Japan’s ONSEN THEME PARK: Your Guide to Ryuudo Ryokan
Japan is famous for many things, with onsens and theme parks are the top of the list. But did you know that there is a unique ryokan only 2hrs from Tokyo that combines the best of both worlds?! Welcome to the Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park.
Yes, that is a real thing, although don’t expect anything quite like USJ or Tokyo Disneyland.
Instead, imagine a 24-hour hot spring tour hopping at your own pace between 18 unique private onsens lined up along the river. With each having its own special design, you can not forget to get a stamp at each to win a commemorative prize as part of their stamp rally.
It sounds and feels like a fever dream in the best way possible, so it is no wonder it rapidly jumped to the top of my Ultimate List of Japan Onsen Experiences. Now, to help you make your hot spring dreams come true, here is the full, juicy, brutally honest inside scoop on the Onsen Theme Park!
What is the Onsen Theme Park?
It probably comes at no surprise that Japan has a couple of ‘hot spring theme parks’ and facilities that are somewhat adjacent to the concept. From themed baths where you soak in coffee or wine to the bizzare hot tub rollercoaster.
Ryuudo is a little different. There are no fancy rides or rollercoasters here, just an over 100 year old ryokan with an impressive line up on hot springs.
Where the ‘theme park’ element comes into play is that you have the unique opportunity to hop between their 18
Where is Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park?
Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park is at the northernmost tip of Minakami, Gunma Prefecture. You’ll find it a little north of Tokyo, serving as the halfway point between Nagano and Nikko (which I also highly recommend you visit while you’re in Japan.
And you couldn’t ask for a better spot to line up its series of specialty hot spring baths than along the scenic Tone River.
How to get to Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park?
Being so close to some of Japan’s major hubs like Tokyo, Nagano and Nikko, you have ample options to get to and from the onsen theme park. But to keep things simple, let me break down the best and most standard options:
🚄Taking the TRAIN from Tokyo
Shinkansen (quickest)
Ueno Station → Jomo-Kogen Station (Jōetsu Shinkansen) → Car/Bus/Taxi to Ryuudo Onsen
Duration: 1.5 hours-ish + drive
Cost: ¥6,000–7,500
From Jomo-Kogen Station, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the ryokan.
🚆 Local Train Option (Budget-friendly)
Ueno Station → Minakami Station (JR Joetsu Line) → Bus/car/Taxi to Ryuudo
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Cost: ¥2,500–3,500
These routes are covered under the JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR PASS)
🚏Taking the LOCAL BUS to Ryuudo
From Minakami Station, you can take a local bus toward Yubiso or Takaragawa Onsen and get off at the last stop, “Yunokoya”. From the bus stop, it’s a short walk.
Duration: 30–40 minutes
Cost: ¥1,700 – 2,420 per person one way
For a more direct drive, you can book a taxi but be warned it will come with a higher cost (might be worth it is you are with a group or family though)
🚕 Renting a Car to Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park
We were a little nervous about driving in winter (growing up in an Australian beach town we never had to worry about snow) however, with a little mroe research into the safety of the roads, adding on snow tyres to our rental booking and a little bit of practice from the week before in Nagano, we took the leap and wouldn’t have done it any other way.
There are an abundance of car rentals in Japan. I recommend taking a train out of the major cities to cut down on cost, stress and time.
For Example: we took the train to Maebashi and picked up our rental car from NIPPON RENT-A-CAR via Klook just across from the station. From there, it was a simple 1hr drive.
What to know before booking Ryuudo
Now I know you must be itching to book your dream stay here already but please give me a couple more moments of your time to save you much more of your time, money and stress in the long run…
Ryuudo Opening Times
Ryuudo Onsen primarily operates as a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), although alongside its overnight stays, it does have limited day-use access to its outdoor hot springs.
Note that opening times and availability can vary by season and weather, especially in winter.
In fact, one of their riverside baths has to close some days in winter because the path there gets covered in over 6ft of snow!
🏨 Hotel Stay (Ryokan Guests)
Check-in from 3:00pm – Check-out by 10:00am
Overnight guests typically have full access to the onsen baths throughout their stay, including early morning and evening. And to be honest with you, one night was not enough let alone a single day trip.
