Hidden Onsen Near Tokyo: Authentic Experiences in Saitama with Private Baths and Tattoo-Friendly Policy

Many international tourists visiting Tokyo seek authentic onsen experiences. While there are several hot spring facilities within Tokyo proper, they often present challenges: extreme crowding, overly modernized facilities that diminish traditional cultural elements, limited choices, and strict policies regarding tattoos that can be unwelcoming to certain international visitors. As a result, many opt for day trips to popular destinations like Atami or Hakone west of Tokyo.

However, there exist remarkable alternatives that even most Tokyo residents don’t know about – authentic onsen facilities that remain largely undiscovered by international tourists, offering local atmosphere, easy access, tattoo-friendly policies, and total costs less than half of Hakone or Atami. Today, we introduce two such exceptional facilities.

Hyakukannon Onsen: Tokyo’s Hidden 5-Star Hot Spring with Tattoo-Friendly Policy and Direct Access from Shibuya

Essential Information

• Hours: Weekdays 8:00-23:00, Weekends/Holidays 7:00-23:00
• Closed: Third Tuesday of each month (or following day if holiday)
• Admission:
  • Adults: ¥850 (weekdays), ¥900 (weekends/holidays)
  • Children (3-12): ¥400
• Private Bath: ¥5,400 for 3 hours (minimum 2 people on weekdays, 3 people on weekends)
• Rental Set: ¥300 (bath towel + face towel)
• Location: 868 Nishi-Owari, Kuki, Saitama 340-0206
• Phone: 0480-59-4126

The facility spans two floors: The first floor houses gender-separated bath areas, restaurant, massage services, and smoking area, while the second floor features private bath rooms and a free relaxation space.

Five Distinguished Features

1. Five-Star Hot Spring Quality

Hyakukannon is one of only a dozen hot springs nationwide to receive the highest five-star rating in all six evaluation criteria set by the Japan Onsen Association: water source, water delivery, spring quality, supply method, water addition, and fresh water injection rate. This places it among Japan’s finest hot springs.

2. Tattoo-Friendly Private Baths

Hyakukannon offers five private bath rooms where guests can enjoy the onsen experience in complete privacy. These rooms accommodate not only tattooed visitors but also seniors requiring special care. Each unit includes a bath area and living space, with in-room phones for direct restaurant orders. Perfect for couples, families, and groups of up to 8 people.

Private Bath Details:

• Room Rental: ¥5,400 for 3 hours
• Regular admission fee applies per person (same as public bath prices)
• Capacity: 2-8 people per room
• No advance phone reservations available (no English-speaking staff)
• Walk-in visits welcome, but may require 30-minute preparation time

Important Notice: We strongly recommend AGAINST attempting to book private baths on weekends or holidays. These rooms are typically fully reserved by local families well in advance, and there is a very high probability you won’t be able to secure a room. To avoid disappointment after a long train journey, please plan your private bath visit for weekdays.

Best Time to Visit:

• Recommended: Weekday afternoons, especially around 1:30 PM
• High chance of availability without reservation
• More relaxed atmosphere

Private Bath Scheduling:

• Morning: 10:00-13:00 or 11:00-14:00
• Afternoon: 14:00-17:00 or 15:00-18:00
• Evening: 18:00-21:00 or 19:00-22:00

3. Convenient Access: 48 Minutes from Ikebukuro

Single direct train on JR Utsunomiya Line:

• From Shibuya: 63 minutes (¥990)
• From Shinjuku: 54 minutes (¥860)
• From Ikebukuro: 48 minutes (¥770) No reservations required, regular local train service.

4. Two-Minute Walk from Station

Unlike many local onsen facilities requiring taxi or shuttle service, Hyakukannon is just a 2-minute walk from Higashi-Washinomiya Station.

5. Traditional Local Atmosphere

Hyakukannon maintains its traditional character rather than adopting modern styling. While this might not appeal to younger Japanese visitors, it offers an authentic experience away from tourist crowds, primarily attracting seniors and families.

Uta no Yu: Award-Winning Modern Onsen Popular Among Young Visitors

Essential Information

• Hours: 10:00-24:00 (last entry 23:30)
• Open year-round
• Admission:
  • Adults: ¥1,200 (weekdays), ¥1,300 (weekends/holidays)
  • Children (3-12): ¥750 (weekdays), ¥850 (weekends/holidays)
  • ¥100 discount after 17:00
• Rental set included in admission (bath towel + face towel + indoor wear)
• Location: 2517 Sugito, Sugito-machi, Kitakatsushika-gun, Saitama 345-0036
• Phone: 0480-53-4126

The single-story facility features spacious bathing areas, restaurant, massage services, smoking area, and free relaxation spaces.

Four Distinguished Features

1. Five-Year Consecutive Nifty Satisfaction Award Winner

Recognized for its exceptional amenities, spaciousness, and relaxing atmosphere, Uta no Yu has earned the top satisfaction rating on Nifty for five consecutive years. The facility is renowned for its open, liberating spaces and healing environment.

