Private day-use onsen around Osaka and Kyoto. You ask in English, we book in Japanese.

A private onsen can make things a little easier

You’d like some privacy

You’d rather not bathe with strangers. In a private onsen, the bath is yours for the session.

You’re travelling alone

A quiet bath, at your own pace, with no one else around.

You’re with someone

Share the bath with the person you’re travelling with, in your own space.

You have tattoos

Many public onsen don’t allow tattoos. We check each facility’s current policy before you book.

Why book with MELLOW JAPAN?

Questions people ask us

Do I need to speak Japanese?

No. You write to us in English, and we contact the onsen in Japanese. On the day, we’ll send you what you need to know, including a few useful phrases if you’d like them.

Can I bathe naked?

Usually, yes, if you’re alone or with someone of the same sex. For mixed couples, it depends on the area. Some places ask you to wear swimwear or a light robe. We’ll tell you what applies before you book.

Can couples bathe together?

Yes, in a private onsen you share the bath with the person you’re travelling with. Whether you can bathe naked together depends on the facility and the area. Tell us you’re a couple, and we’ll find a place that works.

What if I have tattoos?

Many public onsen in Japan don’t allow tattoos, but private onsen are often more relaxed. Policies differ from place to place, so we check the current rules with each facility before you book. Just let us know in your enquiry.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary by facility. We’ll confirm the total price with you before your booking is confirmed, so there are no surprises. Our booking fee is 10% of the onsen price, with a minimum of ¥1,000 per booking

How far in advance should I book?

It depends on the facility. Some can take bookings a few days ahead, others need more notice. Send us your dates as early as you can, and we’ll tell you what’s possible.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Before you confirm, you can change your mind at any time. Once you confirm, our booking fee is non-refundable. The onsen’s own cancellation policy applies to the rest, and it differs from place to place. We’ll show you the exact conditions before you confirm, so you’ll know where you stand.

If the onsen has to cancel for its own reasons, we’ll offer you another date or a full refund.

If you don’t show up on the day, or arrive too late to use your session, the onsen’s full fee still applies and is payable to them directly. If your plans change, tell us as early as you can and we’ll do what we can with the facility.

How do I get there?

You make your own way to the onsen. We’ll send you clear directions, including the nearest station and how to get there from Osaka or Kyoto. We don’t provide transport or a guide.

What should I bring?

It depends on the facility. Some provide towels and amenities, some don’t. We’ll tell you exactly what to bring when we confirm your booking.

Can I bring children?

Some facilities welcome children, others don’t. Let us know the ages in your enquiry, and we’ll check with the onsen for you.

What if the facility changes its rules?

Rules can change, and facilities sometimes close without much notice. We check the current rules again before confirming your booking, and if anything changes after that, we’ll let you know straight away.

How do I pay?

Our booking fee is paid by card, in Japanese yen, through Stripe. We only charge it when you tell us to go ahead — never before. The onsen itself (and lunch, if it’s part of the plan) is paid directly to the facility on the day, usually in cash or by card.

How quickly will you reply?

Usually within two days, often sooner. We’re a two-person team in Osaka, so if you’re writing from Australia we’re only an hour or two apart. If you haven’t heard from us after two days, check your spam folder, then reply to our confirmation email — we don’t want to miss you.