There is nothing quite like taking the time to bathe in natural hot spring baths, or 'onsen', at the end of a long journey, after rigorous exercise, or for that matter, at any time at all! Japan's mineral-rich, hot spring waters bubble up from deep beneath the earth and provide bathers with an opportunity to both refresh as well as relax and unwind. While here in Mishima, be sure to try the spring waters of the city's very own onsen baths.
While here in Mishima, we highly recommend that you immerse yourself in a hot spring bath – or 'onsen' – for a true Japanese bathing experience. For hundreds of years, people in Japan have been enjoying the healing benefits of its mineral-rich, hot spring water. Whether it's your first time, or if you are a seasoned onsen aficionado, Mishima's waters are sure to please. For beginners, the experience can be a little overwhelming, but please don't let this deter you from soaking up this wonderful experience. We know that with a few tips on onsen manners and etiquette, we can help make your onsen bath time an experience you will never forget.
Located in the foothills high above Mishima, Yudai Onsen offers two breathtaking views of the area. From the "Fuji-No-Yu" bath, you can enjoy views of the majestic Mt. Fuji to the north, while the "Suruga-No-Yu" bath overlooks the city with views of the nearby Suruga Bay. Yudai Onsen is open all year round, and a free shuttle service is available from the north entrance of Mishima Station. Towels and other toiletries are available for purchase.
Data
Address: Mishima, Tokura 1195
Phone: 055-988-0600
Website: https://yugo.co.jp
Hours of Operation:
Morning Bath
Weekdays 6:00 – 10:00 (Last bath entry at 9:00)
Weekends and Holidays 6:00 – 8:00 (Last bath entry at 7:30)
General Admission
Weekdays 10:00 – 24:00 (Last bath entry at 23:00)
Weekends and Holidays 8:00 – 24:00 (Last bath entry at 23:00)
Holidays: None. Open all year round
Combining hot spring bathing, relaxing massage, and Japanese dining, this natural hot spring facility provides a wide variety of bathing experiences such as a Japanese cypress bath, jet baths, as well as a relaxing, open-air bath. Easy access from Mishima Station via free shuttle bus, and open all year round.
Data
Address: Mishima, Miyoshi-Cho 4-23 Seseragi Park Miyoshi-Nai
Phone: 055-991-4126
Website: https://www.gokurakuyu.ne.jp/tempo/mishima
Hours of Operation: 9:00–2:00 a.m. (Last bath entry at 1:20 a.m.)
Saturday and Sunday open from 6:00 a.m.
Holidays: Irregular holidays
Japan is blessed with thousands of hot spring baths and is home to the famous 'onsen' experience. For hundreds of years, these naturally-heated mineral springs have been an important part of Japanese culture, as a place for people to cleanse, socialize and reinvigorate. Onsen bathing is now fast becoming a popular way for tourists to relax and unwind, and see a new side of the country.
For first-time onsen-goers, taking the first steps inside may be a little intimidating. But, with some understanding of basic bathing etiquette and equipped with a few simple pointers, we are sure that your onsen experience here in Mishima will be a truly enjoyable and memorable one.
Upon entering most onsen, there will likely be a place to remove and store your shoes while you are there. Should you see small shoe lockers nearby, please place your shoes in the locker and take the key with you.
Proceed to the front desk and pay the admission fee.
1. Enter the change room
It is now time to get ready for bathing. Look for the male and female change rooms, identifiable either by a sign or by Japanese-style 'noren' curtains. In most cases, the men's change room will have a blue noren curtain, and the women's change room will have a red curtain.
2. Undress
As onsen bathing is enjoyed without any bathing suits or swim attire, the change room is where you will remove all of your clothing before proceeding to the onsen showering area.
3. Use a locker
Please keep all of your belongings in one of the lockers, or if you are assigned a specific locker to use, please locate that locker and keep your belongings safely locked inside.
4. Covering up
Some bathers may keep a small towel held at their front while walking in the bathing room, but as an important point of etiquette, at no time should you allow your towel to come into contact with the onsen bath.
Let's now move to the showering area. As Japanese onsen are shared bathing areas, it is very important to thoroughly wash and rinse before entering the baths. To do so, first find a vacant shower or washing area. It will have a seat, a washing bucket, as well as body soap, shampoo and conditioner. This is where you will wash off completely. And as a point of etiquette, please remain seated while washing with soap and shampoo. Some onsen washing areas may not have a showerhead, so in this case, please fill the bucket provided and use it to wash and rinse.
When you have finished washing off with soap and shampoo, and your body has adjusted to the hot water, you can now head to the onsen bath. As per custom, move smoothly and slowly into the bath. You may choose to sit on the edge with only your feet and legs inside the onsen, or sit completely in the bath.
Completely wash off in the shower area before getting into the onsen bath.
Japanese onsen bathing is enjoyed without bathing suits or swim attire. If you feel uncomfortable bathing this way with others, please ask if there is a private 'Family Bath' or 'Kashikiri' bath available.
Onsen bathing is for relaxation, and although some baths may be quite large, swimming is not permitted.
Towels, etc., are not permitted in the onsen bath. You may carry a small towel when walking, and when entering the bath if you like. While in the bath, please keep your towel nearby the bath, or as some bathers do, try balancing it on your head!
Please remember to rehydrate, and when doing so, be sure to drink in the change room, and not in the bathing area.
For centuries, people with tattoos have not been permitted to use onsen as it is closely associated with criminal culture in Japan. Even today, many onsen proprietors will restrict access for those with tattoos. If you have a tattoo, and it is small enough to cover with tape or a bandage, you should have no problem entering the onsen bath. If your tattoo is more extensive, please ask your hotel if they have a private bath, or if they could recommend one for you.
