10 Private Muslim-Friendly Onsens in Japan for Best Hot Spring Experience

Japan and onsen (hot spring baths) are like peas in a pod — travelling to the Land of Rising Sun without first basking in the popular Japanese bathing culture would be an incomplete adventure, considering there are around 27,000 natural hot springs scattered all over Japan!

Of course, there are list of rules to know before taking a dip, but one in particular often gets many foreign tourists scratching their heads. And that is, clothes are not allowed when entering onsen baths (yes, that’s right, we do mean complete nudity regardless of your gender).

But that does not mean Muslims have no choice but to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience! In fact, there are plenty of private onsens attached inside a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). So get ready to kiss your FOMO sayonara with this compilation of Muslim-friendly onsens in Japan!

Must-experience Muslim-friendly onsens in Japan

1. Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso, Shiga Prefecture

Image credit: Selected Onsen Ryokan Official Website

With only 20-minute train ride from Kyoto, Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso awaits you with one of the best luxurious onsen experience you get to indulge. Get a front-row seat to the stunning vistas of Lake Biwa (proudly known as the largest lake in Japan) while taking a peaceful dip in an open-air onsen from the comfort of your room!

Image credit: Satoyu Mukashibanashi Yuzanso Official Website

If you fancy some extra pampering for your body and mind, their indoor and outdoor public onsen areas are equipped with therapeutic jet bath and sauna facilities. No wonder this amazing ryokan was crowned with the 2015’s Guest Review Award!

Being a Halal-certified ryokan since May 2014, they prioritise use of Halal ingredients, separation of kitchenware from non-Halal storage, and Muslim staff assistance. Prayer room is also provided within the ryokan compound for convenient use by Muslim visitors.

Address: Ogoto 1-9-28, Otsu-shi, Shiga 520-0101, Japan

2. Hitoyashi Onsen Ayunosato, Kumamoto Prefecture

Image credit: Hitoyashi Onsen Ayunosato Official Website

Standing tall by one of the cleanest and fastest river in Japan Kuma River, Hitoyashi Onsen Ayunosato offers you more than just relaxing hot spring baths. As soon as you step foot at this onsen-ryokan, refreshing drinkable natural thermal waters welcomes you by the front door.

The onsens here come in two different styles; Japanese storehouse-style with views of the river and Hitoyashi Castle ruins, or Sukiya Zukuri-style (traditional Japanese architecture) with panorama of southern Kyushu mountains. Cap the night off with some light foot-bathing that promises you a restful night sleep.

Image credit: Hitoyashi Onsen Ayunosato Official Website

If you are keen to try out the gender-separated public onsen, the ryokan provides special bathing garment to cater for Muslim travellers. While at here, get an authentic taste of halal wagyu beef among other menus in their halal kaiseki meals (traditional Japanese multicourse cuisine). Do note to request for halal food service including disposable tableware and utensils at least 3 days prior to your visit.

Address: 30 Kokonokamachi, Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto 868-0004, Japan

3. Otaru Kourakuen, Hokkaido Prefecture

Image credit: Otaru Kourakuen Official Website

Longing to enjoy a peaceful hot spring bath and Finnish sauna surrounded by the tranquillity of Japanese gardens? Or perhaps taking a healing stroll post-onsen under 200 ethereal cherry blossom trees in spring? Grab the full experience in Otaru Kourakuen, a 30-minute journey from traveller-favourite Sapporo via rapid train!

Image credit: Otaru Kourakuen Official Website

To prioritise guests’ utmost comfort, both public onsen baths operate on rotating sessions for male and female, which is perfect for Muslim travellers. There is also a private onsen on the second floor reserved for your very own relaxation space.

On top of serving Halal menus (the Halal Shabu hot pot is to die for!), the staffs here also provide best Muslim-friendly service including prayer rug, prayer spaces, and suggestion of nearby Halal shops in Otaru!

Address: Otaru Asarigawaonsen Kourakuen 18-2, Shinko 5, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0152, Japan

4. Ichirino Kogen Hotel Roan, Ishikawa Prefecture

Image credit: Ichirino Kogen Hotel Roan Official Facebook Page

Escape from the daily hustle-bustle into the onsens of Ichirino Kogen Hotel Roan and take a soothing hot spring dip under the towering forest trees where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mount Hakusan. A little fun fact : the hot spring water in the public paths runs 24/7 so this is your chance to soak in all the healthy minerals to your heart’s content!

Image credit: Ichirino Kogen Hotel Roan Official Facebook Page

For Muslim travellers, there are two options of private baths that you can reserve for complete privacy, which is indoor Hinoki Onsen bath (in wooden cypress tub) or the open-air Rock Onsen bath.

The Halal cuisine served here are also claimed to be pork-free, alcohol-free, and using Halal-certified seasonings. A prayer space complete with ablution area can be found in the guesthouse.

