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'Sumo Spas'!? Chichibu Onsen: 3 Recommended Hot Spring Day Spas Outside Tokyo

'Sumo Spas'!? Chichibu Onsen: 3 Recommended Hot Spring Day Spas Outside Tokyo

Last updated: 11 December 2020

Experience the allure of onsen in Chichibu, a conveniently located tourist spot that has caught the attention of many. Situated close to Tokyo, this charming destination offers an array of amenities, allowing visitors to savor delectable cuisine, explore "power spots" radiating spiritual energy, and engage in unexpectedly enjoyable activities.

Yet, amidst it all, the ultimate anticipation lies in the soothing embrace of a rejuvenating hot spring bath. In this article, we will present a curated selection of novel and distinctive Chichibu onsen, where you can immerse yourself in a delightful day-time bathing experience.

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Matsuri no Yu: One train ride to the city via the Seibu-Chichibu Station
  2. 2. Seine no Yu: A complete Chichibu onsen facility filled with people relaxing all-day
  3. 3. Miyamoto no Yu: A spa owned by a former sumo wrestler with a unique sumo ring-shaped hot spring
  4. Related Articles

1. Matsuri no Yu: One train ride to the city via the Seibu-Chichibu Station

▲Matsuri no Yu affiliated with the Seibu-Chichibu Station
▲Matsuri no Yu affiliated with the Seibu-Chichibu Station

Exemplifying its namesake, Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu lives up to its reputation as a spa facility intimately connected to Seibu-Chichibu Station, offering seamless train access to Ikebukuro. Since its inauguration in April 2017, this captivating establishment has captured attention as a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of its warm baths, indulge in delectable Chichibu cuisine, and explore a variety of souvenir options while awaiting your train journey back home.

▲The facility features a "festival" theme which exudes a sense of excitement
▲The facility features a "festival" theme which exudes a sense of excitement

With regards to entrance fees, Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu offers a commendable affordability, taxes included. On weekdays, adults can enjoy the facilities for a reasonable fee of 1,100 yen, while children can access them for just 700 yen. During weekends, national holidays, and specific dates, the rates slightly increase to 1,330 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, ensuring an accessible and budget-friendly experience for visitors of all ages.

They have clean dressing rooms for men and women equipped with more than 200 lockers. The women's dressing room also has lotions among other amenities.

▲A wide bath house. These tubs are designed to provide comfort despite accommodating a relatively large number of adults.
▲A wide bath house. These tubs are designed to provide comfort despite accommodating a relatively large number of adults.

One of the features of Matsuri no Yu is its several kinds of baths. With nine baths for men and 10 for women, the wide variety offers several ways to enjoy the spa!

The silk bath is a bubble-filled bath featuring fine-grained wood. The massaging effect of this bath will remove dirt from your pores improving your skin.

This is the rotenburo or open-air bath. It is a must-try location which allows you to view Chichibu's Mt. Bukō on a clear day

▲This is an iwaburo or a rock bathtub located under a roof based on a festival yagura or wooden stage
▲This is an iwaburo or a rock bathtub located under a roof based on a festival yagura or wooden stage

Apart from the iwaburo, which is an open-air bath made of rocks, all the other baths at Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu are man-made and inspired by renowned hot springs found throughout Japan. However, the iwaburo stands out as a natural hot spring that gushes up from an astonishing depth of 2,000 meters underground.

This extraordinary water source is known as Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen. The hot spring water is a harmonious blend of rainwater and underground water, heated deep within the earth's layers. Boasting alkaline properties, this therapeutic water is believed to reduce blood pressure.

Beyond benefiting those with hypertension, this tranquilizing hot spring is an ideal sanctuary for individuals seeking to alleviate fatigue and enhance overall well-being.

▲This is a nekorobiyu or a lie-down bath. The immense comfort it gives will surely put people sleep one after another
▲This is a nekorobiyu or a lie-down bath. The immense comfort it gives will surely put people sleep one after another

While gathering information, we found out that this is based on the Kurokawa Onsen in Kumamoto Prefecture.

