Tsurutsuru Onsen

I've been to Tsurutsuru Onsen many times. It's one of my favourite onsen. It's a great place to stop after a hike (usually Mitake-Hinode) and relax. There are brushes and a bucket to wash your shoes around the right side. They allow tattoos. Upon entering, you pay (960円) and trade your shoe key for a barcode bracelet that you will use to order at the restaurant. The baths are open 10:00-20:00 last entry 19:00, and the restaurant is open 11:00-20:00 last order 19:00. There are large indoor baths, a sauna and cold bath, and two outdoor baths that switch between men and women every other day. On even-number days women get the rocky bath and men get the cedar baths. I prefer the rocky bath becauss there are sometimes frogs on the walls in summer. There are lockers (no coin necessary) in the changeroom but for very big hiking bags you can use the shelves in the lobby. They have great quality shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The water is very slippery so the floors are, too, watch your step! The restaurant menu changes seasonally, but I often get the nanban chicken set. I also recommend the local craft beer. There is free service water and tea. In addition to the restaurant they also have massage chairs (the lying down one was actually very nice), a shop with nice souvenirs and produce, and spa services. The bus back to Musashi Itsukaichi only comes about once an hour. It comes right up to the onsen so it's very convenient.

Visited in November 2020 Took a soak in the onsen after a hike with a few friends around Hinodeyama. Thankfully we brought our own personal care and towel so we didn't need to shell out some money to buy one there. The place can become pretty crowded during hiking season, which was the case during the visit. It has several bath to choose from, I think the salinity and mineral content were also different from one bath to another (not an onsen aficionado lol). Some bath are open air, although if I'm not mistaken the outside view was limited. The onsen is connected to Itsukaichi station by a unique bus that looks like train. However, we came to the location by car and didn't have opportunity to use it.

I came here for a couple of hours in the baths. The onsen center is detached but there's a shuttle bus decorated as acsteam engine train from Musashi-Itsukaichi station. The building looks nice; in the lobby, you can see old grandfather clock. There's a restaurant, too. The notice warns that due to the water qualities, the floors may be very slippery, and indeed, they are. The indoor stone bath floors are especially risky, so watch out. In the rotemburo, fresh air of the woods enhances the pleasure. Also, all the time you hear cicadas – I suspected that the sound was s record. And I saw a couple of persons with tattoos inside; rather unusual.

After a long hike we were looking forward to bathing in the Onsen. It’s a little on the pricy side being 860 per person for 3 hours, and they charge you 220 for every extra hour you stay, you also have to pay extra for towels. The food was good and reasonably priced. The baths were nice as well and they provide you with shampoo and bodywash, no conditioner. The part I disliked the most was how expensive the bus was, 410 per person. This price is not written on their website and the station is too far to walk to, so your forced to take the expensive bus. Not worth going back.

Tsurutsuru Onsen is a wonderful spot for a relaxing getaway. The facility is very clean and well-maintained, making it feel welcoming and comfortable from the moment you arrive. It’s also great for families—kid-friendly and safe, with a calm atmosphere that adults will appreciate too. The peaceful surroundings add to the experience, offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. Highly recommended for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a traditional Japanese onsen in a serene setting. There are no towel rentals, so either bring your own or buy it there.