Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro

Located along Tokyo Metropolitan Route 445, facing Maeno Chuo Street, Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro is a natural hot spring facility that’s easily reached thanks to the handy bus stop just out front.

The building’s exterior exudes the charm of a veteran ryokan inn. Once a Showa-era private residence, the property is carefully redone today to offer warm Japanese aesthetics and serene amenities. The interior offers the approachable old-world welcome of a classic public bathhouse while keeping the elegance of a refined retreat. The garden features a kare-sansui (dry landscape) moss garden, providing a tranquil escape from the city’s bustle.

The hot spring features a distinctive milky green “uguisu” hue and is a natural free-flowing spring, with no added water or chemicals-an irresistible detail for true onsen enthusiasts. Classified as a strong sodium chloride spring containing iodine, with a slightly alkaline pH of 7.4, it offers excellent heat retention, helping to keep the body warm long after bathing.

Unwind with a full array of relaxation options including open-air and indoor baths, saunas, and a bedrock bath. Post-bath relaxation options are plentiful, ranging from aromatherapy and Korean-style body scrubs to massages.

The on-site restaurant, Shitensha, occupies the renovated former residence and offers a graceful, photogenic Japanese ambiance. Here, guests can enjoy handmade juwari soba (100% buckwheat noodles), known for its rich flavor and firm texture.