18 Unique Onsen Hotels in Japan (affordable + tattoo-friendly)

Whether you are looking for a picture-perfect onsen experience to make your friends jealous, a once-in-a-lifetime Ryokan splurge, or something totally different to avoid the crowds, I’ve tried them all to help make it easier than ever for you to turn your Japan travel dreams into a reality… even the ones you didn’t know you had.

What is an Onsen Hotel

An onsen hotel is a unique (usually traditional) stay built around Japan’s natural hot springs. Inviting you to relax in everything from indoor pools, scenic outdoor rotenburo, or even funky footbaths before you can unwind in tatami rooms wearing yukata robes, and often enjoy beautifully prepared kaiseki meals.

A bucketlist-worthy experience so special it deserved its own section on my Unique Things to Do in Japan Guide

Where to Book Onsen Hotels in Japan

Japan hotel prices/availability majorly vary across booking platforms, seasons and types.
I will always bounce between these as they tend to be best for foreigners booking onsen hotels in Japan:

Booking.com
Agoda
Trip.com
Klook
Rakuten Travel

Not to mention, checking directly with each hotel, especially when searching for their meal packages.

Similarly, for more unique stays and rural areas, it is increasingly common that foreigners must book via a Japanese Travel Agent like Travel Agent Japan. We did this for our recent Snow Monkey Stay (more on this soon!) and found it was really simple and effective.

Onsen Etiquette First-Timers Should Know

Public vs Private Onsen

A public onsen is a shared hot spring bath, usually separated by gender. This is a communal bathing experience where you must follow traditional onsen etiquette, coming in many shapes, sizes and prices.

On the other hand, private onsen are individual-use hot springs that either come with your room or can be reserved for a private experience. The dream for couples. families, people with tattoos or even obnoxious creators (like me hahaha)

Tattoo Rules at Onsen in Japan

It is a common misconception that having tattoos disqualifies you from being able to experience onsen culture in Japan.

Although that may have been the case many years ago as a simple way to keep Yakuza away (who were one of the only groups known for tattoos), in modern times, there is an increase of tattoo-friendly onsen and general acceptance, especially for tourists.

Sure, they vary from private bathing only restrictions or needing cover stickers, all the way to totally open but good news is, regardless of your body art you have plenty of unique onsen in Japan to choose from as you are about to find out…

Tattoo Friendly Japan is a great website with more information.

The Best Onsen Hotels in Japan

1. Amagiso Liberty Resort – Odaru Onsen

📍 Location: Kawazu Seven Falls, Izu Peninsula
💰 Price Range: $ day pass, ? Hotel is currently closed for renovations
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: Yes
👯 Mixed Gender: Yes
🔒 Private Bath: Not currently due to hotel renovations

It is no wonder this place went mega viral with 8 varied temperature open-air baths along the river, plus hot spring lap pool, cave onsen and A WATERFALL.

These unique hot springs are part of the Amagiso Resort property. Unfortunately, the hotel itself burnt down a couple of years ago so you may not be able to stay overnight but you can enjoy the facilities with a day pass bought on site.

2. Nanadaru Onsen Hotel, Izu Peninsula

📍 Location: Kawazu Seven Falls, Izu Peninsula
💰 Price Range: $
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: In private baths
👯 Mixed Gender: Both public gender bathing and private mixed
🔒 Private Bath: Yes

For those still wanting to strip off for a more traditional onsen experience, we stumbled across this hidden gem stay right next door to the unique waterfall onsen in Izu with prices starting from only $140 a night!!!

They do still offer traditional male and female bathing experiences but these rotate at certain times of the day to be available for private sessions at no extra cost!

BONUS: Best ryokans in Kawazu Seven Waterfalls

3. Onsen Ryokan Yuen Shinjuku

📍 Location: Shinjuku, Tokyo
💰 Price Range: $-$$ depending on season and room type
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: YES!
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: No

A boutique Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo mixing modern and traditional Japanese ryokan elements for a relaxing onsen stay and retreat among the chaos of the city. Oh, and FREE late night snacks and sake!

