Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park: Wine Baths, Green Tea Pools & More in Hakone
What Makes Yunessun Different from a Traditional Onsen
Most onsen (hot spring baths) in Japan follow a centuries-old formula: strip down, scrub clean, soak quietly. Yunessun (ユネッサン) throws that formula out the window. Located in the Hakone mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, this hot spring theme park lets you bathe in wine, coffee, green tea, and sake — all while wearing a swimsuit.
The facility is split into two distinct zones. The main YUNESSUN area is a swimsuit-required playground with novelty themed baths, waterslides, and family-friendly pools. On the other side, Mori no Yu (森の湯, "Forest Bath") is a traditional gender-segregated onsen with outdoor rotenburo (露天風呂, open-air baths) set against a forested mountain backdrop. This dual setup makes Yunessun one of the few places in Japan where travelers nervous about the naked bathing tradition can still enjoy genuine hot spring water.
For a broader look at the region's bathing options, see our guide to Shizuoka onsen facilities.
The Novelty Baths: Wine, Coffee, Green Tea & Beyond
Wine Bath & the Giant Wine Bottle Show
The wine bath is Yunessun's signature attraction. You soak in a pool tinted with actual Yunessun-branded wine — not artificial coloring — while a 3.6-meter-tall (12-foot) wine bottle towers over the bath. According to Travel Japan, staff periodically stage "wine shows" where they spray bathers with fresh pours from the bottle. The warm, slightly fragrant water is mixed with chlorinated hot spring water for hygiene.
Timing matters here. The wine and coffee shows happen at set intervals throughout the day, so ask staff for the current schedule when you arrive.
Coffee Bath, Sake Bath & Other Themed Pools
Beyond wine, Yunessun offers several other beverage-themed baths. According to the official Yunessun site, the coffee bath uses Nel Drip-style brewed coffee at low heat, which is said to have relaxing and skin-softening effects. The sake bath and green tea bath follow the same concept — real ingredients in chlorinated onsen water.
Each themed bath has its own visual identity and aroma, so working your way through all of them feels more like a tasting tour than a typical spa visit.
Doctor Fish, Slides & Family-Friendly Fun
The YUNESSUN zone also includes a doctor fish pool (ドクターフィッシュ) where small fish nibble dead skin from your feet and legs. According to Japan Travel, the pool is free to use, though staff will offer to sell you a photo of the experience.
Families with children will find waterslides and shallow wading pools throughout the area. The YUNESSUN side tends to be noisy and crowded, especially on weekends and holidays — which is part of the fun if you are traveling with kids, but worth knowing if you prefer a calmer atmosphere.
Mori no Yu: Traditional Naked Bathing in the Forest
If the novelty baths are the playful side of Yunessun, Mori no Yu is its soul. This traditional onsen section offers gender-segregated naked bathing in indoor and outdoor pools surrounded by forest and mountain views. No swimsuits, no gimmicks — just hot mineral water and quiet.
Reviewers on TripAdvisor note that visiting Mori no Yu early in the morning can mean having the entire section nearly to yourself. The outdoor rotenburo is the highlight, with views of the surrounding Hakone mountains that look especially striking in autumn when the leaves change color, and in winter when steam rises against snow-dusted peaks.
Mori no Yu opens later than the main YUNESSUN area (11:00 AM versus 9:00 or 10:00 AM), so plan accordingly if you want to experience both zones in one visit.
For travelers seeking a more traditional, contemplative onsen experience in the region, Maenohara Onsen Sayano Yudokoro offers a quiet day-use bath with Mt. Fuji views.
Tickets, Hours & What to Bring
Admission Prices & Combo Tickets
According to the official Yunessun site, admission breaks down as follows:
| Ticket | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| YUNESSUN (swimsuit area) | ¥2,500 (~$17) | ¥1,400 (~$9) |
| Mori no Yu (traditional onsen) | ¥1,500 (~$10) | ¥1,000 (~$7) |
| Combo ticket (both zones) | ¥3,500 (~$23) | ¥1,800 (~$12) |
If you plan to try both the novelty baths and the traditional onsen, the combo ticket saves ¥500 (~$3) per adult.
Swimsuit Rentals, Towels & Essentials
You need a swimsuit for the YUNESSUN zone. If you do not have one, rentals are available on-site: ¥1,250+ (~$8+) for adults (sizes M through 6L for men, S through 4L for women) and ¥700 (~$5) for children (70-160 cm). Bath towels rent for ¥250 (~$2) and face towels for ¥150 (~$1).
Bring cash. The facility has about ten restaurants and cafes on-site, plus an arcade and photo services, and not all accept cards. Budget 3-4 hours minimum for a full visit — longer if you want to enjoy both zones without rushing.
Operating hours:
- YUNESSUN: Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Holidays 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Mori no Yu: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily
Hours may vary by season. Check the official website before visiting for current schedules.
Getting to Yunessun from Tokyo and Hakone
Yunessun is located at 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture. Despite being categorized under our Shizuoka guides, the facility sits squarely in the Hakone area of Kanagawa.
Yunessun is accessible as a day trip from Tokyo via the Hakone area. Check the official Yunessun website for current transit directions and bus routes from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Driving is also an option, with parking available at the facility.
Yunessun works well as a half-day stop on a broader Hakone itinerary. Many visitors combine it with the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani volcanic valley, or a cruise on Lake Ashi.