If you are in Japan and haven’t visited the Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari, you are missing out big time. This place takes you back to the Edo times with streets that look like the ancient Edo streets. In addition, you get to have a relaxing experience at the numerous natural Onsens in this facility.
Let’s introduce you to this place and the different attractions to enjoy. After this read, you’ll understand why it’s a must visit.
Introducing the Odaiba Oedo Onsen
The Odaiba Oedo Onsen has been in existence since 2003. It is located in Rinkai-Fukutoshin Odaiba. You can access it via the Rinkai railway line or via the Yurikamome line. You can also get there using the daily free shuttle buses that depart from the different train stations.
Photo by https://sushiandsake.net/sg/onsen_odaiba_tokyo
This facility that is open from 11 am to 9 am every day is in the form of a hot-spring theme park. Some of the enjoyments available for you and your friends include:
- Full body baths
- Foot baths
- Salt saunas
- Delicious foods
- Exciting games
- TV animation collaboration events
Once you arrive at the Onsen, you’ll be given a transit pass in the form of a wristband that has a unique barcode. The entry fee during weekdays is 2,280 yen for adults and 2,580 yen on weekends.
Once you are given you’re your transit pass, head over to the Echigoya where you get to select your patterned yukata. You’ll be spoilt for choice as there are different yakuta types to choose with all the patterns being super cute. If you came with friends, let them help you pick one that looks good on you.
Once you change into your yakuta and pass the changing room curtains, you are officially welcomed to the amazing festive-like streets of Edo! Try not to get too excited with this place as you might get confused about where to head first.
Our recommendation, head to the baths first.
Take a Relaxing Bath in the Natural Onsens
Again you’ll be spoilt for choice as there are 13 types of baths to choose from. The baths are divided into the large public bath area and the outdoor bath area.
The Large Public Bath Area
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In this area, you’ll find a number of baths including:
The Oedo Onsen that has natural alkaline hot water pumped from a 1400 meters underground spring. It is also known as the golden hot spring due to its brown-ish colored water. You can feel its silky texture when you touch it. It is a bit hot, and you’ll feel your body warming up once you immerse yourself inside.
The 100 people bath also referred to as the silk water bath contains ultra-fine bubbles that are good for the skin as they open up the pores while removing any dirt.
The lukewarm bath is only open for women. You can spend a long time on this bath as the water temperature is almost similar to your body temperature.
The lay-down bath has form jets that will relax your whole body as you lie horizontally on it.
Other baths in this area include the cold bath and the saunas. In the latter, you can enjoy a mist bath that is good for relaxing your body.
2. Open-air or outdoor baths
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The outdoor area has the barrel baths and the small and large outdoor baths.
The outdoor small and large baths are spacious enough for you to enjoy a bath. During the daytime, you’ll enjoy watching the sunshine through the roof of the bath area.
The barrel baths are open for women. They are made in Japanese style and are very popular with tourists.
Have a Memorable Experience at the Hot Water Footbath
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You can’t afford to leave the Odaiba Oedo Onsen without enjoying its foot bath. You’ll find the footbath at the Japanese garden after you exit the hirokoji via the fancy doors. This part is open to men, women, and families. This is an area that is extremely calming and luscious. Once you get here, you quickly forget all the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Odaiba Oedo Onsen footbath is a hot water path that is 50 meters long. Walking through this path is a memorable experience. The pebbles on the path will stimulate your bare feet, and the warm feeling of the water is healing to your feet. If you walk the path at night, you will enjoy a fantastic experience as it is lit by lanterns.
At the end of the path is the fish healing place where you get first-hand fish therapy. The doctor fish will nibble at your feet as they nip away your feet’s old and dried skin. The slippery sensation that feels like a massage is one of the best feelings you’ll enjoy here.
Relax More at the Rock Salt Baths
After the long body baths and the footbath, we recommend that you head over to the rock salt baths for body exfoliation and healing.
This area is decorated and has rooms divided in terms of the four seasons.
The spring room is the rock salt bath changing area that is open for both genders.
The summer room has a glittering sky and Orihime and Hikoboshi drawings on the walls. It is a truly relaxing and romantic place where you’ll enjoy a body detox as you watch the starlit sky.
The autumn room has a heated space where steam from an open- air firm detoxifies your body as you lie or sit on the rock salt bath.
The winter room is great for relaxing as your body cools under the cool winter atmosphere.
The area also has a break room where you can get some sleep after your rock salt bath. There is also a larger hall that has comfortable reclining chairs where you can take a nap.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun at the Arcade
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The main street Hirokoji and Happyaku-yacho that has numerous Japanese restaurants also has places you can enjoy games and different attractions. Some of the games included here are:
- Shuriken throwing
- Super bowl ball scooping or katanuki
- Ball rolling or tama-korogashi
- Ninja arrows
These games will bring back childhood memories. There are also many candy shops and a souvenir shop that has tons of small Japanese made souvenirs.
Savor the Delicious Gourmet Foods
After such an experience, you may be feeling hungry. The facility has a variety of restaurants and food stalls that serve authentic Japanese foods and tofu dishes. The open spaces of the food courts are great places to enjoy a variety of foods from the food stalls.
If you are craving some sweets or fresh juice, there are many shops serving freshly squeezed fruit juice and sweets. You can also enjoy fluffy smooth shaved ice that is flavored and topped with fruit pulps or fruit sauces.
Accommodation Is Also Available
If you plan to stay for the night, you need not worry as the Iseya Inn is an accommodation facility found near the Odaiba Oedo Onsen. It offers modern styled Japanese and western styled rooms.
The inn includes a late night fee in your Odaiba Oedo Onsen balance, which makes it easier to enjoy the Onsens baths during your stay at this inn.
In conclusion, the Odaiba Oedo Onsen has numerous places to see and have a good time. You’ll need to experience it to believe it. We advise that the next time you are in Japan, don’t hesitate to check it out.