Family Onsen in Japan: How to Visit Hot Springs with Kids

Planning a Japan trip with kids and want to try an onsen? You might be wondering “how does that work with little ones”? The good news is, it’s totally possible to enjoy Japan’s onsen culture as a family.

From private baths you can book by the hour to family-friendly hot spring towns, there are so many ways to make it relaxing for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before your first soak together, from how to book and what to pack, to the best tips for visiting onsens with kids.

What is a family onsen?

If you’re traveling Japan with your family, you’ll probably come across something called a family onsen. It’s basically a private hot spring bath that you can rent for yourself. Perfect if you’d rather soak without strangers around.

There are two main types:

• Kazoku buro (family bath): Designed for families, these come with your own changing room and bath, sometimes even outdoors with a view.
• Kashikiri buro (private bath): Regular onsen baths that can be reserved for about 45–60 minutes of pure relaxation.

You’ll find family onsens all over Japan, but the most popular spots are Hakone, Beppu, and Kinosaki Onsen. Kinosaki even has public bathhouses where you can rent a private room for around ¥3,000 an hour.

It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy an onsen in Japan without worrying about gender separation or rules. And honestly, it feels like such a treat.

Why you should try a family onsen in Japan

There are so many reasons to give family onsens a go, whether you’re traveling with kids or not.

Here’s why I always recommend them:

• Total privacy: You don’t have to worry about anyone else around you. Just enjoy the water and the view.
• Perfect for families: Parents and kids can bathe together, which isn’t allowed in regular onsens after a certain age.
• No stress: You don’t need to memorize all the onsen etiquette right away. You can just enjoy the experience.
• Romantic and scenic: Many private onsens come with open-air tubs surrounded by nature.

Are children allowed in Japanese onsen?

Yes, kids are generally welcome in Japanese onsens, but the rules change a little depending on where you go.

In general:

• Under 6 years old: Kids can join their parents in the bath, even if it’s the opposite gender.
• 6 years and older: Most onsens ask that children use the men’s or women’s bath separately.
• In Tokyo: That’s the official rule, but smaller towns and countryside onsens are usually more relaxed.

If you just want things simple, a family onsen is your best bet. You get your own private bath, no age limits, and plenty of space to relax together.

Some ryokans even offer thoughtful extras like:

• Step stools and baby chairs
• Small tubs with cooler water
• Towels, toys, or family changing rooms

If you’re ever unsure, you can always ask the staff. A quick “Kodomo daijōbu desu ka?” (Are children okay here?) does the trick.

How to book a family onsen in Japan

Booking a family onsen in Japan isn’t complicated once you know where to look. You can either book a ryokan stay with a private bath or visit a standalone day-use onsen for a short soak. 

I’ve tried both, and honestly, they each have their perks. It just depends on your travel style and budget.

Option 1: Book a ryokan with a private onsen

If you want the full experience, kaiseki dinner, yukata robes, and a relaxing soak before bed, booking a ryokan with a private onsen is the easiest choice.

When you book a room that says “private bath” or “open-air bath,” that usually means you’ll have your own onsen right in your room.

You can search on:

• Booking.com and Agoda: Use filters for “private bath” or “hot spring bath.”
• Rakuten Travel: Popular with Japanese users but has English support too.

If you’re browsing listings, look for descriptions that say things like: “Open-air bath with view” or “Ensuite onsen bath”

Some ryokans, like Hakone Kowakien Tenyu or Ryokan Sanga in Kurokawa Onsen, also offer private family baths for guests to rent by the hour. When you check in, just ask staff if you can reserve a slot, it’s usually first-come, first-served.

Option 2: Visit a day-use or public family onsen

You don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy a soak. Many onsen towns have day-use facilities (higaeri onsen) where you can rent a private family bath for 45–60 minutes.

They’re perfect for families traveling through or anyone who just wants a quick dip without the ryokan price tag.

Here’s how it usually goes:

• Walk in and ask: “Kazoku buro arimasu ka?” (Do you have a family bath?)
• Staff will tell you if one’s free or give you a time slot.
• Pay upfront (usually ¥2,000–¥5,000) and get your key.
• You’ll have the space to yourself until your time’s up.

Some popular day-use family onsen spots are:

• Hyotan Onsen (Beppu): 14 private family baths, some indoor, some open-air. You can walk in or book through their English site.
• Yunessun Spa Resort (Hakone): A swimsuit-friendly onsen park with themed baths like coffee, wine, and green tea. Great for kids.
• Gozanoyu (Kusatsu Onsen): Offers traditional-style private baths right in the town center.

Option 3: Contact directly for smaller places

If you’re eyeing a small, family-run ryokan or local bathhouse, you might need to email or call directly. I usually just write a short, polite message in English. Something like:

“Hello, I’d like to book a private family onsen for [date/time]. Is it available?”

If you’re already in town, it’s just as easy to drop by in person. Many bathhouses let you reserve your slot the same day.

