8 of the Most Relaxing Onsen Spas in Singapore

Did you know that Singapore has onsen baths? If you’ve never heard of onsen baths, they’re Japanese spa facilities that are built around naturally-occurring hot springs. There are certain requirements that onsens need to fulfil before being recognised as onsens instead of regular hot springs. For example, onsens have to be over 25℃, and they have to have certain levels of minerals.

It’s truly a must-try experience when visiting Japan, but why wait to go to Japan when Singapore has onsens too? We’ve compiled a list of the best onsen spas in Singapore, so you can experience onsen spas without needing to take out your passport. Although the onsen spas in Singapore aren’t built around natural hot springs, they do adopt the heated mineral water element and it feels amazing.

But, before we dive into the best and most affordable onsen spas in Singapore, let’s first learn all about onsens!

What are onsens?

Like we said, traditional onsens or onsen spas are a kind of hot spring that need to be over 25, and they need to have minerals. There are different types of onsen that are classified according to the types of mineral found in the water, and they have different properties that provide different benefits for the body.

For example, sulphur onsens have a distinct smell and the water is a milky colour. Alkaline onsens are much clearer, and are typically for women as alkaline water is said to increase femininity (TBH, we’re not sure what that means either). There are also onsens that have crystal clear waters, vivid blue waters, and there’s even a type of onsen where you’re buried in sand.

Onsens are deep-rooted into thousand year old Japanese traditions, and it’s a great way to take a peek into in the Japanese culture. Other than the fact that onsen spas are just extremely relaxing, they’re actually really beneficial for you.

What are the benefits of onsen baths?

Pre-modern medicine, the Japanese relied on bathing in onsens and drinking the water to treat various illnesses. This practice was called “toji”. However, toji is a full experience, whereby toji guests would stay at an onsen inn for at least a few days, soaking in the healing waters several times a day. There was in fact, some truth to this method as the minerals found in onsen water have specific characteristics that can actually help with some health or skin issues.

For example, some onsen waters contain silica, which can soften dry or rough skin. Sulfur onsens are great for those who have eczema or psoriasis. In addition to that, sodium bicarbonate and calcium can improve blood circulation, and the hot spring water can relax tense muscles, relieve pain, and improve your sleep quality. Overall, the onsen spas just have the most tranquil and peaceful vibe, that you can’t help but feel relaxed and stress-free as soon as you step into the onsen spa.

Do you have to be nude at onsen spas?

Usually, yes. In traditional onsen spas, bathing suits or towels aren’t allowed at all, which is why you should be mindful of where your eyes go, and remember that everybody else is just as naked as you are, so be respectful. However, some Singaporean onsen spas do let you go in your swimming suit, so please remember to check first. And don’t worry, onsen these days are separated by gender, and there are even private onsen spas for couples.

What’s the onsen etiquette like?

The general rule of thumb at a shared onsen bath is to be respectful. This means no diving or splashing, do not bring your phone into the water, and keep the noise levels low. It is supposed to be a relaxing environment, after all. And if your hair is long, tie it up as to not let it touch the water to prevent contamination.

Before entering the bath

Before going into the bath however, remember to rinse yourself at the showers provided. Then, douse your body with the warm bath water slowly starting with your feet, and work your way up gradually. This is to avoid hot flushes and dizziness. Once you’ve completed this, step into the bath and allow your lower half to get used to the water until you’re comfortable, and then ease the rest of your body into the water. If at any time during the bath you feel uncomfortable, exit slowly but immediately and hydrate yourself.

After the bath

It’s recommended to not shower after the bath as to not wash off the medicinal properties, but if you should rinse yourself off if you have sensitive skin. You can change into the facilities’s yukata afterwards, and remember to hydrate yourself.

Ok! Now that we know what to do at onsen spas, let’s take a look at some of the best onsen spas in Singapore.

Best Onsen Spas in Singapore

1. HEIWA Wellness & Spa

Doesn’t the front desk already look so zen? HEIWA Wellness and Spa is a premium massage centre and spa located in Harbourfront Centre, which is only a three minute walk from the Harbourfront MRT Station. Not only do they offer massage services and reflexology, they also have a mineral-rich onsen, a steam bath, and a full spectrum infra sauna. At $38 for 45 minutes, you can enjoy a steaming hot bath and let your worries just flow out of you. What’s unique about HEIWA is that they also have an attached upscale Japanese restaurant, so you can enjoy gourmet omakase right after your dip in the onsen. They also have packages where the prices are inclusive of a bento and a massage. If that doesn’t sound like heaven, we don’t know what does.