After relaxing in the hot spring, we recommend staying in the lounge. Matsuri no Yu also offers lodging accommodations during weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and specific dates like national holidays, so you can enjoy Chichibu all night and relax in this place until morning. (An additional nighttime service fee of 2,490 yen (tax included) will be charged).

Within Matsuri no Yu, you'll find a serene relaxation room featuring chairs uniquely tilted at a gentle 38-degree angle, offering the ultimate comfort. Additionally, there is a women's exclusive or communal semi-private premium lounge available (reservation required), where guests can enjoy added exclusivity for a separate fee.

The allure of Matsuri no Yu extends beyond its bathing facilities. It also houses a delightful souvenir store and a bustling food court, truly encapsulating the charm of Chichibu. After indulging in the therapeutic hot springs, we highly recommend treating yourself to Chichibu's delectable specialties at the food court.

It's important to note that access to the souvenir store and food court is available free of charge, without requiring payment for entry to the hot spring area of Matsuri no Yu.

This is the food court where you can taste Chichibu’s specialties.
This is the food court where you can taste Chichibu’s specialties.

Chichibu is best-known for its Waraji Katsudon! You can also enjoy Ōgon Waraji Katsudon for 1,300 yen (tax included) made with the pork brand Golden Pork.

After eating, you can buy Chichibu’s special products at Chichibu Miyage-ichi! At the end of your trip, you can just casually ride the train back home.

▲The food court and souvenir area can be accessed for free.
▲The food court and souvenir area can be accessed for free.

Matsuri no Yu is tightly packed with the charms of Chichibu, from its hot springs to its food and souvenirs. After briefly enjoying Chichibu, Matsuri no Yu gives you the chance to enjoy the charm of Chichibu that you forgot to experience!

  • Seibu-Chichibu Ekimae Onsen Matsuri no Yu
    西武秩父駅前温泉 祭の湯
    • Address 1-16-15, Nosakamachi, Chichibu-shi, Saitama-ken
    • Phone Number 0494-22-7111
    • Hours:
      ・Entry, Bathing: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm (Last entry at 9:30 pm)
      ・Morning bath: Friday, Saturday, Day Before National Holiday, and Day After Specific Dates 6:00 am - 9:00 am (Last entry at 8:30 am)
      (*Hours may vary for the stores in the food court and souvenir area.)

      Entry Fees (Tax included):
      ・Weekdays: Adults 1,100 yen, Kids 700 yen
      ・Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, Specific Dates: Adults 1,330 yen, Kids 800 yen
      (*Separate fees apply for robes and towel sets.)

2. Seine no Yu: A complete Chichibu onsen facility filled with people relaxing all-day

▲Seine no Yu underwent renovations and opened its doors again in July 2017.
▲Seine no Yu underwent renovations and opened its doors again in July 2017.

Seine no Yu, located just a 25-minute car ride away from Chichibu City, offers more than just hot baths. This hot spring facility boasts a serene relaxation area and a restaurant where guests can indulge in an all-you-can-eat course featuring fresh vegetables harvested from their own plantation.

Due to its exceptional offerings, Seine no Yu attracts visitors seeking a day-long retreat. Its popularity extends beyond tourists, as it has also captured the hearts of locals. Additionally, to facilitate transportation, the facility provides a complimentary shuttle bus departing every hour from Chichibu Railway Minano Station, ensuring convenient access for all.

Since the renovation, the facility has transformed into a cleaner and wider space.

Up until 5:00 pm, guests have the option to borrow a set of robes and select their preferred yukata or summer bathrobes. However, there is a nominal fee of 200 yen for robe rentals after 5:00 pm.

The baths at this facility are categorized into two sections: "hoshi" (star) and "tsuki" (moon), each offering unique features. Furthermore, access to the baths alternates between men and women on a weekly basis, ensuring a balanced and fair bathing experience for all.

▲A uniquely large rotenburo. This is a rock rotenburo located in tsuki.
▲A uniquely large rotenburo. This is a rock rotenburo located in tsuki.
▲On the other hand, Hoshi has a cypress ronteburo.
▲On the other hand, Hoshi has a cypress ronteburo.

