Onsens are pretty much always to be experienced naked in Japan (and I do highly recommend trying a traditional onsen – even more than this place.)
However, I do understand that the idea of getting naked in front of others in the name of a cultural experience isn’t for everyone. Onsen separated by gender can also make it difficult for families with children of various genders once their children are past the toddler stage.
This onsen does also offer a section indoors which does required guests to be naked. You don’t have to do this but it might be chance to have a little try if you are considering it maybe?
So I would like to recommend this Tokyo onsen location where swimwear is allowed and it is a fabulous option for families.
It is called Oedo Onsen Monogatari Urayasu Mangekyo and it is located in Urayasu – which is out next to Tokyo Disneyland. I think this would be a lovely option to add to your Japan family holiday itinerary -especially when staying at a hotel in the Tokyo Disney area.
Oedo Onsen Monogatari is set up like an onsen theme park, of sorts. Guests are to change into swimwear with their rented “room wear” (like a light yukata and shorts) and can not only enjoy the swimsuits allowed section but, if they would like, can also make use of the indoor onsens (swimwear not allowed here and these onsens are separated by gender and can only be accessed via the changing room of that particular gender.)
Within Oedo Onsen Monogatari you will find a food court and several restaurants as well as relaxation areas made of giant tatami laden rooms and coin operated massage chairs. There is also a small arcade for children to play.
It is also possible to book massages here.
Oedo Onsen opens at 11am and remains open until the early hours of the morning the following day – so technically you could stay here for as long as you like within this timeframe.
Reservations are not required to visit Urayasu Oedo Onsen Monogatari.
Please note ; No tattoos allowed here.
Please note that when googling, the Oedo Onsen Monogatari in Odaiba closed down several years ago. This is not the same place.
What happens first?
Pretty much the moment you enter the building, shoes are off and go in a locker (cost is 100 yen but that money comes back to you when you leave.)
How does the check-in reception process at this swimsuit friendly onsen work?
Guests take off their outdoor shoes and pop them in a locker (a 100 yen locker deposit and that 100 yen is returned when you leave.)
Then, barefoot, go to the front desk and check in and get a token to rent towels, a carry bag and room wear.
All guests also receive a change room locker key attached to a wristband. On that key is a bar code where guests can purchase food and drink and games etc (including vending machine purchases ) and all of those charges are added to their bill at the end when they check out.
Everyone who visits gets a waterproof wristband
This wristband has a locker key attached (for the change rooms) but also has a little code to scan. My kids LOVED this so much because the little code works like a little bar tab, almost. The entire venue is cashless so, with your wristband, you can buy vending machine drinks, vending machine ice-creams and also get meals from the food court restaurants and cafes.
Then, you pay the bill at the end -on the way out (and, yes, most major credit cards are accepted.)
And then how and where to get changed?
Once guests have collected their rental items they go to either the female or male change rooms (located on either side of the rental wear reception desk.)
To access the indoor onsen AND the outdoor onsen you need to enter via the change rooms.
So, you enter the change rooms, change into your swimsuit and walk down the long corridor, past the indoor (naked) onsen and down to the end of the corridor. (You can ask the reception staff for a map if you’re unsure or feeling nervous about where to go.)
Here is a small meeting area where male and female guests can meet up before going in the outdoor (swimsuit friendly) onsen.
*I recommend bringing the brown borrowed shoulder bag with your towels etc inside with you but leaving outdoor clothes and personal belongings in the locker.*
Are the onsens separated by gender?
The outdoor onsens are outdoors and guests are required to wear swimsuits – and they are not separated by gender.
However, there are indoor onsens inside the change room section. These are optional and are separated by gender as swimsuits are not allowed in this section. (Don’t worry – you can’t get it wrong- the “naked onsens” are inside the change room sections so it’s not possible to wander into the wrong section.)
Can my child of the opposite gender come with me to the change rooms? (for example: can a daughter go with a father or a son with a mother?)
Yes BUT only if the child is shorter than 120 cms or under the age of 6 years old.
Full transparency, this was tricky for me as I attended with my two children and my little boy was nervous to go into the change room alone (each gendered change room is like a long corridor and the other end is the door to the outside onsens/swimsuit friendly section.)
And then what happens when entering the outdoor onsen section?
After meeting up with other family members at the small meeting section at the end of the change room corridors – guests walk through a shallow foot bath to access the outdoor onsen area. This is just to clean off feet nicely before entering the outdoor onsen space.
What is there to do in the outdoor (swimsuit friendly) onsen section?
There are several outdoor hot pools with different theming or different health and beauty benefits. There is also a little fake creek with rocks and another area with slides where children can play, several footpaths and a simple cafe.
Is there any ettiquete that we need to know about while at Oedo Onsen Monogatari?
Not too many things to worry about but some pointers to remember :
-the whole facility is set up with relaxation in mind. Although no-one is expected to be silent – the idea is to try and not be too loud and not invade (or splash) the space of others
-the rental roomwear is to be worn at all of the restaurants, food courts and massage areas. It is frowned upon to walk around in swimwear in these areas and staff will most likely ask you to go and change.
– Just because the onsen water is warm, it doesn’t mean it is meant for grooming or cleaning the body. The shower section before the indoor onsen is to be used for this and shampoo, conditioner and body wash is provided. Guests must be naked in the indoor onsen section – including in the shower/body washing section (so if you don’t like the idea of this – you will need to go from swimwear back to your outdoor clothing at the lockers and shower back at your hotel room -I know many people who prefer to do this.)
-photos are allowed in the outdoor swimsuit section but not in the change rooms or indoor onsens
-in the outdoor area, everyone (even if you’re just watching kids) must be in a swimsuit. Rash vests or clothing over swimsuits not allowed.
What are the food options at this family-friendly onsen?
Traditional Japanese set meals are available at the restaurants and some restaurants/food stalls also sell curry rice, ramen, gyoza, french fries, ice-cream, soft drinks and milk drinks. There are also Japanese-style filled crepes and Kakigori (flavoured shaved ice.)
There are also a few formal, traditional Japanese restaurants. Please note that these places also have a more “formal” price tag.
How to get to Oedo Onsen Monogatari Mangekyo Urayasu?
From Tokyo – take a train to Shin-Urayasu Station (16 mins) then take the free Oedo Onsen Monogatari Mangekyo Urayasu Shuttle.
From Tokyo Disneyland – take a train from Maihama Station (4 mins) then take the free Oedo Onsen Monogatari Mangekyo Urayasu Shuttle.
If you decide to drive – the staff will validate your parking on the way out for a discounted rate.
The free shuttle starts at 10:25am and last shuttle is 7:05am the following day (please note that the shuttle only operates from the onsen venue to Shin-Urayasu Station as a drop off only bus between 10:25pm and 10:25am)
Do I think this is a must visit on a Japan holiday?
No, I actually don’t. But, if you’re already in the Disney area and you wanted to try an onsen experience but hate the idea of going full nudie then this is a little non-traditional compromise (and it’s not expensive.)
