Yokohama Onsen | A Relaxing Hot Spring Experience in a Historic Port City

What Makes Yokohama's Hot Springs Special

What makes Yokohama's hot springs so appealing is that you can enjoy a skyline of towering buildings and the old-fashioned charm of an onsen at the same time. In Minato Mirai especially, known for its beautiful night views, an open-air bath gives you a sweeping look at the Yokohama Bay Bridge and the glittering high-rises, with sea breeze and rising steam mingling in a wonderfully soothing way.

Yokohama's hot springs aren't naturally surfacing springs. Most are either pumped up from underground or supplied by transporting water from renowned hot spring resorts. You can enjoy a rich variety of waters here — from facilities offering an amber-colored natural hot spring drawn from 1,500 meters underground to those that truck in fresh spring water every day from famous resorts like Atami and Yugawara.

The Water Quality and Character of Yokohama's Hot Springs

Hot spring facilities around Yokohama mainly offer the following types of water:

• Sodium bicarbonate spring: Highly effective for beautiful skin, this water type is also known as the "bath of beauty."
• Chloride spring: Excellent at retaining heat, effective for poor circulation and sensitivity to cold.
• Simple spring: Gentle and low in irritation — recommended for those who prioritize relaxation.

A Hot Spring Experience for All Four Seasons

Many of Yokohama's hot spring facilities offer seasonal "variety baths." Cherry blossom baths in spring, cooling herbal baths in summer, yuzu and chrysanthemum baths in autumn, ginger baths in winter — part of the appeal is feeling Japan's four seasons through the water itself. Try a special bath suited to the season of your visit.

Popular Hot Spring Facilities in Yokohama

Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club

Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club is a 24-hour hot spring facility located in the heart of Minato Mirai. Its open-air baths and observation foot-bath garden, fed by natural hot spring water brought in from Atami and Yugawara, command a sweeping view of Yokohama's night scenery. Inside you'll find bedrock baths, relaxation services, restaurants, and lodging — everything you need to forget the bustle of the city and unwind. It's easy to reach, making it a perfect stop between sightseeing.

Yokohama Natural Hot Spring SPA EAS

Yokohama Natural Hot Spring SPA EAS is an urban oasis just a 5-minute walk from the west exit of Yokohama Station. Its draws include a wide range of baths fed by natural hot spring water drawn from 1,500 meters underground, a low-temperature sauna, and a relaxation space. The facility is currently closed for renovations, but once it reopens it promises an even more comfortable space. Loved by many as a place to forget the urban hustle and refresh both body and mind.

RAKU SPA Tsurumi

RAKU SPA Tsurumi blends bathing with entertainment, offering 15 different baths and saunas, 6 types of bedrock baths, over 20,000 manga, karaoke, table tennis, and more. The restaurant serves a wide-ranging menu, and there's a full lineup of relaxation and beauty treatments. With easy access from JR Tsurumi Station, it's popular as a spot where you can spend the whole day with family or friends.

Natural Hot Spring Manten no Yu

Natural Hot Spring Manten no Yu is a high-quality super sento (public bathhouse) located right in front of Kamioshikawa Station on the Sotetsu Line. It's fully equipped with a variety of baths fed by sodium bicarbonate natural hot spring water, plus bedrock baths and relaxation facilities. Inside you'll also find dining areas and rest spaces where you can spend a leisurely time. Its convenient access and well-rounded amenities make it a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Yokohama Spa Hills Ryusenji no Yu

Yokohama Spa Hills Ryusenji no Yu is one of the largest natural hot spring and bedrock bath facilities in Kanagawa Prefecture. It offers a wide array of soothing spaces, including 15 types of baths and saunas and the "Forest Villa" bedrock bath lounge. A free shuttle bus runs to the facility, making access convenient. It's backed by many as a spot to leave the urban hustle behind and refresh both body and mind.