Seine no Yu is a natural alkaline hot spring, where the water source is utilized in its pure, unprocessed form. The hot water, known for its gentle slickness, is believed to promote radiant and beautiful skin. Unless you have delicate or sensitive skin, we recommend experiencing the hot spring without rinsing off the water, allowing its beneficial properties to be fully absorbed by your skin.

Aside from natural hot springs, tsuki and hoshi also have these baths which use bathing powder! This powder changes according to the time. The asagao no yu or morning glory hot bath was used on this day.

The sauna walls at Seine no Yu are adorned with special ochre stones that are abundant in minerals. These stones, commonly utilized in stone saunas and hot yoga studios, emit an infrared ray effect that is beneficial for both the skin and diet. The presence of these unique stones enhances the sauna experience, providing additional advantages for skin health and overall well-being.

They also have a family private room with a rental rontenburo. It starts at 4,000 yen for two hours (tax included). Families and couples can spend their time here to relax.

Once inside the facility, you can use the hall for an unlimited amount of time. Seine no Yu allows you to relax to your heart's content after your hot spring bath.

After enjoying their hot spring, we recommend that you savor their meals made with local vegetables. Seine no Yu has its own plantation. They also have a restaurant that serves meals made with fresh vegetables from the said plantation.

Located inside the facility, the restaurant Sora offers a buffet-type lunch called “Satoyama Viking” for 1,100 yen for adults and 680 yen for 3-year-old children to elementary school students (tax included).

Indulge in delightful culinary offerings such as Gobō Tosani (boiled burdock), Shirataki no Shōgani (ginger stew with konjac noodles), and Wakame Gohan (rice with brown seaweed). These delicately flavored dishes are truly enjoyable.

Following your meal, unwind and make the most of your time in the serene relaxation area nestled within the facility's premises. Here, you can comfortably relax and rejuvenate, immersing yourself in a tranquil atmosphere.

The rest area where you can spend time while gazing at the courtyard.
The rest area where you can spend time while gazing at the courtyard.
▲They also have sleeping quarters where you can take a nap (There is also a room exclusive for women)
▲They also have sleeping quarters where you can take a nap (There is also a room exclusive for women)
▲There is a footbath perfect for slightly heating up your body!
▲There is a footbath perfect for slightly heating up your body!
▲Be sure to drop by their souvenir corner where you can buy local products
▲Be sure to drop by their souvenir corner where you can buy local products

Among their lineup of local sake, they also have the world-renowned Chichibu Distillery Ichiro's Malt! (*Products may change according to the stocks.)

Aside from hot springs and meals, this place also has a recreation facility. You can use this recreation room without bathing inside the facility. If so, you don't have to pay the entrance fee.

At Seine no Yu, an array of services awaits you, ranging from chiropractic massages to facials. Select the service that best suits your mood and condition, tailoring your experience to your preferences. For more information on the available menu and pricing, kindly refer to the official website.

The combination of premium hot springs and locally sourced vegetables at Seine no Yu creates an exceptional and satisfying experience. This exceptional level of quality is precisely why many guests choose to spend their entire day at this facility, immersing themselves in its offerings and indulging in a truly complete and fulfilling retreat.

  • Seine no Yu
    星音の湯
    • Address 468 Shimoyoshida, Chichibu-shi, Saitama-ken
    • Phone Number 0494-77-1188
    • Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm

      Entry:

      Weekdays:
      ・Entering from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Adults 930 yen, 3-year-olds to elementary students 730 yen (Includes towel and robes)
      ・Entering from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Adults 730 yen, 3-year-olds to elementary students 530 yen (Towel and robes available for an additional 200 yen)

      Weekends, National Holidays, and Specific Dates:
      ・Entering from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Adults 1,030 yen, 3-year-olds to elementary students 830 yen (Includes towel and robes)
      ・Entering from 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Adults 830 yen, 3-year-olds to elementary students 630 yen (Towel and robes available for an additional 200 yen)
      (*Everything is tax included. Please refer to the website for details regarding special member prices.)

