{"id":38178,"date":"2025-07-03T11:09:48","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T01:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au\/\/?p=38178"},"modified":"2025-07-07T09:07:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T23:07:01","slug":"best-spas-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au\/best-spas-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"11 of the best spas in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424664688{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Japanese <\/span><\/span>spa<\/span>s<\/span><\/span><\/a> transcend typical<\/span> <\/span>wellness<\/span><\/span><\/a> treatment<\/span>s<\/span>,<\/span> offering<\/span> a<\/span> culturally <\/span>immersive experience<\/span> through<\/span> ritualistic bathing practices<\/span>.<\/span> From traditional <\/span>inns <\/span>to <\/span>contemporary<\/span> retreats<\/span>,<\/span> this is everything you need to know about onsens and<\/span> spa<\/span>s i<\/span>n <\/span>J<\/span>a<\/span>p<\/span>an<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429939711{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

1. <\/span><\/span>The Ritz-Carlton<\/span><\/span> Spa<\/span><\/span><\/a>, Kyoto<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751433157928{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]One of Kyoto\u2019s most luxurious hotels enjoys one of the city\u2019s best locations, on the banks of the Kamogawa River with unbroken views of the Higashiyama Mountain range. Impeccably styled rooms and suites are fitted with Japanese artwork, handmade soaps and tea sets for window-side ceremonies. The only reason you should drag yourself away is for an authentic experience of spas in Japan: a calming union of cool stone, teak and water features.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to bliss out, book the \u2018Ryokucha Serenity Ritual\u2019, using antioxidant-rich tea leaves to relieve weary muscles. \u2018Higashiyama Vigor\u2019 involves pressure point massage using volcanic stones and ESPA oils infused with botanical and marine extracts. To improve flexibility and joint movement, there\u2019s the \u2018Kyoto Bamboo Ritual,\u2019 where therapists use warmed bamboo sticks to stretch tight muscles.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38186″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751426896966{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429946823{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

2.<\/span><\/span> The <\/span>s<\/span>pa<\/span> at<\/span><\/span> Suiran<\/span>, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Kyoto<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751433169120{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]On the banks of the emerald Hozu River, Suiran is designed in the style of the city\u2019s traditional <\/span>ryokan<\/span><\/i> inns. Japanese maples and bonsai trees ring pebbled courtyards, and some rooms come with private gardens, replete with deep <\/span>hinoki <\/span><\/i>soaking tubs. The spa also features two private open-air bathing facilities \u2013 \u2018Raku\u2019 (made of cypress) and \u2018An\u2019 (carved into rock). Both offer enviable views over Kyoto\u2019s temple-dotted Arashiyama bamboo grove and draw upon waters from a hot spring of the same name.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The spa menu revolves around indigenous rituals and beliefs. Zuko, a Japanese incense used by monks, is employed to cleanse and purify during your treatment. This might involve a green tea body scrub, jade massaging stones and signature oils prepared in accordance with the lunar cycle.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38184″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751426958218{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429953671{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

3.<\/span> Aman <\/span>Spa<\/span> at <\/span><\/span>Aman Tokyo<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425296406{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]In a city where luxury hotels abound, the first <\/span>Aman<\/span><\/a> property in Japan \u2013 set high in the Otemachi Tower \u2013 is hard to fault. Australian architect Kerry Hill has managed to capture a sense of place from the moment you step into Aman Tokyo\u2019s 33rd-floor lobby, an aesthetic that is carried through to the serene spa. Think sliding wooden doors, washi paper screens, deep soaking tubs and elegant kimono-clad staff \u2013 all are hallmark characteristics of authentic spas in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s tempting to just enjoy the views of Mount Fuji from the infinity pool, it would be a shame to miss out on a treatment. All begin with <\/span>Misogi<\/span><\/i>, the age-old act of purification using water to cleanse and reset one\u2019s core, including steam rooms, traditional showers and baths. My pick? The traditional massage that incorporates <\/span>Anma<\/span><\/i> techniques and stretching movements to improve circulation, and<\/span> Ampuku<\/span><\/i>, an abdominal massage to balance organs.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38181″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751427003681{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429959271{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

