Tenzan Onsen
Nestled in nature, Tenzan Onsen offers a tranquil escape with diverse outdoor hot springs and a welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Tenzan Onsen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nestled in nature, Tenzan Onsen offers a tranquil escape with diverse outdoor hot springs and a welcoming atmosphere.
"One of the best onsen I did in Japan! Tucked away in nature, very relaxing."
Bring your own towel! :towel:
Towels and toiletries aren't included. Purchase them or bring your own to save money.
Cash is king :moneybag:
Entry fee is cash-only, though cards may be accepted for food. Arrive prepared!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Outdoor Hot Springs
Multiple pools
Immerse yourself in various temperature outdoor baths surrounded by nature's tranquility.
Waterfall Feature
Women's area
Experience the invigorating cascade of a natural waterfall in the women's bathing area.
Resting Areas with River Views
Post-bath lounges
Relax and rejuvenate in peaceful spaces with open windows, serenaded by the gentle river sounds.
Onsite Restaurant
Dining area
Savor delicious Japanese cuisine, including shabu-shabu and udon, with vegetarian options available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Natural Setting
Tattoo Policy & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own towel! :towel:
Towels and toiletries aren't included. Purchase them or bring your own to save money.
Cash is king :moneybag:
Entry fee is cash-only, though cards may be accepted for food. Arrive prepared!
Tattoo friendly! :heart:
Unlike many Japanese onsen, Tenzan welcomes guests with tattoos.
Plan for 3-5 hours :clock:
Allow ample time to enjoy the baths, rest areas, and a meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own towel! :towel:
Towels and toiletries aren't included. Purchase them or bring your own to save money.
Cash is king :moneybag:
Entry fee is cash-only, though cards may be accepted for food. Arrive prepared!
Tattoo friendly! :heart:
Unlike many Japanese onsen, Tenzan welcomes guests with tattoos.
Plan for 3-5 hours :clock:
Allow ample time to enjoy the baths, rest areas, and a meal.
Taxi from Hakone Yumoto :taxi:
If buses aren't running, a taxi is a quick option from the station.
Try the shabu-shabu :foodie:
The restaurant offers delicious meals, including a vegetarian option.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tenzan Onsen is highly praised for its beautiful natural setting, diverse outdoor baths, and welcoming tattoo policy. Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, the sound of the river, and the quality of the onsite restaurant. Some note that amenities like towels are extra and cash is preferred for entry.
"Every time I visit Hakone, I always come to this onsen ♨️. The women’s area has five open-air baths, and I think each one has a slightly different water temperature. There’s also a very cold bath to alternate with, which feels great. What’s also great is that people with tattoos are welcome here, which is not always common in Japan.
On my most recent visit, I forgot to take my change from the ticket machine—it was quite a lot since I used a ¥5,000 bill 💴. I realized it much later and thought it was definitely gone. But as I was heading out and picking up my shoes from the locker, a staff member called me over and asked if I had forgotten my change. I was so happy!
It turns out the next customer after me kindly turned the money in to the staff. The staff remembered me because I’m a foreigner and had been keeping an eye out to return it. I was truly touched by the honesty and kindness—both from the customer and the staff 🙏❤️"
Mariya Poy
"I loved this onsen. It was a perfect way to end the Hakone adventure. The amenities available after a relaxing bath is an entire package. My favorite part of the experience was the plethora of resting areas that have open windows immersing the sound of the river and the forest. Truly a treat for the soul and spirit. The only down side is that bathing and cosmetic products (towels, brushes, skincare etc.) have to be purchased or you can bring your own; I’ve been to other onsen that come with those items but given the experience itself, this doesn’t take away from its value.
Allow your mind, body, and spirit to rest at Tenzan Onsen and become one with the river and mountains. Seriously!"
Rejeanne De Vera
"I loved this onsen. It was my favorite while traveling in Japan. It was tucked away in nature and although it was a bit busy when I was there it was very relaxing. Lots of different pools, sauna, and steam room. Tattoo friendly as long as you weren’t with other friends who also had tattoos. The restaurant here was very good and had a vegetaran option."
