StickyMangoRice

Soaking in an onsen, a natural hot springs used for bathing, is one of the most relaxing activities to do in Japan. In many cases, onsens are located far from major cities, and are great ways to have a relaxing getaway in a small town. But the baths at Yumori No Sato are an onsen with a twist; whereas an onsen is usually quite clear, these hot spring waters are an unusual black colour. Watching your body disappear as you dip into the hot water is a unique experience. What’s more, Yumori No Sato is inside Tokyo, located in the west part of the city, just half an hour by train from Shinjuku station.

Yumori no Sato onsen is located in the historic Jindaiji Motomachi neighbourhood of Tokyo, known for its ancient temples, beautiful botanical gardens, and specialty soba noodle restaurants. It’s a relatively undiscovered neighbourhood in greater Tokyo that feels like you’ve been transported to a different Japan. What better place to take a relaxing trip away from the noise of Tokyo city! Entering the traditional old building of the onsen, great care has been taken to make it feel as welcoming as possible.

Why Is Yumori No Sato Black?

There are four baths to choose from, both inside and outside, each with the same distinctive black water that is drawn from deep underground. The water is like a cup of tea; the bath is a rich black colour, but a thin brown colour if you scoop it up and let it run through your fingers. The colour comes from the high humic acid content, an organic acid derived from broken down plant and animal materials. The water makes the skin very very smooth and soft after bathing. The baths are set to different temperatures according to taste, and for those brave enough, there is even a cold water bath!

Yumori No Sato is a complete onsen spa package, featuring a sauna, massages, shop, restaurant, and a rest area to sit down and enjoy a cup of tea. The outdoor area of manicured gardens surrounding each of the onsen pools is particularly beautiful. While the black water is certainly an unusual novelty, the real appeal of the onsen is a chance to unwind and relax in a hot springs without having to leave Tokyo.

***

Yumori No Sato is the perfect onsen getaway for those who don’t have the time to travel far from Tokyo to some of the onsen hotspots in Japan. The Izu peninsula is known for its ryokan stays, Beppu for its famous onsens and foot baths, or Yunessun hot springs in Hakone for its unusual red wine and coffee baths. While the black colour is initally quite strange to look at, by the end of the onsen experience, you will feel rejuvenated and refreshed, ready to keep exploring Tokyo or heading back to work.

Yumori No Sato is located at Jindaiji Motomachi 2-12-2, Chofu, and the closest train station is Jindaiji Shogakko.