4. <\/span>Spa<\/span> Izumi & Hakone Onsen at<\/span><\/span> Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and <\/span>Spa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425351510{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Shaped by lava flows, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park begins in the foothills of Mount Fuji and spills south through Hakone, less than 100 kilometres southwest of Tokyo. Thanks to its volcanic history, the region is home to more than a dozen natural, mineral-rich hot springs. Spa Izumi makes the most of this at its base in the mountain lodge-style Hyatt Regency hotel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here, a therapeutic soak is a relaxing prelude to therapeutic leg wraps and invigorating hot stone massages. House-made essential oils are concocted from extracts of organic fruit seeds, all high in antioxidants to deeply hydrate the skin.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38185″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751427113318{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429964855{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

5. Aman <\/span>Spa<\/span> at <\/span><\/span>Amanemu<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751433213480{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]It may not be the most obvious choice of locations for Aman\u2019s second Japanese property, but lazy Ago Bay feels like the perfect fit for this tranquil resort. Known for its oyster rafts and islets, the area is also famed for its mineral springs. Amanemu makes the most of these at its sprawling spa complex, where terraces of tiled hot pools are interspersed with daybeds and an outdoor fireplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a sauna or soak in an onsen, book in for treatments that draw on Japanese principles of <\/span>Kampo<\/span><\/i> herbal healing. Rituals can last from one hour to multi-day tailored Wellness Immersions, with the latter incorporating specialised diets with the likes of shiatsu massage, acupuncture, yoga and W<\/em><\/span>atsu<\/span><\/i> therapy. These treatments aid in minimising the effects of stress, reducing tension and cultivating mindfulness.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38182″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751427191019{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751429971279{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

6. AO <\/span>Spa<\/span> & Club <\/span>at <\/span><\/span>Andaz Tokyo<\/span><\/span><\/a> Toranomon<\/span> Hills<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425431797{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Rooms at this boutique hotel atop the Toranomon Hills skyscraper come with jaw-dropping views over the Tokyo Tower and the Imperial Palace. If you can tear your gaze away, you\u2019ll be rewarded with design features including moss-coloured carpeting reminiscent of a Zen garden, woodblock prints and deep circular soaking tubs nodding to Japanese bathing culture.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike most spas in Japan, the fragrance of amenities is seasonal, giving you some idea of the importance placed on aromatherapy. This philosophy carries through to the AO Spa & Club. Each ritual involves customised products created in the Jiyujizai, a package tailor-made to your goals.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430098671{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

7<\/span>. <\/span>Zaborin<\/span> Ryokan at <\/span><\/span>Zaborin<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425459366{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Intimate and authentic, a deep connection to nature is at the core of Zaborin\u2019s traditional ryokan experience. The Zaborin Ryokan offers contemporary Japanese bathing facilities that capture the essence of this cultural practice in a new and luxurious way. Soak up the serenity of Hanazono\u2019s pristine woodlands from one of two private onsen in your own suite, fed by some of the highest quality volcanic spring water in Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unwind further with a cup of Japanese matcha in the <\/span>chanoza<\/span><\/i> (formal tearoom), a book from the onsite library or a personal visit from a massage therapist.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”97031″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751843186465{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430110840{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

8. Six Senses <\/span>Spa<\/span> at <\/span><\/span>Six Senses<\/span> Kyoto<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425505533{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Intuitive science, traditional healing techniques, bespoke treatments and a diverse wellness menu are what make Six Senses Spa one of the best spas in Japan. For an intensive and dedicated service, guests can consult health experts to design a personalised package using a careful body screening process that assesses their needs. Perhaps a wellness-style <\/span>omakase<\/span><\/i> treatment is more your speed, where a team of skilled therapists curate a spa program according to your body\u2019s requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