2. Diverse Bathing Options

Visitors can enjoy various bath types:

• High-concentration carbonated bath
• Pressure point bath
• Foot bath
• Silk bath
• Reclining bath
• Hot spring source bath
• Rock bath
• Indoor natural spring bath
• Bedrock bath (additional fee) Plus various sauna facilities

3. High-Quality Buffet Restaurant

The facility’s renowned buffet (additional charge) offers:

• Salad bar
• Curry selections
• Tempura
• Simmered vegetables
• Soba noodles
• Steamed buns
• Desserts including cake and ice cream
• Beverage bar

Prices:

• Adults: ¥1,900
• Elementary school students: ¥1,150
• Under elementary: ¥800 (Lunch service only on weekdays)

4. Easy Access: 36 Minutes from Kita-Senju

• 36-minute ride on the Tobu Skytree Line from Kita-Senju Station (¥490)
• Free shuttle bus from Tobu Dobutsukoen Station East Exit every 30 minutes, and vice versa.

• Shuttle runs every hour with 5-minute travel time

Comparison of Facilities

Hyakukannon vs. Uta no Yu

Feature	Hyakukannon	Uta no Yu
Water Quality	Superior (5-star rated)	Good quality
Facility Style	Traditional	Modern
Main Customer Base	Seniors and families	Wide range, popular with young people
Access from Station	2-min walk	Shuttle bus required
Private Rooms	Available	Not available
Weekday Adult Price	¥850	¥1,200 (includes rental set)
Distance Apart	10km (3 stations)	–

Cost Comparison with Popular Destinations

Both Hyakukannon and Uta no Yu offer distinct advantages over popular tourist destinations like Hakone and Atami. While Hakone and Atami require significant planning, time, and budget, these Saitama facilities provide authentic onsen experiences with easier access and lower costs. They represent ideal alternatives for visitors seeking genuine Japanese onsen culture without the tourist crowds and premium pricing of major destinations.

Like most onsen in Japan, both facilities follow clear crowd patterns that visitors should be aware of when planning their visit.

Recommendations

• For the most relaxing experience, visit on weekdays
• If weekend visits are necessary, consider:
  • Early morning hours
  • Evening hours after dinner time
• Avoid major holiday periods if possible

The significant difference in crowd levels between weekdays and weekends makes weekday visits particularly appealing for those seeking a peaceful onsen experience.

Related Article: Complete Day Trip Guide

Want to make the most of your visit? These onsen are part of an exciting local area rich in authentic Japanese experiences. For a complete guide including:

• Local lunch spots featuring exceptional seafood bowls and historic udon restaurants
• Detailed onsen visiting guide
• Evening dining recommendations in Omiya or Akabane
• Budget-friendly drinking guide

Check out our detailed article: “Beyond Tourist Trails: A Local’s Guide to the Perfect Day Trip from Tokyo” [Link to article]

This comprehensive guide will help you plan a full day of authentic Japanese experiences at remarkably reasonable prices, all while avoiding typical tourist routes.

Unlike major tourist destinations like Hakone and Atami, these facilities have limited English support. While this might initially seem challenging for international visitors, it actually offers a unique advantage: an opportunity to experience authentic, non-touristic Japanese onsen culture.

Sauna Facilities

Both facilities offer excellent sauna experiences:

Hyakukannon Sauna

Uta no Yu Sauna

Arrival and Check-in Process

1. Shoe Storage (Important First Step)

• Locate shoe lockers at the entrance
• Insert ¥100 coin to use the locker (coin will be returned upon retrieval)
• Take the key and proceed to reception
• Give the shoe locker key to the reception staff

2. Reception Check-in At Hyakukannon:

• Pay admission fee here
• Request private bath by saying “Kashikiri” (Ka-shi-ki-ri) if desired
• Receive wristband for tracking additional charges
• Request rental towel by saying “rental towel” if needed

At Uta no Yu:

• Receive wristband, number tag, and locker key
• All payments are made at checkout
• Get rental items (towels and indoor wear) at the towel counter near the entrance to bath areas

Entering the Bath Area

1. Identifying Correct Entrance

• Blue curtain (暖簾, noren) = Men’s bath
• Red curtain (暖簾, noren) = Women’s bath
• WARNING: Entering the wrong section is a serious offense

2. Important Mobile Phone Policy

3. Changing Room At Hyakukannon:

• Choose any available locker
• Insert ¥100 coin (returnable) to secure
• Store all belongings inside

At Uta no Yu:

• Find locker matching your assigned number
• Use provided key to secure
• Store all belongings inside

During Your Stay

1. Using Facilities

• All purchases tracked via wristband
• Rental towels returned to designated baskets in changing room
• Follow basic onsen etiquette (see below)

Checkout Process

1. Present wristband at reception
2. Pay for any additional charges
3. Receive shoe locker key
4. Retrieve shoes (¥100 coin will be returned)
5. Exit facility

Basic Onsen Etiquette

1. Pre-bath Cleaning

• Thoroughly wash at shower stations
• Sit on provided stool while washing
• Rinse completely before entering baths

2. In the Bath

• Keep small towel out of bath water
• No swimming or splashing
• Maintain quiet atmosphere
• Keep your voice down
• Tie up long hair

3. General Rules

• No alcohol before bathing
• No cameras or phones
• No swimsuits
• Cover tattoos if using public baths
• Remove all jewelry

4. Post-Bath

• Dry off before entering changing room
• Use designated areas for drying
• Return rental items to proper locations

Remember: These facilities are primarily used by locals, so following proper etiquette helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere and ensures a positive experience for everyone.

These onsen facilities offer a genuine Japanese bathing experience. Following these guidelines will help you enjoy them safely and respectfully while maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that makes Japanese onsen culture so special.