Enjoy Private Onsen in a Ryokan Near Tokyo: Different Ways to Experience Japanese Hot Springs

Japan offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy onsen, from large public baths to mixed-gender baths, outdoor baths, private baths, and guest rooms with your own open-air bath.
Among these options, private onsen and rooms with open-air baths provide extra privacy, flexibility, and peace of mind for guests with tattoos.

We Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan offers private onsen, rooms with open-air baths and large shared baths, it an ideal choice for a relaxing hot spring getaway near Tokyo.
And we are a tattoo friendly onsen ryokan.

Variety of Ways to Enjoy Onsen

We will introduce the different types of onsen in order of privacy, from the most private to the more communal.

Guest Rooms with Private Open-Air Baths: Ultimate Privacy and Comfort

A “Guest room with an open-air onsen” comes with, as the name suggests, a private open-air bath.

The price of these rooms is higher than that of standard rooms without an open-air bath.
But you can use the onsen as many times as you would like and at your leisure between check in and check out, as a result, these rooms are quite popular, and you may need to book early in order to secure one.

💡 There are two rooms with open air baths available at Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, ‘HANA’ and ‘KAME’ room.

Private Onsen for Exclusive Use: Enjoy Onsen in Seclusion

If you use a private onsen, you can enjoy the hot spring without sharing it with other guests, relaxing in your own space at your own pace.

Many travelers—especially international visitors—look specifically for accommodations with private onsens. This popularity is reflected on Instagram, where #privateonsen is widely used.

Private open-air baths are particularly popular, as they allow you to enjoy beautiful scenery, the warm and soothing water, and fresh air with your partner or friends, free from any distractions.

There are different ways to enjoy a private onsen. Some require payment or advance reservations, while others can be used for free when available.

💡 At Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, we offer three private baths: Tsuki-no-Yu, Sakura-no-Yu, and Kaede-no-Yu.
These baths are very popular because anyone can use them for free when they are vacant.
Guests are kindly asked to lock the door from the inside while using the bath.

Large Shared Baths (Separated by Gender) : Experience Authentic Japanese Culture

Most onsen facilities feature large public baths separated by gender, which can be considered the “default” onsen experience in Japan.

These spacious baths are filled with hot spring water and allow guests to bathe together with others of the same gender. In Japan, there is a famous saying called a “naked relationship”, referring to the bonds people form while chatting and socializing in an onsen. In this way, onsen culture encourages communication and connection among guests.

However, international visitors may not be accustomed to this style of communal bathing, so it can take a bit of courage at first.

💡 At Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, we offer a large public bath for men, Hikari-no-Yu (“Bath of Sunshine”), and one for women, Yamayuri-no-Yu (“Bath of Gold-Banded Lilies”), where guests can enjoy the authentic onsen experience.

Outdoor Baths (Separated by Gender)

An open-air bath (Rotenburo) is a hot spring bath located outdoors.

This is probably the second most common type of onsen, after large public baths.
Open-air baths are usually offered alongside indoor public baths rather than on their own.
Bathing while enjoying the surrounding scenery—whether it’s the stars at night or snow falling around you—adds a special sense of relaxation and connection with nature.

Mixed-Gender Large Baths

Even many Japanese people hesitate to use unisex large public baths, as they can be intimidating for anyone trying them for the first time.

This style of onsen is part of traditional Japanese hot spring culture, but due to generational changes, it has become much less common. Some facilities that offer unisex baths now set specific times when only women can use them, and some even allow women to wear clothing for comfort.

The most famous unisex large public bath is Sen-nin-furo (“1,000-Person Bath”) at Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture. Near Shima Onsen, Maruhon Ryokan in Sawawatari Onsen also has a unisex large public bath.

Mixed-Gender Outdoor Baths

When onsens were first introduced, baths were often built near natural hot spring sources, and unisex open-air baths were among the earliest types of onsen.

In Gunma Prefecture, there are still unisex open-air baths available, such as those at Manza Onsen and Takaragawa Onsen, but in recent years, visitors are generally required to cover their bodies for modesty.

Unique Onsen Services: Mist Baths, Drinkable Onsen Water, and More

Many onsen facilities also offer additional services to enhance your experience.
For example, some have mist baths, where the fine onsen steam is said to be beneficial for the skin.
While mist baths are relatively rare, it is more common to find drinkable onsen water and foot baths, which allow guests to enjoy the hot spring in a more casual and convenient way.

💡 At Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, one of the guest rooms even feature a private foot bath, so you can enjoy the relaxing benefits of onsen water right from your room.

Why Choose a Private Onsen Near Tokyo?

Private onsen are ideal for:

• Couples seeking a peaceful experience together
• Families traveling with children
• Guests with tattoos who may feel uncomfortable in public baths
• Anyone looking for a more personal, serene hot spring stay

💡 Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan combines all these benefits—tattoo-friendly private baths, open-air rooms, and traditional Japanese hospitality—making it one of the best options for travelers near Tokyo.

Summary

Whether you prefer lively shared baths or the exclusive comfort of a private onsen, Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan lets you enjoy all types of onsen experiences in a serene mountain setting.
Rooms with private open-air baths and reservable private baths ensure your relaxation and privacy, making your hot spring getaway truly unforgettable.

Please enjoy as many onsens as possible… After all, you are in Japan!

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