Private Onsen in Japan: Costs, Booking Tips & Best Stays

Thinking about visiting a Japanese onsen but not sure about bathing in front of strangers? You’re not the only one. That’s why booking a private onsen in Japan is such a great option. You still get the full hot spring experience, but in your own space

In this guide, I’ll share what to expect from private onsens, how much they usually cost, and the easiest ways to book one.

What Is a Private Onsen in Japan?

A private onsen (kashikiri onsen) is just what it sounds like: your own hot spring bath. 

Instead of stepping into a big pool with strangers, you get the whole space to yourself, or to share with your partner, family, or friends. You might also hear the word kazoku buro, which translates as “family bath.”

There are two main styles. Some ryokans have guest rooms with their own open-air baths, while others offer private baths you can rent by the hour. Either way, you’re still enjoying natural hot spring water, just in a more personal setting.

Why Choose a Private Onsen?

So why pay more when public onsens are everywhere? For me, it comes down to three things: privacy, flexibility, and atmosphere.

• Privacy: You don’t have to feel self-conscious about bathing nude, which makes it easier if it’s your first time.
• Tattoos: Many public baths still ban tattoos, but private onsen are usually tattoo-friendly. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy the water. Read my onsen with tattoos post for more info.
• Atmosphere: A lot of private tubs come with mountain views, garden scenery, or even sea views. Imagine soaking in mineral-rich water while autumn leaves drift around you, that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids, or even solo, a private onsen makes the experience feel more special.

How Much Does a Private Onsen Cost?

Prices vary depending on the type you book:

• Ryokan with in-room private onsen: Expect around ¥25,000 per person per night and up, usually including dinner and breakfast. Luxury spots in Hakone, Beppu, or Yufuin can go much higher.
• Hourly rental (kashikiri): Around ¥2,000–¥5,000 for 45–60 minutes. A budget-friendly way to try a private soak without booking a ryokan stay.

If you’re visiting in peak seasons like autumn or cherry blossom time, prices rise and spots book out fast. I always say: reserve early so you don’t miss out.

Private Onsen Day Use vs Overnight Stay

I think the biggest difference between day-use private onsen and an overnight ryokan stay is the pace.

Day-use rentals are great for a quick soak. You book by the hour, slip into the bath, and enjoy a private moment before moving on with your trip. It’s affordable and easy to fit into a busy travel schedule.

Overnight stays are a completely different experience. When your room has its own onsen, you can bathe in the morning, again after dinner, or even late at night under the stars. It’s slow, indulgent, and feels like the bath is part of the whole trip.

So if you just want a taste, day use is enough. But if you want the full ryokan experience, multi-course kaiseki meals, yukata robes, and unlimited soaking, then overnight is the way to go.

Best Private Onsen Ryokans & Hotels in Japan

These are some of the best ryokans and hotels where you can enjoy your own private onsen.

Hakone

Hakone is probably the easiest spot near Tokyo if you want a private onsen stay.

• Hakone Kowakien Tenyu: Many rooms here have open-air tubs with gorgeous mountain views. It feels like your own little retreat.
• Gora Kadan: It used to be an imperial villa, and now it’s one of Hakone’s most famous luxury ryokans. Some suites have private open-air tubs that make the price tag feel worth it. More details are in my full Hakone ryokan list.

Tokyo

You probably don’t think “onsen” when you think of Tokyo, but there are a few spots.

• Prostyle Ryokan Tokyo Asakusa: Some rooms even have private baths, so you can get the onsen vibe without leaving the city. I’ve rounded up more Tokyo ryokans here.
• Centurion Hotel Ueno: It surprised me, but a few of their rooms actually have private open-air tubs. 

Kansai (Kyoto & Hyōgo)

If you’re already planning Kyoto or Kobe, Kansai has some incredible choices.

• Nishimuraya Honkan in Kinosaki Onsen: Staying here means you can soak in your own private bath and still hop between Kinosaki’s seven public bathhouses in the evening. I’ve shared more ideas in my Kinosaki Onsen ryokan guide.
• Nazuna Kyoto Gosho: A stylish hideaway near the Imperial Palace, where each room has a theme inspired by Japanese sweets. You can see more options like this in my Kyoto ryokan guide.
• Arima Onsen Nakanobo Zuien: Arima is Japan’s oldest onsen town, and this ryokan blends modern luxury with tradition. Rooms with open-air private baths feel extra special. You can find more options in my Arima Onsen ryokan guide.

Kyushu

Head further south and you’ll find private onsen everywhere, but two places really stand out.

• Ryokan Sanga in Kurokawa Onsen: Surrounded by forest, this ryokan has a rustic vibe with in-room baths and family baths you can reserve. It’s a favorite in my Kurokawa ryokan guide.
• Yufuin Gettouan: Private villas here come with onsen baths that look out at Mt. Yufu. It’s romantic, quiet, and a little slice of Yufuin charm. I’ve shared more in my Yufuin ryokan guide.

How to Book a Private Onsen in Japan

Booking isn’t as stressful as it sounds. 

For ryokan stays, I usually go through Booking.com or Agoda since you can filter for “private bath.” Some high-end ryokans only accept direct bookings, so check their websites too.

For day-use rentals, you can often just show up and ask at the front desk, but in busy towns like Hakone, it’s smarter to reserve in advance.

And don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese. Many ryokans now have English booking pages, and when they don’t, sending a short email in English usually works.

My tip? Decide early. The most scenic private onsens, especially those with mountain or riverside views, sell out first.

What to Check for Private Onsen Before Booking

When you’re eyeing a private onsen, there are a few things I always double-check so I don’t get surprised later:

• ​​Type of bath: Is it attached to your room, or is it a shared bath you reserve by the hour? Both are great, but they’re very different experiences.
• Indoor or open-air: If you’re hoping for garden views, mountain backdrops, or snow in winter, look for rotenburo (outdoor onsen).
• Real hot spring water: Some hotels advertise “private baths” that aren’t true onsen. Check if the water comes from a natural hot spring source.
• Tattoos and rules: If you have tattoos, confirm the place is tattoo-friendly.
• Amenities: Towels, yukata robes, and toiletries are sometimes included, sometimes not. I always scan the fine print so I don’t get surprised later.

Private Onsen Etiquette & Rules to Know

Onsen etiquette still matters, even when you’ve got the bath to yourself.

• Wash first: Always shower and rinse thoroughly before you get into the bath. This keeps the water clean for you and the next guests.
• Keep towels out of the water: The little towel is handy for modesty, but it should never touch the bath itself. Rest it on the side or fold it on your head.
• Tie up long hair: If your hair is long, bring a tie. You’ll notice locals always keep it out of the water.
• Respect time slots: If you booked a one-hour bath, leave on time so staff can clean and the next guests can use it.
• Keep it quiet: Even in a private bath, most ryokans expect the space to be calm and peaceful.

Before You Go

Trying a private onsen is such a relaxing part of traveling in Japan, but it’s even better when you know the basics. 

If it’s your first time, my guide on how to use a Japanese onsen will walk you through the steps. You might also want to check out what to expect at a Japanese onsen for a full overview of hot spring culture.

Curious about the different styles of hot springs? I’ve also written about the types of onsen baths in Japan, from open-air tubs with mountain views to unique spots like sand baths.