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Sun Olive Onsen

4.2
·98 reviews·Shodoshima, Japan

Affordable, tattoo-friendly onsen with stunning ocean views and a variety of relaxing baths. A local gem with a welcoming atmosphere.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer locals, more space

CrowdLow
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Sun Olive Onsen - Image 1

Sun Olive Onsen

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer locals, more space

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Affordable, tattoo-friendly onsen with stunning ocean views and a variety of relaxing baths. A local gem with a welcoming atmosphere.

4.2
(98 reviews)

"The open-air bath has a great view and it's very affordable, plus they're tattoo friendly!"

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Affordable Entry

Entry is a steal at 700 yen, with JAF members and coupon magazine users getting discounts.

🚗 Finding Your Way

It can be a bit confusing to locate. Look for the distinctive building visible from the road.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean View Open-Air Bath

Ocean View Open-Air Bath

Third Floor

Soak in the stunning Seto Inland Sea views from the open-air bath. A truly picturesque and relaxing experience.

Reddit
Herbal Bath

Herbal Bath

Experience the unique and soothing herbal bath, a favorite among visitors for its therapeutic qualities.

Reddit
Sauna & Cold Pool

Sauna & Cold Pool

Enjoy a full spa experience with a hot sauna (around 92°C) and a refreshing cold pool.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Gem

Good news for inked travelers! Sun Olive Onsen is known for being tattoo-friendly, a rarity in Japan. Enjoy the relaxing baths without worry. Reception is welcoming and accommodating to guests with tattoos. Reddit

Navigating Your Visit

While affordable and offering great views, Sun Olive Onsen can be a bit tricky to find and seems geared towards locals. Check their closing times and reception hours carefully, as they can differ. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer locals, more space
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings before closing
Why
Sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

💰 Affordable Entry

Entry is a steal at 700 yen, with JAF members and coupon magazine users getting discounts. Reddit

🚗 Finding Your Way

It can be a bit confusing to locate. Look for the distinctive building visible from the road. Reddit

🥛 Post-Bath Treat

Don't miss the bottled milk vending machine on the 2nd floor for a classic onsen refreshment. Reddit

🗓️ Check Closing Days

Sun Olive Hot Springs is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Affordable Entry

Entry is a steal at 700 yen, with JAF members and coupon magazine users getting discounts. Reddit

🚗 Finding Your Way

It can be a bit confusing to locate. Look for the distinctive building visible from the road. Reddit

🥛 Post-Bath Treat

Don't miss the bottled milk vending machine on the 2nd floor for a classic onsen refreshment. Reddit

🗓️ Check Closing Days

Sun Olive Hot Springs is closed on Wednesdays, so plan your visit accordingly. Reddit

🧴 Sensitive Skin Alert

The provided lotion might not suit everyone; consider bringing your own if you have sensitive skin. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(98 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sun Olive Onsen is a highly recommended, affordable onsen with a rare tattoo-friendly policy and stunning ocean views from its open-air bath. While it can be a bit tricky to find and is closed on Wednesdays, visitors praise its value, variety of baths, and welcoming atmosphere. Reddit

"Tattoo friendly onsen spot. The reception person was really nice and told me that I don’t have to cover my tats. Very affordable. It’s a bit confusing to find the location and appeared to be more for locals. Their herbal bath was nice and their open air bath has a great view."

Takako Uemura

"Beautiful view from the outside bath, also has steam room, sauna and cold pool! A little old but not too crowded!"

Ta Mi

"The price is 700 yen.
Towel rental is 200 yen.

There is an open-air bath with an ocean view.
I personally highly recommend it.
The bottled milk vending machine is in front of the elevator on the 2nd floor."

Isae Han

What People Like

Tattoo-friendly policy
Affordable entry fee
Ocean view open-air bath

What People Dislike

Tricky to find
Closed on Wednesdays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Sun Olive Onsen can be a bit tricky to find and appears to be more for locals. It's a distinctive, large building visible from the road. Some visitors have found it convenient when staying overnight in their car at a nearby roadside station. Reddit

Information on direct public transport is limited, but it's often mentioned in conjunction with roadside stations, suggesting it might be accessible via routes serving those areas. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed, its location and local appeal suggest parking is likely available, especially for those arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, it's within walking distance of some roadside stations, making it a convenient option for travelers staying overnight in their vehicles. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a perfect stop for a relaxing soak during a day trip, especially if you're exploring the surrounding areas like Olive Park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The standard admission price is 700 yen. JAF members can get a discount, bringing the price down to 630 yen. Local coupon magazines like 'eedee' may also offer discounts. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for Sun Olive Onsen. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. Reddit

Yes, JAF members receive a discount. Additionally, local coupon magazines often provide discounts, so it's worth checking local publications. Reddit