The Health Benefits of Hot Springs

The Effects of Hot Springs

Many of the health benefits you gain from soaking in a hot spring are scientifically recognized. At Yokohama's hot spring facilities, you can especially expect the following effects:

• Improved circulation: The warming effect of the hot spring improves blood flow, helping to ease sensitivity to cold and stiff shoulders.
• Relief of muscle tension: Buoyancy makes your body feel lighter, loosening muscle tension and producing a relaxing effect.
• Boosted metabolism: Warming your body to the core activates your metabolism and helps flush out waste products.
• Stress reduction: The mineral content and warming effect of the hot spring balance the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress.

Recent research has even reported that bathing in a hot spring in the evening lowers the rate of hypertension among Japanese people aged 65 and over. Another study suggests that hot spring bathing has a positive effect on gut flora as well, contributing to overall health improvement.

How Benefits Differ by Water Type

Here are the main water types you can enjoy at Yokohama's hot spring facilities and their benefits:

Since each water type has its own benefits, choosing a facility to match your physical condition and goals lets you enjoy a hot spring more effectively.

Onsen Bathing Etiquette Every Foreign Visitor Should Know

To get the most out of Japan's hot spring culture, it's important to know the basic etiquette. Here we introduce the onsen bathing manners that foreign tourists in particular should know.

Basic Etiquette Before Bathing

1.Getting ready in the changing room

• In the changing room, take off all your clothes and bathe naked.
• Put your valuables in a locker, or have the front desk hold them for you.
• Don't bring a bath towel into the bathing area — take only a small towel.

2.Using the washing area before bathing

• Always wash your body before getting into the bath.
• The washing area has stools and a shower or a basin.
• Wash your whole body with soap and shampoo, then rinse thoroughly.

How to Behave in the Bath

1.Bringing a towel into the bath

• You can bring in a small hand-towel-sized towel, but putting it into the bathwater is a no-no.
• Rest it on top of your head or set it on the edge of the bath.

2.Manners while in the bath

• Don't swim or talk loudly while in the bath.
• Stay quiet so you don't disturb other bathers.
• Try not to occupy the same spot for a long time.

Other Points to Keep in Mind

About tattoos

• Traditionally, Japanese culture has associated tattoos with antisocial organizations, and many hot spring facilities prohibit bathing for people with tattoos.
• More and more facilities have recently relaxed these rules for foreign tourists, but we recommend checking in advance.

Advice for people with long hair

• Tie up long hair before getting into the bath.
• Keeping your hair out of the bathwater is good manners.

How to Choose a Foreigner-Friendly Facility

When international visitors want to enjoy a hot spring, it's a good idea to consider the following points when choosing a facility:

1. Language support: Choose a facility with English-speaking or multilingual staff.
2. Tattoo policy: Check the facility's policy on tattoos in advance.
3. Access: Choose a facility with good access from major stations.
4. Pricing: Choose a facility that fits your budget. (As a rough guide, a public bathhouse runs around ¥1,000, and a day-trip hot spring around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000. Prices vary by facility and area.)
5. Privacy: A facility with a family bath or private-rental bath lets you enjoy a hot spring in a more private space.

Especially if you're experiencing a Japanese hot spring for the first time, it's a good idea to stay at a ryokan or hotel used to welcoming foreign tourists, or to start with a large hot spring facility. With staff to guide you and multilingual signage, you can use the facility with confidence and never feel lost about bathing etiquette.

Nearby Attractions

The Minato Mirai Area

• Yokohama Landmark Tower: One of Japan's leading skyscrapers; the view from the "Sky Garden" observation deck is a must-see.
• Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse: A shopping and restaurant area created from a renovated historic building.
• Cup Noodles Museum: Learn the history of instant ramen and even make your own original Cup Noodles.
• Cosmo World: An amusement park famous for the "Cosmo Clock 21" Ferris wheel.

Around Yokohama Station

• Yokohama Station east exit shopping area: A cluster of large commercial complexes such as Sogo Yokohama and Joinus.
• Yodobashi Camera Multimedia Yokohama: A wide selection of electronics, cameras, and souvenirs.
• Yokohama Porta: An underground shopping mall.
• Yokohama Bay Quarter: A mixed-use commercial complex at the north exit of Yokohama Station.