What to check before booking

Before confirming, here are a few things worth double-checking:

• Session length: Most private baths are 45–60 minutes.
• Extra fees: Some are included with your stay, others charge ¥2,000–¥5,000 per use.
• Indoor or outdoor: Rotenburo (open-air baths) are amazing but can get chilly in the evening.
• Facilities: Check if towels, soap, and shampoo are provided, especially for day-use baths.

Tips for booking onsen

• Book early: family baths are limited and sell out fast on weekends.
• Be flexible:mornings or late evenings are often quieter.
• Bring cash: smaller places rarely take cards.

Family onsen etiquette: what to know before you go

If it’s your first time visiting a family onsen in Japan, don’t worry. Once you know the basics, it’s actually really simple. Here’s what I always keep in mind so things go smoothly:

• Rinse off first: Always wash your body before stepping into the bath. Use the stool and shower area beside the tub, soap up, and rinse thoroughly. It keeps the onsen water clean for everyone.
• Skip the swimsuits: Onsens are always enjoyed nude, even in private family baths. It might feel awkward at first, but it’s completely normal here. You can bring a small towel for modesty. Just keep it out of the water.
• Tie up long hair: If you or your kids have long hair, tie it up before soaking. This helps keep the water hygienic.
• Keep it calm: Onsens are quiet, relaxing spaces. You don’t need to whisper, but avoid shouting or splashing. It’s part of what makes the experience so peaceful.
• Dry off before heading out: Use your towel to pat dry before stepping into the changing area. It helps keep the floor clean and safe.
• Check tattoo rules: Most family onsens are tattoo-friendly, but it’s still worth checking the signs or asking staff before you go.

If you want a more detailed guide, you can check my onsen etiquette guide. It covers everything step-by-step so you’ll feel confident before your first soak.

Tips for visiting onsens with kids

Taking kids to an onsen might sound tricky, but once you try it, you’ll see it’s surprisingly easy. Here are a few practical tips that’ll make your family onsen visit go a lot smoother:

• Keep it short: The water is hot, usually around 40–42°C, so young kids only need a few minutes in the bath. You can always hop in and out to cool down.
• Talk about it beforehand: Let your kids know everyone bathes naked in Japan. It helps them understand what to expect so they don’t feel shy or confused.
• Bring water and small towels: Onsen water can make kids feel thirsty quickly. I always bring a small drink and towel so I don’t have to rush out mid-soak.
• Watch your step: Floors can get wet and slippery. Remind kids to walk slowly, especially near the edge of the tub.
• Plan bath time early: Late afternoons are often quieter, especially before dinner time. It’s a nice way to wind down the day before heading back to your ryokan.

What to pack for a family onsen trip in Japan (with kids)

Most ryokans and bathhouses provide the basics, towels, soap, shampoo, but there are a few things I always bring to make the experience smoother, especially with kids.

Essentials to bring

• Small towels: You’ll get one at most places, but I like to bring an extra. It’s handy for drying off quickly or wrapping around your child when you step out of the bath.
• Water bottles: Onsen water is hot, and kids can get dehydrated faster than you think. Having water nearby saves you from cutting bath time short.
• Hair ties: Long hair + hot spring water = not fun. I always keep a few ties or clips in my bag so hair stays out of the bath.
• Change of clothes: A comfy outfit or pajamas for kids after the bath makes life easier. They’ll probably feel sleepy and relaxed right away.
• Plastic or waterproof bag: Perfect for storing damp towels or swimwear (if you’re visiting a swimsuit onsen like Yunessun).
• Snacks: Some kids get hungry after a soak, and not all onsens have cafés nearby. I usually pack a small treat like rice crackers or fruit.

Optional extras that make life easier

• Baby wipes: For quick clean-ups, especially if you’re visiting a day-use onsen with limited facilities.
• Flip-flops or easy slip-ons: Great for getting between changing areas and the bath.
• Light robe or yukata: Some ryokans provide them, but it’s nice to have your own for little ones. Plus, kids look adorable in them.
• Entertainment for downtime: If you’re staying overnight, bring a small book or toy for quiet time in the room after the bath.

Before you go

If you’re planning a family onsen trip in Japan, you’re already on the right track. It’s one of the most relaxing, fun, and surprisingly kid-friendly experiences you can have here.

After your soak, why not make it a full adventure? If your family loves food (and honestly, who doesn’t), check out my guide to onsen food. From hot spring eggs to steamed pudding, there’s so much more to taste than you’d expect.

Visiting in winter? You’ll love the cozy side of snow onsens in Japan. Imagine outdoor baths surrounded by snow, where even kids can splash around in warm water while watching the flakes fall.

If you’re still planning your trip, it’s worth reading my guide on the best time to visit Japan to help you decide when to go. And while you’re at it, peek at the best festivals in Japan. Many onsen towns have their own seasonal matsuri that are perfect for families.

And for something completely different after all that calm? Head to one of Tokyo’s cat cafés. They’re my favorite way to wind down with a cup of coffee and a few purring new friends.