Read my complete YUEN SHINJUKU REVIEW HERE or watch the vlog recap HERE

4. Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan – Snow Monkey Park

📍 Location: Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
💰 Price Range: $$$ (+ Day passes are available for JPY1500)
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: Yes
👯 Mixed Gender: Men’s footbath, women only, family bath and mixed all available
🔒 Private Bath: 1 available

While the famous Snow Monkey Park in Nagano is one of the top things to do in Japan, most people don’t know you can actually STAY at the traditional ryokan there, where the monkeys first learnt the behaviour of bathing in onsens like humans!

All meals are made with local ingredients picked from the Jigokudani Valley (the best ryokan meals we have ever had!!), and your yukata with the cutest monkey pattern, but the best is all is the unique opportunity to enjoy it all with the SNOW MONKEYS! Yes, that even includes being in the hot springs with the monkeys.

It can currently only be booked via the Japanese Travel Agent – Travel Arrange Japan

5. Shosuke No Yado Takinoyu, Higashiyama Onsen

📍 Location: Higashiyama Onsen, Aizu
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No, only in private onsen for an additional cost
👯 Mixed Gender: Gender seperated, Mixed footbaths and private baths
🔒 Private Bath: 6 private onsen slots sold for JPY3300 extra

You already know I will not shut up about the ‘unique waterfall onsen’ we stumbled across in the Izu Peninsula.. so imagine my excitement when we heard about ANOTHER ONE this time north of Tokyo in the underrated region of Aizu!

BUT it is totally different with 12+ onsen (6+ private hot springs you can book for ¥3300 and riverside footbaths!), daily FREE beer and ice cream, specialty yukata, a unique theatre built across the river and a bunch of wildlife roaming around!

6. Ashinomaki Onsen Ookawaso, Aizu

📍 Location: Aizu
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No, Only in private onsen for an additional cost
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: private onsen slots sold for JPY3300 extra

Famous in the anime community as ‘The Demon Slayer Hotel’ given its lobby is rumoured to be the inspiration for the show’s Infinity Castle.

But if you’re anything like me, that isn’t enough to sell you on a place BUT maybe the local self-serve sake bar, cliffside outdoor onsen, daily performances, unbelievable dining experiences, retro gaming space, karaoke bar and the Samurai School all inside the hotel will…

7. Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park

📍 Location: Minakami, Gunma
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: Yes
👯 Mixed Gender: Yes
🔒 Private Bath: All 18 private onsen (although sometimes one is closed as it can’t be accessed in deep snow)

I had always dreamt of staying at the viral tattoo-friendly, co-ed riverside Takaragawa Onsen Hotel until I realised that virality brought major crowds and major price increases. When browsing the map for nearby unique stays, the moment I say ‘Onsen theme park’ I was intrigued.

It turned out to be the BEST onsen hotel we have ever stayed in Japan, with 19 private onsen you simply grab the key for if it’s available and lock yourself in to enjoy. They even have a scavenger hunt challenge to soak and get a stamp in all 18 to pick a prize (we got a new ceramic bowl!)

8. Kanmuheishi Yukarino Yado Ageha – Yunishigawa Onsen

📍 Location: Yunishigawa Onsen
💰 Price Range: $$$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly:
👯 Mixed Gender: No, only in private
🔒 Private Bath: private onsen slots sold for JPY3300 extra

Voteds one of Japan’s top 10 traditional inns, this place feels like you are spending a night in the museum!

Owned by the 38th generation of the Taira Samurai clan, opened since 1718, it is full of antiques, 6 private riverside onsen, acclaimed heart dining experiences and access to the Yunishigawa Kamakura Winter Festival.

9. Bandaisan Onsen Hotel, Nekoma Mountain

📍 Location: Nekoma Mountain, Aizu
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: No

All ski resorts should come with onsens because my goodness, I am still sore and bruised just thinking about those slopes.

But seriously, besides the untouched JaPOW and luxurious onsens, Bandaisan Onsen Hotel has so many more surprises that make it Japans most underrated ski resort; from a large heated pool, traditional drumming and dancing nights, FREE beer happy hours, paint your own souvenirs, izakaya experiences and even more waiting for you.

10. Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen, Tokyo

📍 Location: Tokyo
💰 Price Range: $
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: Sort of… You need to cover with stickers
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: Private experiences are available at extra cost

This is a 24HR, 9-STOREY ONSEN in Tokyo with everything from day passes to overnight hotel stays and private spa experiences.

While sunset on the 360 rooftop was cool, you have to try the all-you-can-eat buffet options throughout your visit, they were my highlight! Check out my full stay recap video HERE

Where to book your Tokyo Onsen experience

BOOK THE DAY PASS: the Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen Experience in Tokyo

SPLURGE ON AN OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAY: Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club

11. ToreTore Dome Village, Wakayama

📍 Location: Wakayama Prefecture
💰 Price Range: $
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: Limited / Ask in advance (some onsens in the area allow small tattoos)
👯 Mixed Gender: No, unless in a reserved private family bath
🔒 Private Bath: No, unless in a reserved private family bath

Step into a fever dream of 133 unique “igloo” cabins plonked among stone paths. Made even weirder in its dedicated Fantasy and Fairytale zones!

Beyond its funky look, it’s actually an onsen resort connected with the Tore Tore Park complex in Shirahama, Japan. Giving you the full package of seafood markets, spa facilities, buffet dining, and domes.

12. Hotel Wood, Takayama

📍 Location: Takayama
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: No

This was my first introduction to onsen hotels in Japan, and it immediately had me hooked.

This modern ryokan-style stay blends traditional Japanese design with boutique luxury, welcoming you with natural onsen baths and local sakes in the heart of Takayama’s old town. But what makes its worthy of a spot on this list is how affordable it is for the luxury onsen hotel experience.

13. KAI Matsumoto

📍 Location: Matsumoto
💰 Price Range: $$
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: No

KAI began my love affair with Hoshino Resorts’ unique onsen hotel in Japan, thanks to its whimsical outdoor onsen hotel, spotlight for the city’s deep connection to music through live performances and locally inspired kaiseki dining.

KAI creates an immersive stay where traditional ryokan culture meets a modern, sensory experience in the Japanese Alps (and I believe it is currently getting an upgraded makeover so your next stay may be even more special!)

14. Dormy Inn – Onsen Hotel Chain

📍 Location: Across Japan
💰 Price Range: $
🎨 Tattoo-friendly: No
👯 Mixed Gender: No
🔒 Private Bath: No

Dormy Inn is a popular mid-range hotel chain in Japan. They are often located in city centres, near train stations, or convenient tourist areas, making them ideal for your Japan trip.

BUT the reason it has become a favourite for me that I always return to everywhere we go is its FREE ice cream, FREE morning yakult, FREE onsen, FREE massage chairs and FREE late-night ramen. We even had FREE laundry at one location.

I have stayed at Dormy Inns everywhere from Nagano to Osaka and even Mishima, and I am sure there will be more dormy stays to come.

BONUS Unique Onsen Towns in Japan

15. Kawayu Onsen – Seninburo

On a mini road trip to the tallest waterfall in Japan we spotted a cluster of onsen on the map where we stumbled across this unique river hot spring spot.

Where you dig your own bath, letting the hot springs bubble up from the riverbed to soak in FOR FREE!!! Be careful, they are a scorching 73 degrees. Don’t worry, the best part is mixing in the icy waters of Ohtou River to find your perfect soaking temp.

📍 Where is Seinburro

Kawayu Onsen is located in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, deep in the mountains of the Kumano region and near the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.

What to know before you go to Seinburro

Swimsuits are required since it’s mixed-gender and outdoors. There is a free car park with changing/shower facilities about 100m down the road.

16. Shibu Onsen

Down the road from the famous Snow Monkey Park you will find the historic and charming Shibu Onsen known for its narrow stone streets, traditional ryokan, and nine public onsen baths..

Honestly, the whole town is worth a visit for onsen hopping, especially in the snow but the main reason most people go is to see Kanaguya (金具屋).

The historic, multi-story wooden inn said to have inspired the bathhouse in Spirited Away. And after seeing it for myself, it is not hard to see why.

