Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro: Day-Use Hot Spring with Mt Fuji Views

What Makes Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro Special

Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro (前野原温泉 さやの湯処) is a day-use hot spring facility in Itabashi ward, Tokyo, offering a traditional Japanese bathing experience without leaving the city. The facility is built around a renovated 1946 Japanese house with a Showa-era kare-sansui (枯山水) dry landscape garden — an unusually atmospheric setting for a Tokyo onsen.

What sets Sayano Yudokoro apart from other Tokyo day-use facilities is its natural hot spring water. The source draws sodium-chloride-rich water from 1,500 meters underground, producing a distinctive greenish-brown mineral spring. The facility offers 14 types of baths including outdoor rotenburo (露天風呂) surrounded by greenery and indoor baths with carbonic spring water.

For travelers looking for a contrast to the theme park approach of places like Yunessun hot spring theme park, Sayano Yudokoro provides an authentic, quiet bathing experience. It is part of our Shizuoka onsen facilities guide.

The Baths: Natural Hot Spring and Garden Rotenburo

Outdoor Baths and the Showa-Era Garden

The highlight of Sayano Yudokoro is the rotenburo — the outdoor bath area set within the facility's traditional garden. According to the official site, the outdoor baths are surrounded by greenery, creating a private, secluded feeling despite being in the middle of Tokyo.

The garden itself is modeled in the Showa-era style, with carefully arranged stones, seasonal plantings, and cherry trees that bloom in late March to early April. Soaking in the rotenburo while looking out at the kare-sansui garden is the closest thing to a countryside onsen experience you will find within Tokyo city limits.

The natural hot spring water used in the outdoor baths has a characteristic greenish-brown color from its mineral content. The sodium-chloride composition is known for leaving skin feeling smooth.

Indoor Baths and Saunas

Inside, the facility has multiple bath types including a carbonic spring bath (人工炭酸泉), jet baths, and soaking pools at different temperatures. Two saunas are available — a dry sauna and a steam sauna.

The indoor bathing area is spacious and well-maintained. Visitors on TripAdvisor note the facility feels local and authentic rather than touristy — many regular visitors are neighborhood residents.

Hours, Admission, and Private Rooms

Day-Use Admission

According to the official site, Sayano Yudokoro operates daily:

Detail	Info
Hours	9:00-24:00 (last entry 23:00)
Adult admission (weekday)	¥1,300 (~$9)
Child admission (elementary school)	¥600 (~$4)
Closed	Open year-round (occasional maintenance closures)

Special rates may apply during holiday periods including Golden Week, Obon, and New Year. Check the official site for current pricing before visiting.

Towels, shampoo, and body soap are typically available for rent or purchase at the front desk. No reservation is needed for the day-use baths.

SAKURA Private Room

For groups or travelers who prefer privacy, the SAKURA Room offers a reserved private space with a traditional garden view:

• Price: ¥3,200 (~$21) for up to 8 people, 2 hours (tax included)
• Extra time: ¥1,600 per additional hour
• Hours: 10:30-23:45
• Bonus: Groups of 4 or more ordering course meals receive 2 hours free

The private room is a good option for families or travelers with tattoos who may not feel comfortable using the public baths.

Getting to Sayano Yudokoro

Sayano Yudokoro is in the Maeno-cho area of Itabashi-ku, northern Tokyo. There is no shuttle bus service.

By subway: The nearest station is Shimura-Sakaue (志村坂上駅) on the Toei Mita Line. Take Exit A2 and walk approximately 8 minutes. From Ikebukuro, the Mita Line reaches Shimura-Sakaue in about 20 minutes.

By bus: From Tokiwadai Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, take a bus to Maenocho 3-Chome. The facility is immediately at the bus stop.

By car: Approximately 5 minutes from the Metropolitan Expressway No.5 Nakadai IC via Prefectural Road 455, or 7 minutes from Itabashi-Honcho IC. Parking is available on site.

Tips for Visiting

• Plan 60-120 minutes for a comfortable visit. The variety of baths encourages lingering, but you can do a quick visit in under an hour if pressed for time.
• Visit on weekdays for the quietest experience. Weekends and holidays draw more local visitors, particularly in the afternoon.
• Infants in diapers or training pants are not permitted in the baths. Elementary school-age children are welcome.
• Wheelchair access is limited to the changing room area only. The bathing areas are not fully accessible.
• The on-site restaurant serves Japanese meals with a view of the kare-sansui garden. It is a popular spot for lunch or dinner after bathing.
• Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) adds a scenic element to the outdoor baths and garden. Autumn foliage is also pleasant.
• This is a rainy-day activity — an indoor/outdoor onsen that works well when weather disrupts outdoor sightseeing plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro cost?

Weekday adult admission is ¥1,300 (~$9), and elementary school children pay ¥600 (~$4). Special rates may apply during holidays like Golden Week, Obon, and New Year. The SAKURA private room costs ¥3,200 for up to 8 people for 2 hours.

How do I get to Sayano Yudokoro from central Tokyo?

The nearest station is Shimura-Sakaue on the Toei Mita Line, an 8-minute walk from Exit A2. From Ikebukuro, the ride takes about 20 minutes. You can also take a bus from Tokiwadai Station on the Tobu Tojo Line to Maenocho 3-Chome, which stops right at the facility.

Is there a shuttle bus to Sayano Yudokoro?

No. The facility does not offer shuttle bus service. Walk from Shimura-Sakaue Station (8 minutes) or drive — parking is available on site.

Can I bring children or infants to the baths?

Elementary school-age children are welcome at ¥600 admission. However, infants wearing diapers or training pants are not permitted in the baths. Wheelchair access is limited to the changing room area only.