The spa at Six Senses Kyoto also allows for wellness-oriented creative expression during an interactive workshop at the Alchemy Bar. Here, you\u2019ll utilise Kampo medicinal herbs and seasonal ingredients from the onsite garden to concoct cures and custom products.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”96912″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751426032659{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430119007{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

9<\/span>. <\/span>Spa<\/span> Hanari at <\/span><\/span>Hyatt Regency <\/span>Seragaki<\/span> Island<\/span>,<\/span> Okinawa<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425533070{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Situated on a lush island surrounded by azure seas, Hyatt Regency <\/span>Seragaki<\/span> Island<\/span>, Okinawa is an idyllic <\/span>isle <\/span>location for an invigorating <\/span>spa<\/span> experience. <\/span>With treatment rooms offering breathtaking views of the ocean<\/span>, <\/span>Spa<\/span> Hanari aims to reawaken and attune the body\u2019s natural rhythms by<\/span> employing treatments that<\/span> tap<\/span> into various<\/span> sensory fields. <\/span>Aromatherapy sessions stimulate the sense of smell using fragrant essential oils, <\/span>while <\/span>aloe vera <\/span>body wraps and exfoliating body scrubs <\/span>detoxif<\/span>y<\/span> and nourish<\/span> the skin.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430127767{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

1<\/span>0<\/span>. Thermal Spring <\/span>Spa<\/span> at <\/span><\/span>Hotel <\/span>The<\/span> Mitsui Kyoto<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425564326{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]As with most luxury <\/span>spa<\/span>s i<\/span>n <\/span>J<\/span>a<\/span>p<\/span>an<\/span>, <\/span>a traditional onsen experience encompasses an immersion <\/span>in <\/span>a <\/span>peaceful, <\/span>relaxing<\/span> and healing environment fed by mineral-rich hot spring water.<\/span> The Thermal Spring <\/span>Spa<\/span> at Hotel <\/span>The<\/span> Mitsui Kyoto is <\/span>a haven for<\/span> indulging in<\/span> a blissful soak, be it in <\/span>a public bathing facility or a <\/span>P<\/span>rivate <\/span>O<\/span>nsen<\/span> spa<\/span>ce<\/span>. <\/span>Aside from a conventional Japanese bathing ritual, unique <\/span>spa<\/span> treatments such as traditional Anma Massages and innovative facials are also availa<\/span>ble for <\/span>attaining<\/span> a state of complete Zen.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”96914″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751426196858{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430135375{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

1<\/span>1<\/span>. <\/span><\/span>En <\/span>Hakkou<\/span> Onnetsu<\/span> Mokuyoku<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425592887{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Where most have heard of Japanese onsens, few know about a wood enzyme bath and its health benefits. For a traditional spa experience with an unusual twist, this lesser-known spa treatment blends finely ground cedar or cypress and rice bran with living enzymes to generate heat through fermentation. Once immersed within this warm and natural mixture, the body\u2019s circulation and muscle health will noticeably improve. By the end of the experience, your skin will be left feeling velvety and rejuvenated.<\/span><\/p>\n