📍 Where is Shibu Onsen

This magical hot spring town is in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture.

It sits just a few minutes from Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park and around 45 minutes from Nagano City, making it a popular base for visiting the snow monkeys or Ghibili fans.

17. Nozawa Onsen

Famed for hosting the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Nozawa Onsen is one of Japan’s most charming onsen towns and an iconic Ski destinations with record-breaking snow.

Popular for its network of free, community-run hot springs scattered throughout a traditional village setting (some they even use to cook in!).

📍 Where is Nozawa Onsen

This traditional hot spring village is located in in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Accessible from Nagano City, Iiyama and even Hakuba.

18. Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Forest

Hoshino Resorts Karuizawa Forest is a nature-immersed onsen retreat village where you can move between multiple unique stays (like affordable BEB5 to mega luxe Hoshinoya) all centred around restorative Hot Springs “Tombo no Yu”.

It’s increasingly popular for its elevated, locally sourced dining, shopping at Harunire Terraca and Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary. Making it feel like a private wellness retreat, yet one that’s open for anyone to experience.

📍 Where is Karuizawa

The Hoshino Resorts area in Karuizawa is located in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, in the Japanese Alps region of central Japan just a short train ride from Tokyo via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Best Hotels in Karuizawa Forest

Japan Travel FAQs

Do I need cash in Japan?

While Japan is increasingly card-friendly, cash is still king. It’s wise to carry around ¥10,000–¥20,000 in cash. ATMs at 7-Eleven, Lawson, and post offices are the best for foreigners!

Best Japan eSIM

I’ve trialled a wide range of eSIMs in Japan, and these are my top picks:

Klook eSIMs (my go-to) – Klook have a range of eSIMs, even connected to some of the big guns like Airalo directly through the platform. The best value one we have found is Japan Data eSIM from NTT docomo / Sakura Mobile

Pangia Pass (the long trip dream set up) –
Unlimited Data in 105 Countries for a set month price without the need to constantly set up via QR codes and change countries.
Use code DONUT to save 10% off.

Best time of year to visit Japan

Having been to Japan in all four seasons now, you would think I’d have a clear answer for you but it truly comes down to your own personal preferences, budget and what you really wnat to get out of your trip.

In saying that, with confidence, I can say the WORST time of year to go is July/August when it is simply too hot to function.

• Spring (March–May): Cherry blossoms in bloom, mild weather, pirces spike.
• Autumn (September–November): Vibrant fall foliage, fewer tourists than in spring but brighter colours.
• Winter (December–February): Snow sports, winter illuminations and unique festivals. Most important, snow monkeys!
• Summer (June–August): Hot and humid; ideal for mountain hiking and beach trips, plus summer festivals

Is Japan Safe?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for travellers but like anywhere you travel, it ultimately comes down to common sense and research.

Regardless, travel remains unpredictable from getting sick to natural disasters, so I ALWAYS recommend getting travel insurance.

My Mini Japan Survival Guide: where to book, what NOT to do and bonus discounts

Accommodation: Japan hotel prices and availability greatly vary across booking platforms. I will always bounce between these few:

Booking.com
Agoda
Trip.com
Klook

Language: You don’t need to dive into an intensive language course but the basics like Hello, Yes and Thank you will take you a long way and is the least you can do to be respectful. Matched with Google Translate, you will have no problem getting around.

Trains: Ever since the JR Rail Pass prices spiked, I exclusively book individual tickets via Klook
A simple system with QR pick up plus, free add-ons like seat select, excess luggage and even Mt Fuji views.

Rental Cars: It’ll come as no surprise that we have always booked our car rentals via Klook , specifically NIPP rent-a-car locations.
I’ve heard good things about the new Booking.com car rental platform too and would definitely compare in future.

Activities, Tours, Theme Parks…: Again, Klook is truly your bestie in Japan. In fact, I wrote a whole darn ‘Is Klook legit?’ guide about it

Klook.com

Of course, if you ever have any questions or are feeling extra nosy and want more in-depth insight, do not hesitate to comment below, email me or DM @wanderingdonut ♡