Onsen (Hot Springs) Guide for Hakuba, Japan
Hakuba Luna Hotel offers guests a free nightly trip to one of Hakuba’s onsens.
An onsen is a natural thermal hot spring. There is no better way to relax after a full day on the snow than to soak in one of Hakuba’s many onsens. The hot onsen water rises from deep underground and usually contains a blend of many different minerals. The nutrient rich waters provide a great means of rejuvenating and have healing effects.
Onsens are usually dedicated as either male or female baths. However, there is a small private onsen up the road from Hakuba Luna Hotel (Oh Taru no-yu onsen) that can be booked by couples or families.
Onsen Rules and Etiquette
There is usually a small changing room adjoining the onsen. Guests remove their clothes and place them in one of the baskets located in the change room.
Always wash your body and rinse thoroughly before entering an onsen. There will be faucets with removable shower nozzles and a small stool to sit on while washing and rinsing yourself.
Onsens are enjoyed naked. Whilst this may seem strange to westerners, you very soon get used to it. In fact, you would be likely to feel quite uncomfortable if you entered an onsen wearing a swim suit (unless it’s the private Oh Taru no-yu onsen referred to above).
Enter the onsen gently, so as not to disturb the enjoyment of fellow bathers. As the onsen may be very hot we recommend you test the water temperature before entering.
You will usually be provided with a small towel, which in most onsens can be used as a wash cloth. When not being used, set the towel on the onsen ledge out of the water. The towels are handy for protecting your modesty when walking around the onsen.
If you begin to feel light headed from the heat, get out and take a break for a few minutes before re-entering the water.
There is no need to shower after having an onsen, as the mineral water can be good for the skin. Nonetheless, if you’d prefer to shower again this is fine. You will find that onsens often have relaxation lounges (and sometimes a beer vending machine) for further relaxation once you’re out of the water.
A word of warning – if you have tattoos you may not be allowed to enter. However, if you are a foreigner and the tattoos are not particularly obvious then you will generally be OK. The original reason for banning people with tattoos was to keep out Yakuza (Japanese mafia) or members of other violent groups.
The onsens on our rotation list during the ski season are:
 Daiichi Sato no-yu Onsen
Daiichi Sato no-yu onsen is located close to Happo Information Centre & Bus Terminal. It is operated by Happo Onsens and is one of the more popular onsens in Hakuba. Operating hours: 12.00 – 21.00 |
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 Mimizuku Onsen
Mimizuku onsen is located a 10 minute walk from Hakuba train station. The extremely hot indoor bath is only for elderly Japanese men, however the stone outdoor bath has excellent views of the Japanese Alps. Operating hours: 10.00 – 21.30 |
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 Shobei no-yu Onsen (Mominoki Hotel)
Shobei no-yu onsen is located inside the Mominoki hotel in the Wadano area down the road from Hakuba Luna. This Onsen has a very strong alkaline pH balance, which will make your skin smooth and beautiful. It also has men’s and women’s saunas. Open Daily: 5:00 – 9:00, 10:00 – 22:00 |
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 Garden no-yu Onsen
Garden no-yo onsen is located in the Green Valley complex, where you can also touch real reindeer. Garden no-yu onsen’s large relaxation area, complete with sun lounges, is a great place to relax those weary muscles. Operating hours: 10.00 – 21.30 |
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 Kurashita no-yu Onsen
Kurashita no-yo onsen is located beside the Matsukawa river about 5 minutes drive from Hakuba Luna Hotel. The water in this rustic onsen has one of the highest mineral contents in the area. Relax in the murky iron rich water of this open air bath and enjoy great views of Hakuba’s alps. Operating hours: 10:00 – 22:00 |
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Other recommended Onsens |
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 Obinata no-yu Onsen
Obinata no-yu onsen is an open air spa carved into a rock between Happo and Sarukura. It has great views of the alps and is one of the best onsens in the region, but is usually buried under metres of snow during most of the winter. It generally doesn’t open until either late February or early March. Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 |
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 Grand Spa (Tokyu Hotel)
This onsen is located in the Tokyu Hotel, which is also in the Wadano Forest approximately 600m down the road from Hakuba Luna. This elegant onsen, also known as the “Spa of Beauty” has water with an exceptionally high pH balance, leaving the skin looking and feeling silky smooth. Operating hours: 10:00-16:00 |
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 Private Onsen Oh-Taru-no-yu
This small private outdoor hot spring bath is set amongst the trees of Wadano Forest. It is very private and quiet and can be booked by the hour. The water is renowned for its skin healing qualities. We’ll book this onsen for you and drop you there. As it is further up the hill from Hakuba Luna Hotel, generally our guests will stroll back down the hill at their leisure. Bookings need to be made in advance |