Yunohana Chaya Shinzaemon no Yu

I previously visited this onsen and reserved a private room (“koshitsu”), and the experience was very pleasant. The female staff member at that time was kind and professional, which left me with a positive impression and led me to return. Unfortunately, this visit was deeply upsetting due to the behavior of an older male staff member. When I was asked whether I have a tattoo and answered yes, his expression immediately changed in a visibly negative way. I was abruptly told that I could not enter and would only be refunded. My tattoo is very small, colorful, and cute in design — not large, aggressive, or visible in a way that would disturb others. I understand that many public bathhouses in Japan restrict tattoos for cultural reasons, and I respect those policies. However, I had specifically reserved a private room, which is not shared with any other guests. When I calmly and politely asked whether the rule also applied to private rooms, he showed no willingness to listen. Instead, he repeatedly refused in a dismissive and hostile manner, making it clear that he did not care to engage in any explanation or discussion. The issue here is not simply about policy. It was the clear shift in attitude and the way I was treated after disclosing that I have a tattoo. The interaction felt discriminatory and unnecessarily degrading. After processing the refund, his attitude became even colder, and he did not even offer a basic farewell when I left. Regardless of personal views on tattoos, no guest should be treated with disrespect. This experience severely damaged the trust and positive impression I previously had of this establishment.

The facility is good, with very strong and acidic onsen water. They offer shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, no lotion, moisturiser and makeup remover. Please bring in 100 yen coin for the locker, and you may need more than locker if you bring in bag and with winter clothing. I went there around 3 pm, it was very crowded. Changing room is very crowded, definitely not a relaxing but we all need to defrost after long day in the freezing cool weather. Furthermore, this is onsen is within 5 min walking distance from Zao Ropeway. Comparing to local onsen of 200 yen, I think this facilities is not cheap. Is this a good place? Yes, but I will explore other onsen next time.

Good hot temperature of the outdoor pools however despite it being the most posh and expensive Onsen in town, it charges you 100 Yen for every 6 minutes of using the Hair Dryer! Never seen something like this in entire Japan and I went to more than 100 hot springs! If I remember well they also don't provide face milk and moisturizer. It closes after 6 pm what is early, other spas in town are open until 9 pm. good location in front of Gondola for the Snow Monsters attraction but given the fact you better bring your own towels to avoid paying for theirs you'd still need to go back to your hotel once. In that sense there are many other public hot sprigs in Zao town!

Had heard a lot about this place, and the outdoor onsen is exactly like the pictures and description- the only downside is that it’s so crowded! I don’t know about you, but I like to have a relaxing and peaceful onsen experience but unfortunately couldn’t here. If you don’t mind that then you should definitely visit; or try to visit at non-peak times. 800 yen yen ticket for the day trip which you can purchase from a vending machine near the entrance. Also has a souvenir shop and restaurant.

A place for a day visit only. There are three types of open air baths. One was too hot so I couldn’t soak my feet. The other one is diluted with tap water to weaken acidity. The third one is a small bathtub for individual bathing, there are three small bathtubs. The water is milky white acid hot spring with hydrogen sulfide smell. The facilities are spacious and clean. Parking lot is often fully occupied. Visiting here for a weekday was very nice.