Seeking the Ultimate Onsen Experience? Look No Further Than Izu Onsen Mura!

You’ve come this far -- why not stay the night?

Izu Onsen Mura is divided into three areas: the Kinzan pool onsen bathing area (bathing suit required), the Hyakuwarai-no-yu onsen area, and the Olive no Ki Hotel area.

The hotel is made up of a handful of mushroom-shaped domes, which are the guest rooms. 41 of these dot the hotel grounds, each giving guests the luxury of a stay in their own private building.

The hotel area is located behind the Hyakuwarai-no-yu baths, with the close proximity allowing guests to bathe more than once per day if they like. Just a one or two minute walk away, it’s easy to take a quick dip before bed. During the Japanese golden week holidays and on other long weekends, the hotel is often completely full for days at a time, a testament to its popularity.

Let’s take a look at what makes this place so in demand.

Come with the family!

The room layouts feature four beds lined up on the ground floor and two Japanese futons laid out in the second floor loft. Up to six guests can stay in this dome style accommodation. Children are sure to love the loft, which feels like a secret hideaway. The picture above was taken from the loft facing down at the ground floor.

When up in the loft, the dome shaped ceiling causes the voices of anybody below to echo in an interesting way, giving the feeling that somebody is whispering to you. Guests can rent out planetarium projectors for free to use in their rooms, but supplies are limited. I really recommend this as a way to get the most out of these uniquely designed rooms!

Food and drinks can be brought in freely, and rooms are equipped with refrigerators. Each in-room bath uses natural onsen water. Enjoy a nice long bath in a completely private, 100% all natural hot spring.

Be sure to check the link at the bottom of this article for more information about the hotel (link available only in Japanese at the time of this posting). If you’re hungry, they’ve got a package that includes a buffet as well.

Onsen Paradise!

Next up is the onsen area, Hyakuwarai-no-yu. Located right next to Olive no Ki Hotel, it features a sauna and a variety of baths such as a carbonated bath, jet bath, and one bath called Kusatsu-no-yu.

The bath called Shio-no-yu uses salt from the Dead Sea and is highly recommended. Upon entering, you’ll notice that your body floats more than in other pools, and makes you feel like you’re in outer space. Prepare to feel ultimate relaxation; the salt concentration in the water is seven times higher than that of normal sea water! Because of this, it’s useful for toning and moisturizing skin. Be sure to give it a try (if you have any open wounds, please exercise caution as the salt could cause them to sting).

If a simpler onsen experience is what you crave, just hop into the normal, 100% natural hot spring baths. Enjoy the basic, refreshing water. The ladies’ bath has three Korean style saunas, so you can warm your body right to the core.

Don’t forget that you can kick your feet up in the free massage chairs and relaxation space, available on the 2nd floor of Hyakuwarai-no-yu.

Onsen Information:

Water Composition: Pure hot spring water (hypotonic, low alkali, high temperature onsen) pH: 8.0 Temperature at source: 44.5℃ (naturally ejected/extracted hot spring water)

A summer-only treat!

The picture above is of Kinzan Spa, located in the bathing suit only area. It’s actually called a “pu-ro” in Japanese, a funny combination of the words pu-ru, meaning “pool” and ofuro meaning “bath”.

This cleverly named, gigantic pu-ro is loads of fun and even has an island that spews out natural spring water. It’s not so deep, so children of around elementary school age can play safely. Water wings, foam boards, and other toys are available to use for free. Kids can grab a board and go on a small adventure, paddling out to the island. It’s the perfect way for excitable kids to let off some of that pent up energy, and they’re sure to love it!

The ruins of Ohito Kinzan, a mine that was operated during the Tokugawa Era of Japan (1600AD-1867AD), are visible from the back of the pu-ro. Entry is prohibited, but the tunnels remain at this mine, which was supported by the Tokugawa Shogunate for almost 300 years. The source of the water for Izu Onsen Mura was actually discovered by accident during mining operations. Some of the baths are actually named after mining tunnels, so you can get a taste of the area’s mining history while enjoying a relaxing bath.

Beside the pu-ro lies a smaller pool. Large enough to fit a few adults, this pool, called Kinzan Chobo Rotenburo, overlooks the Kinzan area. Parents with children can have a nice bath while still being able to supervise their kids in the nearby pool. The temperature of this bath is just a bit higher than the pool and feels great even when used for a long time. Recover from exhaustion while taking care of the kids – two birds with one stone!

Perfect for small children

This is the ball pu-ro, full of colorful floating plastic balls and located beside the giant pu-ro. It’s even shallower, making it a great place for younger children to come and play.

Towards the back there’s another bath with hot onsen water gushing from between the rocks. Warm up in this bath with your kids while they play. There’s a Goemon style bath (heated from the bottom and named after Goemon Ishikawa, who boiled to death in one) as well. Remember that this bathing-suit required area of Izu Onsen Mura is only open in the summer! Be sure to check the website listed at the bottom for their opening schedule.

If you get a bit hungry playing in the pu-ro, why not have some freshly baked bread at the Tezukuri-kobo? It’s located between Kinzan Spa and Hyakuwarai-no-Yu. Delicious, authentic bread from Ishigama awaits.