The trick to combining hot springs and sightseeing efficiently is to refresh a body tired from touring with a soak in a hot spring. Visiting a hot spring from evening into night in particular soothes the day's sightseeing fatigue and prepares you for the next day's activities.

Accommodation and Recommended Plans

How to Choose a Hotel or Ryokan with Hot Springs

If you want to fully enjoy a hot spring in Yokohama, we recommend staying at a hotel with an attached hot spring facility. Below are some points for choosing one, along with representative facilities.

• Type of hot spring and amenities: Check whether there's an open-air bath, what the water type is, and whether there are extra facilities like a sauna or cold-water bath.
• Good access: Confirm the access from your sightseeing destinations and the convenience of public transportation.
• Dining options: If you want to enjoy Japanese cuisine, check whether there's a plan that includes meals.
• Foreign-language support: Check whether there are English-speaking staff and multilingual brochures.
• Wi-Fi: Whether Wi-Fi is available inside the facility is another point to check.

Recommended Plans for International Tourists

Day-Trip Hot Spring Plans

Day-trip hot spring plans, easy to drop in on between sightseeing, are especially popular with foreign tourists.

• Half-day refresh plan: A 2-to-3-hour stay to enjoy a hot spring bath and a light meal.
• Night hot spring plan: A special late-night rate plan that lets you enjoy a hot spring along with the night view.
• Plan with massage: A plan that pairs a hot spring bath with a massage.

Overnight Plans

Here are some recommended plans if you're staying overnight at a Yokohama hot spring facility.

• Hot spring indulgence plan: Dinner and breakfast included, with 24-hour access to the large communal bath and open-air bath.
• Couples-only plan: Special cuisine and in-room dining service, plus hot spring bathing tickets.
• Plan with Yokohama sightseeing tickets: Includes tickets to spots like the Landmark Tower observation deck and the Cup Noodles Museum.

Plans for Families and Groups

There are also plans perfect for family trips and groups of friends.

• Family plan: Includes children's amenities and use of a kids' space.
• Group discount plan: With 4 or more people, the per-person price becomes a better deal.
• Private-rental bath plan: Enjoy a hot spring with family or your group without holding back.

How to Book and Where to Find Deals

How to Book Online

When using a Yokohama hot spring facility, we recommend booking in advance — especially during peak periods or when staying at a hotel. Here are the main booking methods.

Booking on the Official Website

Each facility's official website lets you check the latest information and availability. Many facilities also offer English-language pages, making it easier for foreign tourists to book.

Booking Through Travel Reservation Sites

You can also book Yokohama hot spring facilities through international reservation sites.

• Booking.com: Book hot spring hotels such as Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club.
• Expedia: Compare and book multiple hot spring hotels.
• Klook: Purchase day-trip bathing tickets for places like Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club and Yokohama Natural Hot Spring Kusatsu.
• Veltra: Book tours that combine a day-trip hot spring experience with Yokohama sightseeing.

Discount Coupon Information

Here's a roundup of coupon information for using Yokohama's hot spring facilities at a better price.

1. Official website web discount: Many facilities apply a discount when you book through their official website.
2. Lodging-plus-bathing set discount: Booking lodging and bathing together often gets you a discount.
3. Special SNS coupons: You can sometimes get a special coupon by following a facility's official social media.
4. Special discount for foreign visitors: Some facilities offer a service where showing your passport gets you a discount on the bathing fee.
5. Combined discount tickets: There are also great-value tickets that bundle a "Yokohama Cosmo World admission ticket" with a hot spring bathing ticket.

Seasonal Pricing and Crowd Information

Seasonal Price Changes

Prices and crowd levels at Yokohama's hot spring facilities change with the season.