Megg White
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tenzan Onsen is located in Hakone, about a 90-minute to 2-hour train ride from Tokyo's Shinjuku station. From Hakone Yumoto station, you can take a taxi (around 1200 yen) or walk (about 15 minutes).
Some recommend driving as it can be faster than the train.
While there are buses in Hakone, their schedules can be infrequent, especially around noon. A taxi from Hakone Yumoto station is a reliable alternative if buses are not convenient.
Yes, Tenzan Onsen is a popular destination for day trips from Tokyo and other areas in Hakone.+1 It's a great way to experience traditional Japanese hot springs without an overnight stay.
Many visitors use a Hakone Free Pass for convenient travel on various modes of transport, including trains, buses, and boats. However, for direct access to Tenzan, taxis or walking from nearby stations are common.
Driving to Hakone is an option, and some find it more convenient than public transport for reaching Tenzan Onsen.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Tenzan Onsen is 1,450 JPY (as of recent information) and is typically cash-only. It's advisable to confirm current pricing before your visit.
Tenzan Onsen generally operates on a walk-in basis for day passes. Advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for any specific group or special event policies.
No, towels are not included in the entry fee. You can purchase towels for a fee (around 200 JPY) or bring your own from home. This is a common practice at many Japanese onsen.
Yes, Tenzan Onsen is known for being tattoo-friendly, which is a significant advantage as many onsen in Japan have strict no-tattoo policies.
Operating hours can vary, but Tenzan Onsen is typically open during the day and into the evening. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially considering last order times for the restaurant.
🎫 🧖 Onsite Experience
Tenzan Onsen offers multiple outdoor hot spring baths with varying temperatures, a cold bath, a sauna, and a steam room. There are also comfortable resting areas with views of the surrounding nature.
Tenzan Onsen can get busy, especially during peak travel seasons or weekends. Visiting on a weekday afternoon or arriving earlier in the day can help avoid the largest crowds.
The atmosphere is described as very relaxing and natural, with the sounds of the river and forest creating a tranquil environment. It's a place to truly unwind and connect with nature.
Tenzan Onsen primarily features communal bathing areas. While some ryokans in Hakone offer private onsen, Tenzan is known for its shared outdoor baths.
You must enter the onsen completely naked. Men and women are separated into different bathing areas. Swimsuits are not permitted.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Tenzan Onsen has an onsite restaurant that serves delicious Japanese cuisine. Popular dishes include shabu-shabu and udon.
Yes, the restaurant at Tenzan Onsen offers vegetarian options, making it a good choice for a meal after your bath.
The restaurant has specific hours, with a last order time typically around 14:00. It's recommended to plan your visit to ensure you can enjoy a meal.
While the entry fee is cash-only, credit cards may be accepted for food purchases at the restaurant. It's always wise to have some cash on hand.
The menu features traditional Japanese dishes. The udon, in particular, is noted for its unique soup base and seasoning.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the bathing areas of Tenzan Onsen to respect the privacy of other guests. This is a standard rule for most onsen facilities.
The natural surroundings of Tenzan Onsen offer beautiful scenery. You can capture the serene environment and the exterior of the facility, but remember to be discreet and respectful of the onsen's rules.
The approach to Tenzan Onsen, with its natural setting and traditional architecture, provides picturesque views. The surrounding mountains and river also offer scenic backdrops.
For the exterior and surrounding nature, a standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Given the no-photo rule inside, focus on capturing the ambiance and your overall experience through written notes or sketches if you wish.
You can share your experience by posting photos of the exterior, the food, or the general ambiance of the area. Many travelers use hashtags like #tenzanonsen and #hakoneonsen on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples
🚶 Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Onsen Experience at Tenzan
It's important to note the etiquette of onsen bathing. Guests must enter the bathing areas completely naked, and men and women are in separate sections.
Dining Delights at Tenzan
Dining at Tenzan Onsen is an experience in itself, allowing guests to savor authentic flavors in a tranquil setting. It's advisable to be mindful of the restaurant's hours, as the last order is typically around 14:00.
Navigating Hakone and Tenzan Onsen
For those exploring Hakone more broadly, a Hakone Free Pass can be a cost-effective way to access various attractions, including trains, buses, and boats.
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