♨️ Day Use (Limited onsen only – not worth it imo)
Hours: 10:00am – 2:00pm (may vary seasonally)
Day visitors can enjoy selected outdoor baths, but access is more limited compared to staying overnight. And frankly, I highly encourage you to stay overnight to better support the community and region.
Onsen Theme Park Facilities & Amenities
- 18 Unique Private Onsen –
“① Dairyu (Large Open-Air Bath) / ② Kawaryu (Large Open-Air Bath) / ③ Koryu (Fragrance Bath) / ④ Hiryu (Terrace Bath) / ⑤ Tsuboryu (Pot Bath) / ⑥ Otoryu (Babbling Brook Bath) / ⑦ Iwaryu (Rock Bath) / ⑧ Mokuryu (Hinoki Cypress Bath) / ⑨ Waryu (Garden Bath) / ⑩ Seiryu (Star Bath) / ⑪ Joryu (Bath with Sauna) / ⑫ Anryu (Cave Bath) / ⑬ Soryu (Two-Bath Bath) / ⑭ Awaryu (Bubble Bath) / ⑮ Ishiryu (Stone Bath) / ⑯ Rakuryu (Bamboo Grove Bath) / ⑰ Takeryu (Bamboo Grove Bath) / ⑱ Keiryu (Mountain Stream Bath) ” – Ryuudo
Beyond the 18 private open-air baths, there are also 6 indoor baths, 2 public baths, and 8 private rooms! - Dining Rooms / On-site Restaurant –
Seasonal Japanese meals are served in dedicated dining spaces (we had the same private room for both dinner and breakfast, for traditional multi-course ryokan-style cuisine. - Souvenir Shop (Gift Store and stamp rally prize collection) – By the check-in desk is a small on-site shop offering local crafts, onsen-themed goods, snacks, and traditional Japanese souvenirs to take home.
- Relaxation Lounges / Rest Areas – There is a general relaxation area and drink station in the main lobby by the check in desk. However, to max relax you are best to head across the river where you can find a larger lounging space and game room!
- On-site Car Parking – Ryuudo has a big car parking area right outside of its front door. With a big onsen theme park sign out the front, you can not miss it.
For the most up-to-date information and further pricing details, check out the Ryuudo Website.
Ryuudo Room Types
Depending on what platform you book through, your room type options will vary, but as your overall breakdown, this is what you need to know
Ryuudo has 22 rooms available for overnight stays across its property
(most are separate from the private onsens, but you have access to all of them as part of your stay)
East Wing: 6
South Wing: 6
West Wing (Maisonette type): 6
Detached building (shared): 2
Detached building (independent):
Riverside Rooms (Kawazoi-style rooms)
These rooms are positioned alongside the flowing river, allowing guests to relax to the soothing sound of water right outside their window.
Mountainside Rooms (Yamazoi-style rooms)
Overlooking the surrounding mountains, these rooms showcase ever-changing seasonal scenery. You may even spot local wildlife such as Japanese serow or wild monkeys from ghere.
Maisonette-Style Rooms
Spacious, multi-level rooms with high ceilings and an open-plan layout. These are ideal for families or bigger groups.
Rooms with Private Open-Air Onsen (yes, there are a couple of rooms with your own personal onsen on top of the access you get to the regularl 18)
Standard Western-Style Bedrooms
Comfortable and simple rooms designed with a focus on rest and practicality. These offer a more familiar sleeping setup while still immersed in the ryokan environment.
Detached Private Houses (Standalone Villas)
Fully separate accommodation buildings offering complete privacy and seclusion.
Mixed-Layout Traditional Rooms – This is what we booked but we made a big mistake accidentally booking a smoking building and oh my it was potent. So just a reminder to double check translations before you book.
Where to book the Onsen Theme Park – Ryuudo
Book the Ryuudo Ryokan – and how to save $$$
Speaking of booking platforms, there are several sites you can book your stay at Ryuudo.
We booked our stay on Agoda as it had the best rate and room selection for our dates. Although we regularly book via Booking.com and Trip.com so you really can’t go wrong.
How much is a Day Pass at Ryuudo Onse Theme Park
Onsen Theme Park Day passes are available for (tax included)
Adults: 2,500 yen
Children: 1,500 yen (elementary school age and younger)
Alternate Unique Onsens in Gunma
FUnnily enough, we originally planned our trip to Minakami purely for the famous Takaragawa Onsen. Known for being one of the largest open-air hot spring baths in Japan that also happens to be co-ed and tattoo-friendly. Only to not end up there at all.