• Peak periods (Golden Week, Obon, year-end and New Year): Prices may be about ¥500 to ¥1,000 higher than usual.
• Weekdays vs. holidays: Most facilities set a holiday rate, which is about ¥200 to ¥500 higher than on weekdays.
• Early-morning and late-night discounts: At 24-hour facilities, a discounted rate may apply during early-morning and late-night hours.

Tips for Avoiding the Crowds

• Time of day: The busiest time is around 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Weekday mornings and weekday evenings are relatively empty.
• Season: Winter (December to February) tends to be crowded in general.
• During special events: Note that Yokohama's major events (the Yokohama Port Opening Festival, Christmas illuminations, and the like) draw crowds during their run.

If you want to avoid the crowds, weekday mornings — or, on weekends, the time right after opening — are recommended. Many facilities also broadcast their crowd levels in real time on their website or social media, so it's a good idea to check in advance.

Cultural Background and the History of Hot Springs

To understand Japan's hot spring culture more deeply, here's a brief introduction to its historical background.

The History of Japan's Hot Spring Culture

• Ancient times: The Nihon Shoki records hot springs from more than 1,300 years ago, and long-term stays for healing — known as toji — were common from early on.
• Medieval to Edo period: Hot spring areas developed as toji (therapeutic bathing) destinations, and many samurai and commoners visited them to recuperate.
• Meiji era onward: Influenced by Western medicine, the medical effects of hot springs came to be studied scientifically.
• Modern times: Hot springs took on a stronger leisure and tourism character beyond just medicine, and are now enjoyed as an everyday means of relaxation.

Yokohama's hot springs aren't historic hot spring resorts; they center on "urban hot springs" that make use of water welling up from underground or brought in from famous resorts. Rather than the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town, they offer a new style of hot spring experience that pairs modern facilities with Yokohama's urban scenery.

The Difference Between Onsen and Saunas

Many of Yokohama's hot spring facilities let you enjoy both hot spring baths and saunas. Lately the "totonou sauna" — repeating a cycle of sauna, then cold-water bath, then rest — has been gaining popularity, and you can enjoy this style at facilities like RAKU SPA Tsurumi and SPA EAS.

As a uniquely Japanese bathing culture, combining a sauna with an onsen to synergistically heighten the effects of each has become well established. First-timers might try it while referring to advice from the specialist staff.

A Model Course for a Yokohama Hot Spring Tour

For tourists visiting Yokohama, here are one-day and two-day model courses that combine hot springs and sightseeing.

One-Day Course: Hot Springs and Sightseeing in Minato Mirai

Morning

• 10:00 — Take in a sweeping view of Yokohama from the "Sky Garden" observation deck at Yokohama Landmark Tower.
• 11:30 — Shopping and lunch at the Red Brick Warehouse.

Afternoon

• 13:30 — Make your own original Cup Noodles at the Cup Noodles Museum.
• 15:00 — Stroll and shop for souvenirs in Yokohama Chinatown.
• 17:00 — Arrive at Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club; check in or take a day-trip bath.

Evening to night

• 17:30–19:30 — Soothe your fatigue in the hot spring (we recommend taking in the night view from the open-air bath).
• 19:30 — Dinner at one of the in-house restaurants (Japanese or Chinese cuisine).
• 21:00 — If staying overnight, relax in your room; if on a day trip, walk to the station.

The key to this course is to give a body tired from sightseeing a good rest in the hot spring from evening on, while enjoying Yokohama's night view. In summer, it's also a good idea to take a break at the hot spring facility once during a day of sightseeing.

Two-Day Course: Hot Springs and Culture from Yokohama to Kamakura

Day 1

• 10:00 — Shopping around Yokohama Station (shopping at Sogo and Joinus).
• 12:00 — Lunch at a restaurant near Yokohama Station.
• 13:30 — Head to the Minato Mirai area and enjoy the amusement park at Cosmo World.
• 16:00 — Take a day-trip bath at Yokohama Natural Hot Spring SPA EAS (*currently under renovation, so visit after it reopens).
• 18:30 — Dinner of authentic Chinese cuisine in Chinatown.
• 20:00 — Hotel check-in.