Address: CHI-70-4, Ozo, Hakusan City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan 920-2333

5. Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo, Kyoto

Image credit: Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo Official Website

Dying to unwind in a rejuvenating onsen bath after a full day of sightseeing around Kyoto? Walk no further! Nestled at the heart of the cultural city is Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo, a traditional Japanese inn that boasts onsen baths overlooking peaceful ambience of Zen gardens and koi ponds!

Image credit: Kyoto Nanzenji Garden Ryokan Yachiyo Official Website

Some of the rooms consist of semi-outdoor private baths attached to a patio which Muslim guests can enjoy whenever with a peace of mind. The ryokan does not provide specifically-made Halal cuisine; however, you can still treat your palate with Japanese-style dishes by requesting for vegetarian multicourse option in advance of booking.

Address: Kyoto Garden ryokan Yachiyo, 34, Nanzenji Fukuji-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 606-8435, Japan

6. Kinugawa Park Hotels, Tochigi Prefecture

Image credit: Booking.com

No one does it like Kinugawa Park Hotels when it comes to taking hot spring bath to a whole new level. An absolute paradise for onsen lovers, this hotel presents diverse choices of onsen tubs such as Japanese cypress tub, Edo-inspired tub, wooden boat tub, big barrel bath, and rocky tab — all in one place!

Approximately 2-hour train ride from the vibrant city of Tokyo, the onsen baths open to both hotel guests for free and day-tripping visitors with charges.

Image credit: Booking.com

In addition, you can expect quality Muslim-friendly treatment here with prayer room facility and Halal-certified menus which are available upon requests. To adhere to the Halal standards of hygiene, special kitchenware, cutlery, and storage are separated exclusively for Muslim guests.

Address: Kinugawa Park Hotels, 1409 Ohara Kinugawa-onsen, Nikko-shi, Tochigi, Japan

7. Naruko Onsen Ryokan Bentenkaku, Miyagi Prefecture

Image credit: Naruko Onsen Ryokan Bentenkaku Official Website

Planning an overdue girls’ trip to someplace remote with skin-beautifying hot spring baths? Here at Ryokan Bentenkaku, soak in all the moisturising magic from the onsen baths with your girl squad amidst the lush greenery of Mount Naruko. The onsens are popular among women visitors for its gentle natural thermal waters which are safe even for babies!

If you come by between November and April during the winter season, be in luck to witness a flock of enchanting swans cruising along the Eai River from the indoor observation bath on the top floor! Muslim visitors can take full advantage of the two private open-air baths which are enclosed with bamboo walls for best privacy. Remember to get the keys from the front desk upon reservation.

Address: 87 Naruko Onsen Kurumayu, Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture 989-6821

8. Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan, Gunma Prefecture

Image credit: Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Ryokan Official Website

If you are in desire for a short quiet getaway, the quaint Shima Onsen in Kashiwaya Ryokan is the best spot to savour a hot spring bath distraction-free. Imagine laying your back in a steaming onsen bath overlooking the backdrop of Shima’s stunning mountainous vista, far away from the tourists’ crowd. Bet you wish you can live in this countryside for eternity!

To top it off, Muslim sisters can either choose one of three private open-air baths or the in-room baths to experience traditional onsen without worry about having eyes around. For breakfast and dinner, you may request for vegan meal option.

Address: Kashiwaya Ryokan 3829 Shima, Nakanojo Agatuma-gun, Gunma 377-0601, Japan

9. Wafu-no-yado Masuya, Nagano Prefecture

Image credit: Wafu-no-yado Masuya Official Facebook Page

Located at the Northern Japanese Alps region, Wafu-no-yado Masuya is a historic Japanese inn complete with two large communal onsen baths (indoor and outdoor) using pure hot spring water that has been flowing since 1,300 years ago! You might also want to step into the mist sauna room — a perfect wrap to your onsen experience.

Image credit: Wafu-no-yado Masuya Official Website

For Muslim-friendly bath, here is a spacious private onsen bath with a patio deck that you can charter specifically for your own comfortable use, with family, or with your girlfriends.

Address: 2296 Heijo, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture, 381-0401, Japan

10. Spa Village Kamaya, Tochigi Prefecture

Image credit: Spa Village Kamaya Official Website

At Spa Village Kamaya, grab the chance to indulge in an open-air outdoor onsen surrounded by natural big rocks with one of the best natural hot spring sources in Japan. A unique fact about the hot spring waters here, it can turn into milky-white colour due to the nourishing sulphur content from the origin of hot spring source, leaving your skin feeling lustrous than ever!

As a Muslim-friendly accommodation, you can satisfy your post-onsen appetite here with fulfilling Halal cuisine made from fresh local-grown ingredients. Make sure to try out their signature dish Yuba (tofu made from bean curd skin) before heading out!

Address: 2549-28 Yumoto, Nikko-shi, Tochigi 321-1662, Japan

So, now that we already get the nudity issue out of the way, you can confidently add on onsen baths into your next Japan itinerary! Just don’t forget to inform early your reservation and special meal requests to the ryokan staff prior to your trip. Or else, you might get bummed out again but we don’t want you to re-fall into FOMO slump, do we?