Ever been to an onsen? Think mineral-rich waters with jets to pummel your muscles and stimulate circulation. Some onsen even have Japanese cafes so you can slurp ramen post-soak and feel like you’re on holiday in Japan!

Japanese onsen are typically outdoor hot springs that are surrounded by bathing facilities or traditional inns. Bathing in an onsen is said to have various health benefits – think improved blood circulation and metabolism, nourished skin and an easing of body aches. Travelling to Japan for an onsen experience might be on your wish list but while you’re in Singapore, you can make do with a visit to one of these indoor facilities offering an onsen spa.

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Private Japanese onsen spas in Singapore:

Yunomori Onsen Singapore

This onsen in Singapore combines traditional Japanese onsen therapies with Thai spa treatments. There are six types of traditional and modern onsen baths at Yunomori Onsen, and each one uses mineral-rich waters to help your body detox and relax, effectively readying it for a massage. The jet bath soothes aches and pains while stimulating blood circulation. Sink into the onsen hot bath which has a heated temperature of 40 – 43°C to relax your mind and muscles. The onsen bubble bath at this Kallang spa is inspired by Japan’s natural hot spring regions and contains carefully balanced minerals for a holistic bathing experience. Alternatively, there are Soda or Silk onsen baths – the former contains carbon dioxide-rich water to help reduce high blood pressure and improve circulation while the latter is filled with tiny bubbles and has a silky feel, which is great for relieving rheumatic or arthritic aches and pains. Want something to beat the heat? Try Yunomori Onsen’s Cold bath!
Yunomori Onsen Singapore, 1 Stadium Place, #02-17/18 Kallang Wave Mall, Singapore 397628, Tel: (+65) 6386 4126 / 6385 7985, www.yunomorionsen.com/singapore

Joya Onsen Cafe

Looking for a private onsen in Singapore? Joya Onsen Cafe has you covered with its private rooms for couples and groups of up to five people. Sessions typically last for an hour and a half and you’ll be provided with all the necessities – think bath towels, disposable wear, hair ties, a jinbei or yukata to wear after your onsen bath. This onsen in Singapore is also a cafe, and you’ll find delicious Japanese meals such as ramen, soba and a host of Japanese desserts and drinks. Infants and toddlers below the age of 3 can also enjoy the Japanese onsen facilities here for free – though we aren’t sure how relaxing that’ll make this onsen experience!
Joya Onsen Cafe, 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366, Tel: (+65) 8847 2081, www.joyaonsencafe.com

Elements Wellness

This onsen in Singapore sits with the Elements Wellness spa and offers you a time-honoured onsen ritual in a handcrafted Koyamaki wood tub. The bath uses energised ion water and Hinoki wood bath accessories for added authenticity. Hinoki wood is highly prized and is said to have therapeutic benefits. Koyamaki onsen baths are said to help improve circulation, relieve pains and revitalise your overall health. You can give your circulation an added boost by alternating between the hot onsen and a Crystal Cold Shower or detoxifying steam bath.
Elements Wellness, multiple locations, www.elements.com.sg/onsen

Ikeda Spa

Ikeda Spa was one of the first spas to house an authentic Hinoki onsen bath, and its interiors almost resemble a Japanese hot spring resort. Its onsen Hinoki wood – prized and preferred by Japanese royalty – releases a blend of mineral oils that helps you relax; you can experience this in either a private onsen bath just for yourself or as a couple. Your overall session must be at least an hour, so you’re encouraged to combine your onsen spa session with other massages or treatments. There are five onsen spa options to choose from, each with its own health benefits and aromatherapy oil choices.
Ikeda Spa, 787 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269762, Tel: +65 6469 8080, www.ikedaspa.com/treatments/onsen

Heiwa Wellness & Spa

Sink into Heiwa’s mineral-rich onsen spa for a great pick-me-up. This mineral-rich onsen spa in Singapore uses a full spectrum infra sauna and optimum humidity and temperature to really open up your pores so you can detox your skin and body. There’s also a restaurant on-site, and you can treat yourself afterwards to an array of Japanese delicacies and omakase meals.
Heiwa Wellness & Spa, 1 Maritime Square #03-44/45/46, Harbourfront Centre Singapore, Singapore 099253, Tel: (+65) 8907 5412, www.heiwa.com.sg

AKARUI Baby Infant Onsen

Onsen in Singapore for babies? We’re here for it! The AKARUI Early Years Learning Centre includes an onsen bath treatment for infants using a spring water source from Gensen Kakenagashi from Nasu Shiobara, Japan. Each onsen is conducted by a trained teacher, and only one infant at a time is allowed into the onsen bath. Water levels are regulated, and there’s added support to ensure your child’s safety. Additionally, all the minerals in the onsen are also certified safe by the Nasu Environmental Technology Center in Japan.
Akarui Baby Infant Onsen, multiple locations, www.akaruibaby.com/infant-onsen

In need of relaxation? Here are some fam-friendly ideas to get you started!