En Hakkou Onnetsu Mokuyoku specialises in thermal wood bathing, with several locations across Japan that offer various wood bathing treatments targeting different wellness needs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”96964″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751435513704{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751434313272{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424728358{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What are <\/span>spa<\/span>s called in Japan?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751430527305{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Typical <\/span>spa<\/span>s i<\/span>n <\/span><\/span>J<\/span>a<\/span>p<\/span>an<\/span><\/span><\/a> are called <\/span><\/span>onsen<\/span><\/span><\/em>: a<\/span> natural hot spring used for bathing.<\/span> They are <\/span>naturally <\/span>heated <\/span>via<\/span> geothermal <\/span>activity, <\/span>provid<\/span>ing <\/span>mineral-rich water<\/span> that soothes <\/span>ailments <\/span>and boosts <\/span>wellbeing<\/span>.<\/span> While most traditional onsen<\/span><\/span> are open<\/span>–<\/span>air, modern <\/span>spa<\/span> facilities in Japan offer i<\/span>ndoor and outdoor options<\/span>.<\/span> Traditional Japanese in<\/span>ns, known as <\/span><\/span>ryokan<\/span>s<\/span><\/span><\/em>,<\/em> offer<\/span> accommodation with<\/span> authentic <\/span>hot spring baths<\/span> and other cultural immersions.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424831790{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Can foreigners go to hot springs in Japan?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424849310{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Yes, foreigners are welcome to visit Japanese hot springs, but there are some regulations that should be respected. <\/span>Most onsens require you to be fully nude, have no tattoos<\/span> and take a shower before entering<\/span> as you are not <\/span>permitted<\/span> to clean yourself inside the bath.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425840566{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Are bathhouses still a thing in Japan?<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751433779881{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Most certainly. While the number of traditional <\/span><\/span>sento<\/span> <\/span><\/em>(bathhouses) has<\/span> dwindled, bathing rituals <\/span>remain<\/span> a significant <\/span>practice<\/span> of Japanese culture. <\/span>They are also a critical aspect of the country\u2019s history and a highly sought-after attraction for tourists visiting for a unique <\/span>bathing<\/span> experience. Due to their popularity, many spas in Japan have integrated bathhouses as a central feature.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424918502{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What happens during a Japanese head <\/span>spa<\/span>?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424932095{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]The short answer? A pure pampering. <\/span>Japanese head <\/span>spa<\/span>s <\/span>use<\/span> specialised treatment<\/span>s<\/span> focusing on holistic scalp and hair health, employing intensive techniques <\/span>to deeply exfoliate and rejuvenate. <\/span>A hair therapist begins the treatment with an assessment of your hair and scalp condition, <\/span>followed by a relaxing massage<\/span>, a cleanse, conditioning <\/span>masks<\/span> and steam therapy<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424949166{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What is special about Japanese <\/span>spa<\/span>s?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424964149{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Spa<\/span>s i<\/span>n <\/span>J<\/span>a<\/span>p<\/span>an<\/span> and their associated bathing rituals are deeply rooted in cultural<\/span> beliefs and behaviour. <\/span>As onsen are naturally occurring, <\/span>it<\/span> is believed that bathing in them offers purification<\/span> and a closer connection to nature, providing <\/span>immense <\/span>relaxation and several health benefits.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424977925{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

Are there any onsens in Australia?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751424997271{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Authentic onsen experiences are so popular that <\/span>they\u2019ve<\/span> appeared Down Under.<\/span> From geothermal springs in Victoria\u2019s <\/span><\/span>Mornington Peninsula<\/span><\/span><\/a> to a traditional onsen in New South Wales<\/span>\u2019<\/span> <\/span>Blue Mountains<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Australia <\/span>ha<\/span>s several Japanese <\/span>spa<\/span> options without the <\/span>added <\/span>expense of a plane ticket.<\/span> <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425010126{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

What do you wear to a Japanese <\/span>spa<\/span>?<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751433110312{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]It doesn\u2019t matter what you wear to spas in Japan because you\u2019ll have to take everything (and I mean <\/span>everything<\/span><\/i>) off in an onsen. While there are always exceptions, it is a rule in most Japanese spas that you must be nude when bathing. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional Japanese bath robes, called <\/span>yukata<\/span><\/i>, are usually worn before and after the onsen experience. Historically made for hot spring bathing, yukata should be worn with undergarments, the left side wrapped on top of the right and tied with an <\/span>obi <\/span><\/i>(belt or sash). Remember to never cross the right side on top of the left as this is how the deceased are dressed, and an obi should be tied at the hips for men and at the waist for women.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751425067670{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]<\/p>\n

R<\/span>ead<\/span> more about all things onsen<\/span>: <\/span><\/span>Japanese onsen 101: a visitor\u2019s guide<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”96935″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1751427753507{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1751426316112{margin-bottom: 15px !important;}”]Read more:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n