The baths are open until 8:45 PM, but reception closes at 8 PM. It's important to note that Sun Olive Hot Springs is closed on Wednesdays. Reddit

Yes, Sun Olive Onsen is notably tattoo-friendly, which is a significant advantage for many travelers. You generally don't need to cover tattoos. Reddit

🎫 🧖 Onsite Experience

Sun Olive Onsen offers a variety of baths, including an indoor bath, bubble bath, walking bath, waterfall bath, daily bath, open-air bath, steam sauna, and dry sauna. Reddit

The bath temperature is described as medium, and the sauna is around 92°C, feeling quite hot. Reddit

Yes, the open-air bath offers a magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea, providing a beautiful backdrop for your relaxation. Reddit

Towels are available for rent for 200 yen. It's advisable to bring your own if you prefer. Reddit

The onsen includes a steam room, sauna, and cold pool. There's also a bottled milk vending machine on the second floor. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the focus is on the onsen experience, there is a bottled milk vending machine on the second floor for a refreshing drink after your soak. Reddit

There's no specific mention of food policies, but typically onsen facilities are for bathing, so it's best to consume food outside the bathing areas. Reddit

Given its local appeal, exploring nearby towns or roadside stations might reveal local eateries. Information on specific restaurants is not widely available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally not permitted in the bathing areas of onsen facilities to respect privacy. However, the exterior and surrounding views might be photogenic. Reddit

The open-air bath area offers a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea, which would be a prime spot for photos (if permitted). The unique architecture of the building itself might also be visually interesting. Reddit

Standard onsen etiquette dictates no photography in bathing areas. Always check for posted signs or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sun Olive Onsen can be a fun and affordable outing for families. The variety of baths, including indoor options and a sauna, can entertain older children. The open-air bath's view is also a pleasant experience for all ages. Reddit

While there aren't specific 'kid zones,' the general atmosphere is relaxed. It's important to note that onsen etiquette should be observed, and children should be supervised. The bottled milk vending machine is a nice touch for a post-bath treat that kids often enjoy. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Sun Olive Onsen is a dream for budget travelers, offering a fantastic onsen experience for only 700 yen. The availability of discounts for JAF members and through local coupon magazines further enhances its appeal. Reddit

Bringing your own towel can save on the rental fee, and the lotion provided is free, though personal preference might lead you to bring your own. The overall value for money, considering the range of baths and the spectacular ocean view, is exceptional. Reddit

✨ Tattooed Travelers

This is a major highlight for tattooed travelers! Sun Olive Onsen is known for being tattoo-friendly, meaning you can enjoy the baths without the usual need to cover up. This policy is a significant draw and makes the onsen a welcoming destination for many. Reddit

Reception staff are reportedly very nice and accommodating regarding tattoos, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable visit. This makes Sun Olive Onsen a standout choice for those who have been hesitant to visit Japanese onsen due to tattoo policies. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sun Olive Onsen Experience

Sun Olive Onsen offers a unique and affordable bathing experience, particularly notable for its tattoo-friendly policy, a significant draw for international visitors. The facility, while described as a 'little old' by some, is clean and well-maintained, providing a range of bathing options. Visitors can enjoy various indoor baths, a steam sauna, and a dry sauna, with the sauna reaching a toasty 92°C. Reddit

The true highlight for many is the open-air bath, which boasts a magnificent view of the Seto Inland Sea. This scenic vista transforms a simple soak into a memorable experience. Complementing the baths, the onsen also features a cold pool for a refreshing contrast and a unique herbal bath that many recommend. For a classic post-onsen treat, a bottled milk vending machine is conveniently located on the second floor. Reddit

While the onsen is praised for its value and the quality of its baths, some visitors note that it can be confusing to find and appears to cater more to locals. It's also important to be aware of their operating hours and closure days; reception closes at 8 PM, and the facility is closed on Wednesdays. Despite these minor navigational challenges, the welcoming atmosphere and the stunning views make Sun Olive Onsen a worthwhile destination. Reddit

Value and Discounts at Sun Olive Onsen

Sun Olive Onsen is celebrated for its affordability, with a standard entry fee of just 700 yen. This makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious travelers looking to experience a traditional Japanese onsen. The value is further enhanced by available discounts. Reddit

For those who are members of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), a discounted rate of 630 yen is offered. Additionally, visitors can often find coupons in local magazines, such as 'eedee,' which can provide a further reduction in price. It's worth checking local tourist information centers or supermarkets for these coupon magazines, though they might not always be available at Olive Park itself. Reddit

Beyond the entry fee, towel rental is available for a small fee of 200 yen. While the provided lotion is free, travelers with sensitive skin might prefer to bring their own. The overall cost-effectiveness, combined with the quality of the facilities and the stunning views, makes Sun Olive Onsen a highly recommended spot for its excellent value. Reddit

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