3. Miyamoto no Yu: A spa owned by a former sumo wrestler with a unique sumo ring-shaped hot spring

▲This is Miyamoto no Yu. This is actually a lodging facility, but it can also be used a day spa with their lunch and room set plan for 5,000 yen (tax included).
▲This is Miyamoto no Yu. This is actually a lodging facility, but it can also be used a day spa with their lunch and room set plan for 5,000 yen (tax included).

Situated in Ogano, Chichibu, Miyamoto no Yu underwent distinctive renovations in April 2017. Its claim to fame lies in the remarkable rotenburo (outdoor bath) designed to resemble a sumo ring, which is incorporated into the public bathing area. This distinctive feature sets Miyamoto no Yu apart and adds a touch of uniqueness to the bathing experience.

▲This is owned by the former sumō wrestler Deruki Tsurugidake from the Fujishima Stable, so you can find a lot of sumō-related goods inside.
▲This is owned by the former sumō wrestler Deruki Tsurugidake from the Fujishima Stable, so you can find a lot of sumō-related goods inside.
▲The noren or short sign curtains hung in the bath entrance are said to be made from the cloth used in the yukata of sumō wrestlers!
▲The noren or short sign curtains hung in the bath entrance are said to be made from the cloth used in the yukata of sumō wrestlers!

This facility has two kinds of rotenburo, and access to them alternates on a specific time between men and women.

Once outside the indoor bath coming out from the dressing room...

...The famous sumō ring rotenburo will greet you!

Adding to its uniqueness, this bath at Miyamoto no Yu showcases an extraordinary element—a vibrant banner expressing gratitude for a full house, a sight commonly seen during sumo matches. Notably, at the bottom of the banner, the distinct "sumo ring" is prominently displayed, leaving no doubt about the inspiration behind this captivating feature.

▲The seats outside of the bathtub are based on masuseki or tatami seats used in sumō. The attention to detail is outstanding!
▲The seats outside of the bathtub are based on masuseki or tatami seats used in sumō. The attention to detail is outstanding!
▲The other rotenburo is a rock rotenburo.
▲The other rotenburo is a rock rotenburo.

Miyamoto no Yu utilizes the Hannya no Yu, sourced from the mountains near the No. 32 Kanon Pilgrimage Hōshōji Temple in Ogano. This alkaline water holds remarkable properties for rejuvenating tired bodies, making it highly sought after for its fatigue-reducing benefits. Additionally, this water is known to promote smooth and supple skin, making it particularly popular among women seeking a radiant complexion.

They also have a plan that allows you to use the rental rotenburo starting from 3,000 yen (tax included). (*Please inquire with the facility for more details.)

You can also enjoy a lavish bath in the high-class bathtub made with ceramics.

The lunch and room set plan includes a lunch made with seasonal mountain ingredients harvested from their very own plantation. It's very nice that you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh dishes!

Miyamoto no Yu provides an exceptional opportunity to luxuriate in their unique rotenburo and relish in the flavors of the season. Whether you're visiting with friends or family, this destination promises a memorable and gratifying experience for all.

  • Miyamoto no Yu
    西谷津温泉 宮本の湯
    • Address 495-1 Nagaru, Ogano-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama-ken
    • Phone Number 0494-75-2272
    • Hours: Lunch and Room Set Plan 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

      Fees:
      ・Weekdays: 7,150 yen (tax included)
      ・Weekends: 8,250 yen (tax included)
      (*Prior reservation required for 2 people and up, includes towel)

After exploring the various tourist spots in Chichibu, treat yourself to a rejuvenating hot spring bath to wash away the fatigue of the day. Indulge in the blissful relaxation offered by these hot spring spas, where you can immerse yourself in soothing waters and unwind to your heart's content. With a diverse selection of hot springs to choose from, be sure to explore and experience the one that best matches your preferences. Don't miss the opportunity to try out your favorite hot spring from this list, and make your visit to Chichibu truly memorable and revitalizing.

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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