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

2. Spa-1 Wellness Centre

Now this is a spa. Spa-1 Wellness has literally everything you could ever need in a spa. Apart from the amazing massages, they’ve got four (four!) kinds of saunas, a jade room that looks like a really fancy spaceship, an oxygen chamber, a cold plunge pool, a hot hydro pool, and of course, a hot bubble pool that doubles as an onsen. Apart from their ala carte treatments, they have a few different kinds of passes that allow you to enjoy 12 (again, 12!) different facilities as well as unlimited refreshments. This includes a couple or buddy pass to go with a partner for $108, a three-hour pass for $48, as well as a full day pass from 11AM to 10.30PM for only $68. That’s a crazy steal. Plus, it’s only three minutes away from the Payar Lebar MRT station at Exit D.

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

3. Yunomori Onsen & Spa

For the most authentic onsen experience, check out Yunomori Onsen & Spa. They have six different kinds of baths that cater to what you want, such as their silk bath that has micro-bubbles of hyrdrogen that will cleanse your pores and leave your skin soft and supple. They also have a mineral hot bath that’s heated to about 40℃ to 42℃, and it will definitely work to rejuvenate and relax you. Yunomori was also the first in Singapore to have a soda bath that’s loaded with CO2, which uses new Japanese technology to help relax the body and tighten the skin, which will help with anti-ageing. They also have an attached cafe, so you’ll feel like you’re having a luxury vacation in Japan.

For more information or to make an appointment, click here.

4. Elements Wellness

Elements Wellness has perfected the art of relaxation. They have all kinds of massage therapies, facials, and even slimming programs, but we especially love their Koyamaki Onsen at their Centrepoint Branch. You’ll be able to experience the most luxurious energised ion onsen bath in a one of a kind handcrafted Koyamaki wood tub, complete with Hinoki wood bath accessories. The Koyamaki wood itself has a calm lime scent, and even healing properties when in contact with water, so you’ll experience a full calming escapade with all five senses. Their Koyamaki Onsen has some unique benefits that include anti-ageing, pain and stress relief, detoxification, in addition to circulation and metabolism boost. This is also one of the best onsens for couples, as they have a private room.

5. Ikeda Spa

Established in 2009 and hailed as the first Japanese spa on the island, take a short getaway out of the city centre and rejuvenate yourself at Ikeda Spa. Ikeda’s signature treatment is their onsen baths and is definitely one of the best onsen spas in Singapore. Their Hinoki Onsen uses Hinoki wood, which is Japan’s most treasured Cypress wood, once reserved only for royalty, and used to build shrines, palaces, and temples. This esteemed wood is known to release mineral oils with a calming scent and anti-bacterial properties that can soak your troubles away and even alleviate mild respiratory problems. At Ikeda, there’s even private onsen baths for couples, so you can experience this luxurious zen bath with your partner. At only $130 for the couple packages, it’s one of the most affordable couple onsen baths in Singapore.

6. Joya Onsen Cafe

Melt your stress away at Joya Onsen Cafe, which is located on Upper Jurong Road. Aside from offering an onsen bath, they also provide ice bath, dry sauna, tea onsen, Tatami cafe and Yukata and Jinbei rentals. The best part is that they often provide promotions for public onsen baths, which include a full-day pass that is priced at $41.80 for adults.  

7. g.spa Singapore

g.spa Singapore is open 24 hours a day, making it the perfect place whenever you need a pampering session. Their list of extensive treatments includes full-body treatments and spa facilities. The place is equipped with a sauna room, a steam room, and hot and cold pools. These pools, which feature bubbling water and water jets, will surely rejuvenate your body and mind. 

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

8. Shiruki Studio

Shiruki Studio is known for offering ultrasonic hydrotherapy, which utilises innovative technology to generate ultrasonic energy, negative ions, and far infrared (FIR) energy. This treatment does not only promote deep cleansing; instead, it boosts blood circulation, promotes body contouring, internal warming, and full body massage.  

For more information or to make a booking, click here.

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