Put These Unique Onsens In Japan On Your To-Visit List

Kamata Onsen, Tokyo

Onsen waters often take on different hues depending on the minerals it contains, but have you ever soaked in black water onsen? Ota City is home to Kamata Onsen which has unusual black onsen water or Kuroyu. This is because the source of these waters is a marine underground hot spring in Tokyo Bay which has a lot of humic acids accumulated from the many layers of underwater vegetation and volcanic ashes and debris. These waters have a refreshing feeling and are said to be good for healing sore muscles and joints as well as skin smoothening.

You don’t have to travel far for some unusual onsens in Japan. Kamata Onsen is located in Ota City on the edge of Tokyo and not far from Haneda Airport. Kaiseiyu is a sento (public bath) in Kamata that offers some of the darkest Kuroyu alongside tanks of carp and goldfish to watch as you soak.

Furofushi Onsen, Aomori

Furofushi Onsen (Photo from: Aomori Prefectural Government)

Another mineral often found in onsen waters is iron — these particles turn the onsen waters a brownish or reddish colour from the oxidation of the iron with the air. Furofushi Onsen has an unusual location right on the coastline in Aomori prefecture; the brown waters that turn a sparkling gold at sunrise and sunset a stark contrast to the blue waters of the Japan Sea right next to it. This Onsen’s name translates to ‘eternal youth and life’, perhaps what people perceive of the beneficial effects of the water which are said to be good for those suffering from anaemia and warming up the body quickly.

Only overnight guests at the Koganezaki Furofushi Onsen Hotel have access to the pool after 4PM, so stay there if you want to enjoy a sunset soak by the sea.