Today I introducing the awesome tourist site, Oedo Onsen Monogatari, which I visited on Day 17 of Japan Trip 4. It was my second to last day, and I was running out of places to visit that I had never visited before. I had been aware of Oedo Onsen's existence before, but I never considered going there. It was my friend who suggested it would be a fun experience, so I set out for Odaiba. ^^
The facade of Oedo Onsen Monogatari
Oedo Onsen Monogatari is a big onsen complex, that has been called a onsen theme park. It is a good way to experience onsen bathing, without having to travel very far. The basic entry fee for the day is 2,900 yen with lower fees in the mornings and evenings. However when I went they were having a special so the entry fee was only 1,900 yen, yay! XD
Put your shoes here
When you first enter Oedo Onsen you will store your shoes in a shoe locker on the left-hand wall. And then you will proceed to the register and pay for your entrance, the cashier will give you plastic wristbands which you use as currency during your stay in Oedo Onsen. Next you will go to the yukata "shop" and pick out a yukata to wear.
There are several choices, and I ended up choosing a print that was popular with the old ladies haha! The young ladies prefer to wear the light color yukata. Anyhow, with yukata in hand you will enter the dressing/locker room. There is a number on your wristband and it corresponds to a specific locker. Once you have finished changing into the yukata you are free to explored Oedo Onsen.
I chose yukata #10 hehe
Of course the main attraction of Oedo Onsen is the onsen, and you will have to enter another changing room and remove your yukata before washing off and soaking in the onsen. But there are also other attractions for you to enjoy including: a foot bath, hot sand bath, fish that eat your feet's dead skin, massages, restaurants and matsuri games!
All of those attractions cost extra money, and you "pay" for them with your wristband. It can be quite pricey to enjoy the extra attractions, the sand bath and fish bath cost 1,500 yen each. But the foot bath and the relaxation room are free. I didn't spend much money, I just bought a couple of snacks.
The main hall of Oedo Onsen, with many games to play and snacks to eat
Rather than go to the public onsen, I decided to rent a private room with private onsen. Yes, I am still too nervous to be naked in front of strangers haha! The cost of the room was 6,000 yen for one hour, but it was worth it because it was their top room and it was completely luxurious!! I will let the photos do the talking.
Top private room in Oedo Onsen
The private bath
Me in the private room, pretending I don't know my picture is being taken haha
After my hour was up, I went back to the main hall of Oedo Onsen and looked around at the games. I then bought a green tea soft serve ice cream and just people watched for awhile. The vast majority of Oedo Onsen patrons are from Korea or China. I only saw 3 other Caucasian people while I was there. I guess Oedo Onsen isn't mentioned in western guidebooks.
I then headed back out, changed into my clothes and went to pay for my snacks. The cashier scans yours wristband and tells you the total bill. I had a really fun time at Oedo Onsen Monogatari, and I would like to visit again, but I'm not sure if it's worth the cost. I think I'd better spend my money on a regular onsen this time hehe^^
Access Info:
The official website has great access directions here
After you get off the yurikamome train, you must exit to the street level and walk a little to reach Oedo Onsen. Facing the Telecom Center you turn right, and you should see it quickly.