Instead, my pre-trip research spiral led me just down the road to Ryuudo. We only had a ‘splurge’ budget to afford one and let’s be real, nothing can compete with an onsen theme park! haha
In saying that, Gunma is still full of other onsen surprises that might be better suited for yoru dream trip…
Minakami, Japan
Gunma, Japan
Minakami, Japan
What to expect from visiting the Onsen Theme Park
Soak in the 18 unique baths along the river
As your unofficial unique travel expert I’ve been lucky enough to visit some of the funkiest hot spring experiences in Japan from waterfall onsens to tattoo-friendly baths in the heart of Tokyo but this tops them all!
Each individual bath at Ryuudo alone owuld be enough to make any onsen hotel stand out but that fact you have private access to all 18 during your stay still blows my mind. They come in all shapes and sizes and I can only imagine how much their differ across seasons too.
Join the Stamp Rally!
This is where the ‘theme park’ side of things really come into play as you set off on a scavenger hunt of sorts to collect stamps at each onsen you bathe in.
Each bath has a deidcated stamp and station to add onto your sheet. Luckily the sheet seconds as your map and hotel guide to make it even easier.
Indulge in seasonal local produce with private dining
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the menu leans heavily on fresh, seasonal ingredients (some veggies are even harvested the same day!) and trust me, you won’t be leaving the table hungry.
Here, the head chef blends Japanese tradition with French technique to create a loaded kaiseki experience all enjoyed from your own private room they reserve just for you during your stay for breakfast and dinner!
Connect to the History and The Legend of the Dragon
Ryuudo Ryokan is deeply connected to the legends of Fujiwara, where stories of dragons and fallen samurai still shape the landscape (and decor of the baths now)
What began as a single natural hot spring shared with the local community has grown into a collection of baths now known as the “Dragon’s Cave,” with the property itself said to mirror the silhouette of a dragon.
Explore the Gunma Region at your fingertips
Onsen Theme Park FAQ
Are tattoos allowed at Ryuudo Onsen Theme Park?
Yes, Ryuudo is tattoo-friendly in all of its priavte onsen experiences.
Do you have to bathe naked?
Yes, to respect the ryokan and onsen culture, it is best to follow onsen etiquette and bathe naked.
Look I get it, onsen culture can be pretty intimidating for a lot of people, and this is actually one of the best ways to warm up (pun intended) to the experience, given you bathe privately here.
Can you visit the onsen without staying at the ryokan?
As noted before they do offer day pass access however, I really advise against it. To be honest, one night didn’t even feel like enough. Staying overnight is not only a much better way to support their regions to combat overtourism in Japan but to also actually enough your stay across the 18 onsen!
Is there parking at Ryuudo?
Yes, right out the front and it is free for guests.
Are the onsen easily accessible/family-friendly?
We ran into a couple of families during our stay who seemed to be loving it. Given all the rooms are private it is the perfect chance for families ot bathe together.
On the other hand, I would say it is only partially accessible. While the baths in the main building are all lined up along the one floor, the others are scattered down along the river on some steep slippery paths.
Any other juicy details I need to know?
Is the Onsen Theme Park Worth Visiting? My brutally honest opinion.
Ryuudo was the most spontaneous and surprising stay of our winter Japan trip, and like I said from the very beginning of this guide, this Onsen Theme Park immediately jumped up to the top of my Unique Onsen Hotels in Japan list.
However, don’t expect it to be quite as glamorous as it may come across on social media. Let me explain…
Despite its theme park name, it definitely leans into more of its traditional ryokan roots and with that, offers a more rustic experience.
Not only do each of the hot springs baths have a unique theme, but they have all battled the elements / human touch over the years with varied signs of love (and wear). This is not particularly a bad thing, in fact, it is part of its charm, allowing you to really connect to the Japanese history andculture.
Ultimately, it all comes down to respect and realistic expectations – of others, the faciltiies and the culture.
The reality is you may not be able to tick off all 18 onsen, whether heavy snow closed one or in our case a family was occupying the final bath on our list the entire morning before check out (which they have every right to do).
But hey that gives us a reason to return and trust me, I will be staying at least 2 nights to really make the most of it and not rush through when we do.
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 ♡