Day 2

• 9:00 — Depart the hotel.
• 9:30 — Head to Kamakura on the JR Yokosuka Line or the Enoden (about 30 minutes).
• 10:00–14:00 — Sightseeing in Kamakura (Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Komachi-dori, and more).
• 14:30 — Head to Enoshima (about 20 minutes by Enoden).
• 15:00 — Sightseeing in Enoshima (Enoshima Shrine and others).
• 16:30 — A hot spring bath at Enoshima Island Spa (the open-air bath overlooking Sagami Bay is popular).
• 19:00 — Head back to Tokyo or Yokohama.

This course lets you experience both Yokohama's urban hot springs and the sea-view hot springs of Kamakura and Enoshima. Day 1 combines urban sightseeing, while Day 2 is structured to let you enjoy a journey through history and ocean scenery.

Communication Tools to Bridge the Language Barrier

At Japanese hot spring facilities, there may not always be English-speaking staff. Here are some helpful ways to communicate.

• Using pictograms: Many facilities use pictograms in their signage.
• Preparing a translation app: Downloading a translation app on your smartphone in advance is handy.
• Learning basic Japanese phrases: It helps to memorize simple phrases like "Ofuro wa doko desu ka?" (Where is the bath?).

At Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club and some other large facilities, English brochures and signs are available. Checking the facility's website for information in advance is also worthwhile.

Summary

Yokohama's hot springs have a distinctive appeal in which an urban skyline and the hot spring — a traditional part of Japanese culture — blend beautifully. A historic port town dotted with hot spring facilities equipped with the latest amenities, Yokohama is an ideal destination for foreign tourists who want a casual taste of Japan's hot spring culture.

At a "Yokohama onsen," where you can enjoy Japan's traditional hot spring culture and the exotic scenery of Yokohama at the same time, spend a special time that warms both body and soul. An experience found only in Japan — one that blends the spirit of ofuro (the bath) and omotenashi (hospitality) — is sure to become an unforgettable memory of your trip.

About the Information in This Article (Please Note)

• Prices generally vary by season and plan.

In particular, with changes in the environment surrounding tourism — such as recent economic conditions and the recovery of inbound demand — pricing may have been revised.

Please treat the prices introduced in this article as a rough guide only, and be sure to confirm the latest information on each facility's official website when making a reservation.

It's generally known that people with tattoos can still use a private-rental hot spring, but not every private-rental hot spring facility allows tattoos. Some facilities set their own rules, so we recommend checking with each facility in advance for peace of mind.

Not all hotel booking sites are partnered with the facilities.

In particular, at long-established small facilities and the like, direct booking by phone is sometimes still the main option, so please keep this in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions from International Visitors

Hot Spring Basics Explained in Q&A Format

Here's a roundup, in Q&A format, of questions that international visitors tend to have about hot springs:

Q: I'm going to a hot spring for the first time. What do I need to bring?

A: Basically, just towels (a large one and a small one) are enough. Many facilities also rent towels. Shampoo and body soap are usually provided. Most facilities also have yukata available.

Q: I have a tattoo. Can I get into a hot spring?

A: It depends on the facility. At Yokohama Minato Mirai Manyo Club, you can bathe if you cover a small tattoo with a sticker. Some facilities also offer private hot springs, so we recommend asking in advance.

Q: Is the hot spring water changed every day?

A: Under Japan's Public Bathhouse Act, hot spring water is required to be changed at regular intervals. Many facilities completely change the bathwater every day or every few days, and in circulating baths, fresh water is constantly being added.

Q: Are there hot springs where I can wear a swimsuit?

A: Swimsuits aren't permitted at typical hot spring facilities, but Yokohama does have some facilities where swimsuits are allowed in certain areas, such as the family-friendly "Spa Resort Pleasure Forest."

Q: Can I get into a hot spring together with my child?

A: At many facilities, small children (from toddlers up to around the lower grades of elementary school) can enter the same-sex bathing area as their parent. Age limits vary by facility, so please check in advance.