Category: All-You-Can-Eat Yakitori & Private Room Izakaya
• Phone: 050-5538-2071
• Access: 3-minute walk from JR Omiya Station
• Business Hours: 17:00-24:00 (Last orders 23:00)
• English Support:
  • English menu available
  • English-speaking staff on duty
• Course Prices: From ¥3,280 (3-hour all-you-can-drink included)
• Payment Methods: All major credit cards accepted
• Special Courses:
  • Fresh Fish & Yakitori Course: ¥3,280
  • Shabu-shabu Course: ¥4,480
  • Sukiyaki Course: ¥4,980

Basic information of Omiya-wan

Special Course: Rich Oden All-You-Can-Eat Course: ¥3,880 (3-hour all-you-can-drink)

Category: Private Room Izakaya

Phone: 050-5538-2028

Access: 3-minute walk from JR Omiya Station

Business Hours: 17:00-24:00

English Support:

Full English menu

English-speaking staff available

Address: B2F Yachiyo Building, 1-41 Miyacho, Omiya-ku

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