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A hot spring in the city
A trip to Japan isn’t complete without a trip to an onsen (natural hot spring resort). Hot spring resorts offer good accommodations, really delicious homemade Japanese cooking, and, of course, hot spring bathing areas, many outside that are incredibly soothing and relaxing. While the best onsen are in the countryside or mountains, Hakone or Nagano, for example have some fantastic resorts, there are a few onsen in Tokyo. One place to go if you feel like experiencing Japanese bathing culture, but can’t make it out of the city is Sanganoyu Seta Onsen located in Futako Tamagawa. This is a real hot spring with hot, mineral-rich water from deep underground used in the pools both indoor and outdoor. The water can be very hot, about 40 degrees Celsius, however usually people get in and out of the baths if it the heat is too uncomfortable. There is also an outdoor Jacuzzi, and a relaxation room where you can lie down. After all, what’s better than enjoying a bit of a snooze after having a long soak in a hot bath. Once you have finished bathing, dinner is often next on the list. Sanganoya has three restaurants serving traditional Japanese food and drinks. The price for the onsen is a fairly reasonable 2,300 yen, and if you go between 10:00am and 1pm on a weekday, there is a 600 yen discount available.
Sanganoyu Seta Onsen is close to Futako Tamagawa Station on the Tokyu Denen Toshi line from Shibuya or the Oimachi line from Oimachi. It only takes 10 minutes to walk and it’s easy to find, however, there is also a shuttle bus going from the station.
The is a definite reason why the onsen experience has never lost its popularity in Japan, and why so many people, young and old, look forward to the chance to visit a hot spring resort. And, anyone visiting Japan should consider trying out the onsen experience for themselves.
The Seta Onsen website is: http://www.setaonsen.co.jp